Landing your first CNA job - Tips?

[PlayaChickRN]

Hi! I'm a new CNA and nursing school student (fall 2016). I'd like to land my first CNA job in the hospital setting PT or PRN. We have a few hospital systems in a medium/big city. They are all hiring constantly, it seems. I wonder if there is something I could put on my resume or cover letter that could help me stand out? I know I have ZERO experience and am asking for a coveted position, but I know I'll be a fantastic CNA as well as RN in the future.

Anyone have tips?

[Ndoht, ADN, CNA, LPN, RN]

Have you had any hospital volunteer experiences? Have you worked as a surgical technician, paramedic, medical assistant, or at any related healthcare fields? You can also put the clinical you've done for your CNA course and any community services you did in the past. Is there any work experience related in the science and service fields? Do you have any certifications or awards? Try to think of anything and everything you've done that's sort of related and distinguishes you from other people. Good luck!

[Missingyou, CNA]

Put something on your resume that explains WHY you want to be a CNA at that particular hospital and not just the generic "Seeking PT/PRN employment as a CNA.....because I enjoy working with others...blah, blah..further my education......

~ Reach within and go into detail and be honest! It's something that most people don't do. Your honest resume will stand out.

I can bet that it will be something like: I choose to become a CNA while I am enrolled in a nursing program at ____ because The hands on experience I will gain here as a CNA will help me to learn to be a better nurse. While working as a CNA I will be able to gain experience & obtain skills that cannot be learned in a classroom. I understand that the patients AND my fellow co-workers depend on me and the care I provide as a CNA. I understand what it means to provide care with respect and dignity.

Now, you will most likely be asked in an interview what providing care with respect and dignity means, so be sure you can mean/understand what you say here!

Good luck!

[PlayaChickRN]

Thanks for the advice!

Unfortunately, this will be my first healthcare related job. No other experiences to add to clinicals. This is a career change for me from internet marketing (8yrs).

I'm going to revamp my cover letter. I think that including my reason for becoming a CNA (and nursing in general) will be a great way to share my passion to learn as much as possible while providing wonderful care.

Thanks again! You both had great tips! :)