Job-Hunting as a CNA

WannaBNursey, ADN, ASN, RN · Jan 1, 2013

1. Where do you live, and how long post-certification did it take for you to land a position?

South West Florida, I got certified in January and got a job in March. Please consider that I was 17, currently in high school, and had no previous employment history.

2. I've considered applying for homecare positions as well, however, there's only one problem: I don't have my own car as of yet. Are there some homecare positions that will work around you not having your own vehicle, or no?

I've not been to a home care agency that does not require you to have a car, or at least be able to borrow the car of somebody you live with. In the paperwork you are required to give copies of registration and insurance. The place I am currently at did not require said materials, but it was a staffing agency, not strictly home care.

3. Any other tips you'd have to offer as far as the applying, interviewing, etc. process goes and how to make a good impression and stand out goes?

If you're not interested in hospitals, I wouldn't bother applying to them unless there is a severe shortage of nursing homes in the area. I know that most people don't recommend this, but if you do get an interview at a nursing home WEAR SCRUBS! Every time I've worn scrubs to an interview (nursing home/home health) I got the job. You look ready to work. When looking for a nursing home job be wary of a place that only offers a week or orientation, it's not enough time for a new CNA. To be honest (not knocking nursing homes) but in my area, most nursing homes are looking for a warm body with a CNA license to fill a position. If you can't get a CNA job right off the bat, take another position at a facility you'd like to work at. One of my friends couldn't get a CNA position when she first moved to the area, so she got a job housekeeping at a hospital where she was interested in working and when an opening came along, they snatched her up for the CNA job.

In some areas it is difficult to get that first CNA job without prior experience! The job climate varies based on location. Good luck to you! If you have any other questions feel free to ask or PM me.

secquoria, CNA · Jan 2, 2013

I live in the twin cities of Minnesota. Got my certification December 20th and waiting for my copy in the mail. I have applied to both like you did but I prefer hospital. Still awaiting replies.

Home care jobs I've seen here really advocate drivers license and such. Those I don't have. So that's out of the question for me.

Honestly i haven't had any interviews yet but I suggest looking into some behavioral interview questions online. Like "tell me about a time where had to blank blank blank. ". The use you answers to gauge how you might act in a certain situation on the job.

Best wishes!

thelittledoe · Jan 3, 2013

1. I live in central NJ and started applied before my certification was complete. Here you are allowed to work for 120 days uncertified as long as you are in the process of obtaining certification. I applied at the local hospital mid November, got a call the same day I applied and interviewed the following day. A week later I had received an offer contingent upon whether I obtain my certification. I accepted before my actual certification (which was not until mid December). I also applied to another hospital and three LTC facilities. Interviewed at all of them and got offers from 4 of them.

2. I'm not sure about the HHC. Where I live it is absolutely a must to have a car because you can't get anywhere without a car. It's all interstates and long back roads.

3. This is so hard but try to be confident in your interview! I made the mistake of being too nervous and didn't answer the questions as best as I could. I was asked about my strengths and weaknesses (in some form or another) at every interview. Be prepared! Look online at possible interview questions and dress your best! Also be prepared when answering your phone, it could be someone calling to set up an interview and the phone will be their first impression.

Hope this helps and good luck!

TurtleCat · Jan 4, 2013

Well, I just wanted to update this thread to say that the nursing home I did my clinicals at called me back and asked me to come in Monday at 9:30 for an interview. I am sooo excited, I really hope this works out! I'd love to have a CNA job. I am just a little worried because I've had a few instances of being called in for an interview, but not getting the job.

One thing is that they asked me to bring my ID and social security card when I come in. Is this normal practice? I'm just asking because I have never once been asked to bring those in for JUST an interview, only after I was hired.

esand · Jan 4, 2013

In my experience of job interviews, the jobs that were almost fairly sure they were going to hire me asked for me to bring things like that. But those were interview for jobs outside of Healthcare. I think that perhaps they're going to want to get the ball rolling if they decide to hire you, so they're asking you to bring the necessary things?

They might be short on CNAs, too, which would mean that they need someone new quick. It's hard to tell.

WannaBNursey, ADN, ASN, RN · Jan 5, 2013

I've been to interviews where they asked to see my license, social security, CPR, and CNA certification, and after the interview I never got a call back. It depends on the interviewer and company policy.

becalee26 · Jan 5, 2013

It took me two months after I got my certifcation to get a job. It came up after several interviews and no call backs for a month from other places. Each interview was good experience, definately don't stress out about it and don't assume you get a job. I kept assuming and never got the call back and I was really disappointed for a month. I'm in the boston area.

You most likely won't find a Home Care job without a job but doesn't hurt to try.

JustLikeYou87 · Jan 6, 2013

I received my first offer two months after being certified. I didn't really apply too many places because it was the summertime (vacations and whatnot). Every place I interviewed at loved the fact I came in dressed professional. One HR was very adamant not to wear scrubs she went on a long rant (I didn't plan on doing so). Search the web for practice interview questions. Even if you don't get hired just look at the interview as experience.

dragonfly77 · Jul 21, 2013

Hello: I am new to this thread and also need tips on job hunting as a CNA. I just got my CNA certification in Florida, July 2013, but will need to move to San Diego, California by the end of August 2013. The only experience I have is taking care of my terminally ill family members before they passed away (turning them every 2 hours, bathing them, feeding them, changing them if they were soiled, documenting urine and poop, assisting doctors and hospice nurses with information in between appointments and visits). My aunt was a nurse before she passed away from cancer. This is where I learned what I know. She was my Angel. This is however not documented and the only thing I have in my resume is 19 years of administrative office experience in an non-hospital setting, and a massage therapy license. I checked with CA.gov and will need to transfer my licenses to California. After I complete my transfer, I need to know where do I begin to look for work as a CNA, or should I do volunteer work. Here in Miami, you need at least 1 year experience in a skilled nursing facility, but you can begin to work as a Home Health Aide and there are plenty of nursing jobs here. I am also planning to pursing RN, BSN then MSN. Sad to go but I have no choice. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Nathifalr26, LPN · Jul 21, 2013

I would loved some tips as well. I am looking for either a part time or prn position as a cna and/or pct. I already have a permanent position but it is an office setting for an Medicare HMO. I live in Central Fl (Kissimmee area) and don't have any LTAC or SNF experience as a CNA. I did home health briefly before certification. I finished my program in 2008 the same year I worked prior to certification. I was certified in 2010 and haven't gotten job offers after leaving VA to move. I also completed an MA and a Phlebotomy program a few years back as well. My license is renewed and I applied for lpn program that starts in October. My current schedule is 8:30-5 so I can't walk in-which is what I would of done if I had a different schedule. Any advice would help. A few people suggested were to apply just trying to figure out how to get my foot in the door thanks.