how did you guys find your CNA jobs?

[crunchymama91]

Hi guys i was wondering how you all found your jobs, and where did you apply?

also how long after taking your state CNA test and pass, did you get hired permanently full time?

Would love to know your personal experiences with how your job outlook was, and any additional tips and information you may have for us freshly graduated CNA's, or aspiring CNA's

thanks :)

[slilly]

I got my first CNA I job a few years ago at a local assisted living and it was only supposed to be part time on the 2nd shift, but then it ended up that a girl on 1st shift left for another job and it was full time and so I got offered that. When I applied I had only the experience from high school clinicals and that is how I got my CNA. I had a really strong reference from my teacher, so that really helped out. Then later on when I had to go back to school I couldn't work, but gave a 2 week notice. The next summer I worked at another assisted living and it was a really bad experience because all they ever needed me for was PRN on weekends for the 2nd shift, and some of the med-techs thought they were nurses and almost got me in trouble over something they were responsible for too. I quit that job. I did go back to school though to get my CNA II and now I have a really great job at a Hospice facility. Plus as a CNA II I like the fact that it opens up more skills opportunities like putting in a Foley or impaction removal. Granted my first time putting in a Foley was not the easiest because I had a patient who would not be still and screamed that she was really scared but then once it was in, she was all fine and didn't even realize what I had done. I would say the best option if your state offers a CNA II program then go for more education because that does open up more doors than nursing homes or assisted living. I know in my local hospitals there are a lot of CNA II workers.

[TurtleCat]

The first CNA job I had, working at a nursing home, I got by applying to the same place I did my clinicals at.

My second and the one I'm currently working at, a group home, I found just by doing a Google search for such places around here. I saw one nearby and applied and got the job.

[superwholock]

I was raising money to pay for my school, and a director of nursing for a home health agency heard about it from a friend, and made me an offer once I was done with school. They hired me on as soon as I interviewed. I think so many new CNAs are the same as far training and experience goes, that it comes down to interview skills and winning people over. Why are YOU better than every other CNA with a license the ink hasn't dried on yet? That kind of thing.

[superwholock]

I agree with mvm about home health though. It's a little different from being a nursing home. One thing is that you're totally alone. If you forget something, you need help, if they get injured, you're stuck. Patient turnover can be high-they get discharged because they don't need a CNA anymore, they switch agencies, they have to go to a hospital, they want a different aide or need a nurse instead of a CNA... etc etc etc. But I really like it. Having the same patients every week really helps you get to know them and it's way less stressful than working in a facility. I can do things exactly the way my patients want instead of having to go by policy. I like doing the little things for them too-- I've chased down cats that made it out the door, I make breakfast for them, I water their plants, that kind of stuff.