CNA Hospital Jobs (2025 Guide) | Duties, Pay & How to Get Hired

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CNA hospital jobs are a popular next step for Certified Nursing Assistants who want faster pace, higher pay, and more exposure to different types of patients. Working in a hospital can open doors to future LPN, RN, tech, or even remote roles later in your career. This guide explains what hospital CNAs do, which units hire CNAs, typical pay, schedule types, and how to get hired.

🏥 What Is a Hospital CNA?

A hospital CNA (sometimes called a Patient Care Technician or Nursing Assistant) works on inpatient units under the supervision of RNs and LPNs. Instead of caring for the same long-term residents each day, hospital CNAs support patients who are admitted for surgery, illness, injury, or monitoring.

Hospital CNA duties often include:

• Helping patients with bathing, dressing, and toileting
• Taking and recording vital signs
• Assisting with mobility, transfers, and ambulation
• Answering call lights and responding to basic needs
• Stocking supplies and setting up rooms
• Helping nurses with simple procedures and patient transport

📋 Units That Commonly Hire CNAs

Hospital CNA jobs exist on many different units. Common areas include:

• Med-Surg (Medical-Surgical): General adult patients with a wide variety of conditions.
• Telemetry: Heart monitoring units where CNAs assist cardiac patients.
• Step-Down / Progressive Care: Higher-acuity patients who need more frequent checks.
• Orthopedics: Post-op joint replacements, fractures, and mobility-focused care.
• Rehabilitation: Patients recovering from strokes, injuries, or surgeries.
• Emergency Department support roles: In some hospitals, CNAs assist with basic care and transport.
• Float pool: CNAs who move between units based on staffing needs.

Titles may vary by hospital. Some roles are posted as “Patient Care Tech (PCT)” or “Nursing Assistant” but still require CNA certification.

💰 Hospital CNA Pay vs Other Settings

Pay varies by location, but hospital CNA jobs often pay more than long-term care or assisted living. Typical ranges include:

• Hospital CNAs: Around $18–$26 per hour in many markets
• Nursing homes / SNF: Often $16–$22 per hour
• Home health: Frequently paid by visit or lower hourly base

Hospitals may also offer:

• Shift differentials for nights and weekends
• Overtime opportunities
• Health benefits and retirement plans
• Tuition assistance for LPN or RN programs

⏰ Schedules for CNA Hospital Jobs

Hospital schedules can be very different from traditional day-shift roles. Common options include:

• 12-hour shifts: Three days per week (days or nights)
• 8-hour shifts: Day, evening, or night schedules
• Weekends only: Higher differentials in some hospitals
• Part-time or PRN: Flexible but less predictable hours

Many CNAs choose hospital jobs for the three 12-hour shifts per week schedule, which can leave four days off for family, school, or a second job.

📑 Requirements for CNA Hospital Jobs

Each hospital sets its own requirements, but you’ll commonly see:

• Active CNA certification in that state
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification from AHA or Red Cross
• 6–12+ months of prior CNA experience (sometimes in long-term care)
• Ability to lift, move, and assist patients safely
• Comfort with a fast-paced, team-based environment

Some hospitals prefer or require CNAs to have additional training as a Patient Care Tech, such as:

• EKG monitoring courses
• Phlebotomy or lab skills
• Additional in-house training for specialty units

🧭 How to Get Hired for a Hospital CNA Job

Here are practical steps to improve your chances of landing a hospital position:

• Start in long-term care: Many CNAs gain 6–12 months of experience in a nursing home or rehab facility first.
• Watch hospital job boards: Search for “CNA,” “PCT,” or “Nursing Assistant” under the careers section.
• Highlight relevant skills: Vital signs, mobility, dementia care, time management, teamwork, and communication.
• Apply to multiple units: Med-surg, rehab, and float pool often hire more CNAs than speciality areas at first.
• Connect with recruiters: Some hospital systems have dedicated recruiters for nursing support roles.

📄 Resume Help for Hospital CNA Jobs

Applying for CNA hospital jobs is competitive, especially in major cities. A clear, professional resume can help you stand out when HR or nurse managers are sorting through applications.

📈 Career Growth From Hospital CNA Roles

Working as a hospital CNA can set you up for long-term career growth. Common paths include:

• LPN or LVN: Many hospitals offer tuition assistance for PN programs.
• RN (ADN or BSN): Hospital experience looks strong on nursing school applications.
• Specialty tech roles: Dialysis tech, monitor tech, ER tech, and more.
• Remote and non-bedside roles: Later, some nurses move into case management, utilization review, and telehealth.

🔗 Helpful Links

• Renew Requirements — Home
• CNA Jobs Guide
• CNA Online Courses
• CNA Travel Agencies
• Nurse Work From Home Jobs

❓ CNA Hospital Jobs FAQ

Are CNA hospital jobs harder than nursing home jobs?

Hospital CNA jobs are often faster-paced with frequent admissions, discharges, and changes in patient condition. Nursing homes can be physically demanding with more total care patients. Each setting is challenging in different ways, and some CNAs prefer the variety of the hospital environment.

Can a new CNA get hired in a hospital?

Some hospitals hire brand-new CNAs, especially if they completed clinicals there or have strong references. Others prefer 6–12 months of experience in long-term care first. If you’re a new CNA, apply anyway—but also consider gaining experience in a nursing home or rehab facility.

Do hospital CNAs get paid more?

In many areas, yes. Hospital CNA jobs often pay higher hourly rates and may include shift differentials for nights and weekends, as well as benefits and tuition assistance that add to your total compensation.

What is the best hospital unit for a CNA?

“Best” depends on your personality and goals. Med-surg units offer broad experience, rehab units are great for mobility-focused care, and telemetry or progressive care units can be ideal if you like monitoring and higher-acuity patients. Float pool roles provide variety but may require more flexibility.

Can a hospital CNA become a nurse?

Yes. Many nurses started as CNAs in the hospital. CNA experience helps with nursing school applications and makes clinicals feel more familiar. Working in a hospital also exposes you to different roles, specialties, and career paths you might want to pursue as an LPN or RN.