Hello Everybody!! Questions for New and Experienced CNA's

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hello everybody I'm new to this site and I love it, its very helpful:). It have a few questions......

Question #1: Ok I have been Certified as a Nurses Aide for a year now, I passed my test back in April of 2009 and I still haven't found a job after filling out tons of applications!! Before I started the classes I was told that CNA's were greatly needed and there was always job openings but for some reason I can't get hired :mad: :crying2: Anyway my question is how long did it take most of you CNA's to find your first job??

Question #2: Should beggars be choosers? What I mean by that is should I be picky about which LTC's I want to work at? In the area I live in most of the LTC's are kinda run down and have rude staff so I usually apply to ltc's miles away where I live because they're better (or at least better looking)even though there are places down the street from where I live.

Your answers are very appreciated!!!! :tku:

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Ok. I was in your same situation. You may start working with people with disabilities if you don't want the LTC. I did that for a while ,and then got hired by the state as a CNA. Now I LOVE my job.

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab.

It toke me less than a week after passing my state exam until I found a job with a healthcare agency. If I were you, I'd put in applications to the ltc's close to home and miles away. Even though I'd hate to work with nasty co-workers and conditions, I'd stick it out for a year to gain experience and move on to something greater. Maybe you might get lucky and get an interview with the ltc's close to home AND the ones further distance. Then you would have the option to choose. Good luck!

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Specializes in LTC.

It took me 3 days to get a job. And you may as well save the gas money and apply close to home because chances are those other nursing homes aren't any better.

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What state do you live in?

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Thanks everyone for responding!! Your advise is well appreciated. :loveya:

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What state do you live in?

Michigan

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I'm in Cali and passed my state certs 2 1/2 weeks ago and I am looking for a CNA job now.

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I'm in Cali and passed my state certs 2 1/2 weeks ago and I am looking for a CNA job now.

Congrats n Good luck!! :yeah:

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg.

I had a job about a month before I even took my state test. Most nursing homes are practically begging for CNAs, but you will have to put up with poor working conditions and low wages for a time. However, you will get the experience you need for a better job and you will probably be very good with ADLs by the time you find that job.

You will also have the satisfaction of saying to yourself "It's not as bad as the nursing home" when you have an off day... I haven't even started full time at the hospital and I'm already doing that...

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

It took me two months..felt like two years though! Have you considered applying at assisted living facilities & home health agencies? Sometimes LTC's are sorta shy about hiring newbies.

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Specializes in LTC.

I finished my class March 10th, started working April 5th, and was certified April 15th. I did have an advantage though. I work at the same LTC that the teacher of my CNA class works. Because I did really well in the class, I had a recommendation from her. I'd apply everywhere you can including the places near your home. Who knows, you may be able to help turn the places around with your great attitude and having a job is better than not having one, right?

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