How to start a caregiver career without experience
If you're asking yourself whether a caregiver career could be right for you, you've come to the right place. At SRG, we've got more than 35 years of experience providing care to seniors in our communities across the states. So we know a thing or two about building a career in care.
Did you know that number of caregiver jobs is on the rise? In the US alone, these roles are expected to increase by an impressive 25% from 2021 to 2031.
There's no denying that caregiving is an admiral job. And with more people in need of exceptional care, we want to show you the different paths you can take to step into one of these roles.
Here's how you can start your caregiver career without any previous experience.
How to become a caregiver
Look for roles that don't require any experience
It sounds like an obvious place to start, but a lot of people don't know that there are some roles out there that don't require any previous caregiving experience. Take SRG, for example. For most of our roles, we don't look for experience. Because that's secondary. Attitude is the most important thing when looking for people to care for our residents. We can offer you all the training and support you need to be an exceptional caregiver. What we can't teach is passion.
Gain experience through volunteering
The great thing about caregiving is that there are many routes to take to become qualified. Meaning that you can pick the one that you're most comfortable with. If you want to test out the waters and see if a caregiver career is for you, volunteering is a great place to begin. Although you won't be administering medical treatment, you will learn from medically trained professionals.
What experience will you gain?
- How to assist with daily living activities
- Offering medication reminders
- Providing companionship
Gain a certification
If you choose to go down the route of becoming fully qualified before you look for a role, there are a few steps to take. Although it will vary, many employers or care agencies require a GED certificate or high school diploma. If you want to take on more healthcare-related responsibilities, you'll need more advanced certifications. These include:
- The National Caregiver Certification Course (NCCC)
- A Home Health Aide (HHA) certification
- A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license
What will you learn?
- Basic lifesaving skills or BLS and CPR
- Supporting patient wellbeing by checking vitals and recording food intake
- Administering medications
- Risk management and fall prevention
- Enhancing the lives of seniors through healthcare supervision and support
- Creating and following a personal care plan for specific client needs
- Caring for patients who require different levels of support, from people who have no known health conditions to those who need memory care
As a caregiver, you never stop learning. There's always the opportunity to gain more certifications. And if you choose the right employer, they'll support you endlessly to always practice and learn more.
Extra tips
Keep a diary
In the early days of building your caregiver career, no one expects you to remember everything. Writing down your observations and thoughts means you'll get to spot patterns and see where you can improve, helping to build your confidence.
Another benefit of setting aside time to self-reflect is the boost it can give to your wellbeing. Writing down your unedited thoughts can help you tap into your feelings and understand them better.
Find a mentor you can talk to
A mentor can be anyone with experience working in your field or someone who can relate. Their role is to provide guidance, emotional support, and advice if you ask for it. They can coach you as you make the first steps on this new journey toward becoming a qualified caregiver. Their role isn't to tell you how to do your job better but to lend a pair of ears and help you develop professionally. Through regular check-ins, you can offer quick updates on how your role and skills are developing and any challenges you are facing.
Remember that every role will differ
When it comes to looking for jobs, there's no shortage of choices for caregivers, including non-medical home care, hospices, and adult daycare. Or you might consider becoming a caregiver for seniors. In this role, you'll assist residents with daily tasks and activities, while also providing companionship and emotional support. This is a great way to build strong relationships with patients while making a difference in their lives.
So it's simply a case of finding an environment that works for you.
Come and see what it means to provide exceptional care
Speaking of finding a role that's right for you, we've got a mix of caregiver jobs that might interest you. With communities across six US states, each with its own personality, we've got a lot of variety to offer.
And unlike many other employers, we offer opportunities, no matter what experience you have. It doesn't matter if you've got years of experience under your belt or you're just beginning your caregiver career, you can find a role with us.
Join our care team and work together to provide the best possible care for our residents.
Receive articles like this
Some roles you might be interested in
Salary
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Location
Phoenix
Type of Employment
Part-time
Community
La Siena
Function
Care
Description
Assist and/or administer medications as prescribed by physician to residents. Document all medication management related information. Notify LVN/LPN of any negative medication reactions. Assist and/or
Reference
06b2f9db-25ee-496f-afda-396e545d14ad
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Location
Phoenix
Type of Employment
Part-time
Community
La Siena
Function
Care
Description
Assist and/or administer medications as prescribed by physician to residents. Document all medication management related information. Notify LVN/LPN of any negative medication reactions. Assist and/or
Reference
98b361ff-23a8-4aab-a41d-287604f9a0f2
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Location
Phoenix
Type of Employment
Full-time
Community
La Siena
Function
Care
Description
Our Seniors need assistance with routine daily care. Providing care builds character and makes you feel good. A career at Senior Resource Group helps you express your compassion and desire to help sen
Reference
5820c679-7907-4ab9-bf27-cdf85c0c613e
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Location
Los Angeles
Type of Employment
Part-time
Community
Avocet Playa Vista
Function
Care
Description
Respond to resident needs promptly and kindly. We will train the right candidates that have the heart to serve othersAssist residents in their daily living activities (bathing, dressing, feeding, mobi
Reference
53e56aae-0119-42ee-af4a-4dcb56cdeb2b
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Green Valley, AZ
Location
Green Valley
Type of Employment
Full-time
Community
Silver Springs
Function
Care
Description
Our community setting is a relaxing change from a hectic hospital. Here at SRG you have a chance to get to know your patients; our residents count on the LPN to provide compassionate care. You will pr
Reference
160b8d4a-e5f8-45a0-9f13-d3d806f6b107
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Wilsonville, OR
Location
Wilsonville
Type of Employment
Full-time
Community
SpringRidge
Function
Care
Description
Our community setting is a relaxing change from a hectic hospital. Here at SRG you have a chance to get to know your patients; our residents count on the LPN to provide compassionate care. You will pr
Reference
1f49fde5-dffb-48b9-b717-b53086fee5e8
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Sacramento, CA
Location
Sacramento
Type of Employment
Full-time
Community
River's Edge
Function
Care
Description
Respond to resident needs promptly and kindly. We will train the right candidates that have the heart to serve othersAssist residents in their daily living activities (bathing, dressing, feeding, mobi
Reference
c830e6f7-b7fc-440b-88fa-3e6e1b788b78
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Green Valley, AZ
Location
Green Valley
Type of Employment
Full-time
Community
Silver Springs
Function
Care
Description
Our community setting is a relaxing change from a hectic hospital. Here at SRG you have a chance to get to know your patients; our residents count on the LPN to provide compassionate care. You will pr
Reference
264e29e2-99a3-45cb-8a63-8ec15b7d8a15
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
El Cajon, CA
Location
El Cajon
Type of Employment
Full-time
Community
La Vida Real
Function
Care
Description
Respond to resident needs promptly and kindly. We will train the right candidates that have the heart to serve others) Assist residents in their daily living activities (bathing, dressing, feeding, mo
Reference
73b763d2-0afd-47e2-b3c5-1a3308f575f5
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Daly City, CA
Location
Daly City
Type of Employment
Full-time
Community
Peninsula Del Rey
Function
Care
Description
Respond to resident needs promptly and kindly. We will train the right candidates that have the heart to serve othersAssist residents in their daily living activities (bathing, dressing, feeding, mobi
Reference
2a4740d8-1f42-4656-b418-ec278f1e8317
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Articles you might like
Teaser
BlogContent Type
BlogsPublish date
01/29/2024
Summary
From physical support to emotional connection, Caregivers offer so much to those that they serve. Recognizing the selfless work of caregivers is essential every day of the year, however, it comes into
Teaser
Career adviceContent Type
BlogsPublish date
12/18/2023
Summary
Unlocking New Horizons: Your Journey to a Fulfilling Career in Senior Living with SRG Are you a dedicated educator, considering a change that aligns with your passion for making a difference? If
Teaser
SustainabilityContent Type
BlogsPublish date
12/12/2023
Summary
Sustainability at the Heart: Nurturing a Greener Tomorrow at SRG At SRG, we believe in the profound impact that sustainable practices can have on our communities and the world at large. As stew
Teaser
Career adviceContent Type
BlogsPublish date
12/05/2023
Summary
Embrace Change in the New Year: Your Guide to a Fulfilling Career Transition As we usher in a new year, the promise of fresh beginnings and exciting opportunities beckons. If you find yourself c
Teaser
InsightsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
11/17/2023
Summary
As we gear up for the holiday season, there's a special magic in the air. If you’re searching for part-time opportunities over this period, we’ve got you covered. Let’s unwrap the top three ben
Teaser
Diversity & InclusionContent Type
Diversity & InclusionPublish date
11/02/2023
Summary
Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion: The Heartbeat of SRG Senior Living At SRG Senior Living, we don't just talk about diversity and representation – we live it. Our commitment to fostering an
Teaser
Industry trendsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
10/10/2023
Summary
Are you searching for a progressive industry to grow your career? The senior living and assisted living industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by technological innovations, changing he
Teaser
Career adviceContent Type
BlogsPublish date
09/21/2023
Summary
Here at SRG Senior Living, we have a huge number of great options for those looking for a challenging and rewarding career in senior living. Our roles are some of the best on the market, which means
Teaser
Caregiving and clinicalContent Type
BlogsPublish date
09/14/2023
Summary
Everyone who works in senior living communities plays an important role in creating a comfortable, fulfilling, and healthy lifestyle for its residents. One role where this meaningful impact can
Teaser
Career adviceContent Type
BlogsPublish date
09/07/2023
Summary
Senior living and care is an industry that is set to explode in size in the coming years, with some studies suggesting that 3 million job openings will be available in the space by 2040. With part-ti
Great Benefits You'll Love
We offer a variety of great perks and comprehensive benefits to meet your unique work life. Click to find our summary of benefits and all the information you need for wellness, finances, and work-life balance.
SRG BenefitsSome roles you might be interested in