Certified Nursing Assistant Explore Pediatrics Program (2026 Cohort)

Provides care to patients under the direction of a Registered Nurse. Applies the knowledge and skill necessary to provide appropriate interactions with staff, patients, and families of all ages.

Seattle Children's Hospital is excited to announce an interview day/hiring event specifically for EXPLORE Pediatrics - Student Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Experience.  The Interview Day will take place on April 8, 2026 between 10:00 AM -1:00 PM

In order to be considered for this role, you need to be available to interview on the date listed above, and if you are offered a CNA position you would need to be available to begin employment by October 26, 2026, and work through April 26, 2026. If you are not available to interview on the required Interview Day or begin working at the timeframe listed above, then we encourage you to apply at a later time. 

Overview:
The Explore Pediatrics program is open to undergraduate students who are pursuing nursing as a career. Students from all backgrounds who are interested in gaining exposure to pediatric nursing careers are encouraged to apply. This program supports Seattle Children’s organizational commitment to building a future workforce that reflects the patients and families we serve. 

Students accepted into the role will receive funding to complete CNA training and certification over the summer and a 6-month offer of employment (contingent on successful program and state exam completion) to work as a CNA in one of our inpatient acute care units in the fall. The possibility of extending employment may be discussed with unit managers on a case-by-case basis. 

We have partnered with Highline College to enroll students into their in-person Summer Session 1 CNA training program, which will run from June 22, 2026 – July 24, 2026. Seattle Children’s will cover the cost of tuition, books, and supplies, only. Students will be expected to travel to Highline’s main campus and Judson Park locations in South Seattle. Students will need to complete all required application steps to enroll; please visit Highline’s program website here to review training information. Highline's program applications must be submitted by Monday, May 25, 2026, to qualify for this employment opportunity. 

Students are expected to complete their 6-month employment at Seattle Children’s as a condition of receiving funding support for CNA training and certification under this program. Subsequent withdrawal or declination of employment may require repayment for costs paid by Seattle Children’s. 

Students will be placed into one of Seattle Children’s inpatient acute care units:

• Medical
• Acute Care Float Pool
• Surgical 
• Pediatric Intensive Care
• Outpatient Cancer and Blood Disorders Center & Immunology

Mandatory CNA Orientation and Shift Schedules:

Students will receive 20 hours of combined virtual and in-person mandatory onboarding between October 26-28, 2026. This will be followed by 72 hours of 8 or 12-hour shifts at the hospital with preceptors – these shifts will likely occur between October 29, 2026, and November 15, 2026. Specific orientation schedules will be determined in collaboration with the hiring unit leaders.

Orientation will be offered at an accelerated schedule of 0.6-0.9 FTE (24-36 hours per week) on day shift and night shift to help students obtain necessary skills and experience in a 2-3 week period. Students are expected to attend and be available for this required orientation schedule.

Upon completion of required onboarding and orientation, students will transition to 0.3 FTE or 0.4 FTE which equates to 12-16 hours per week, or 24-32 hours per two-week pay period, with pay periods running from Monday through Sunday.

Students can meet their FTE by working 8hr or 12hr shifts. Start times are 0700 for day shift, 1500 for evening shift, or 1900 for night shift. Students may cluster shifts together or space them out, depending on class schedule. We will do our best to accommodate student academic schedules. FTE, shift duration, and scheduling decisions are ultimately determined by the hiring unit leaders.

To Apply: 
Applications will open on March 4, 2026, and close on March 27, 2026. Only applications submitted during this period will be reviewed.

To be considered, you should apply online to this job, answer the assessment questions, and be sure to include the followi