New CNA with meaningless experience

[gregmotz]

Recent Fla. CNA looking for work.

I worked as the caregiver for my mother who passed away after a difficult eight years with Parkinson's. I was the only caregiver. We went together through the very best early times to some pretty tough times at the end.

After getting on my feet ten months later, I took a full time job and stayed for a year and a half. At some point I realized that nursing was something I was good at, and that I wanted to do.

I challenged for the exam (Florida) and passed first try. In the meantime the other job went away --- now using employees from another country.

Now I'm wondering what I need to overcome to get hired. I'm male, late forties, recent CNA with AHA HCP CPR/AED. It seems like what should be the best experience builder for a CNA skillset, full time and only caregiver (no siblings) and eventual Hospice caregiver for eight years doesn't mean anything. In other areas I have a good employment record: three good jobs in twenty years but with that eight year gap at the top of the resume., and ten months of reassembling myself in there somewhere.

I'd like to work in a skilled nursing facility or ALF. I am enrolled in a college with an LPN and RN school, have good recent grades, but haven't applied for the programs because it looks like it really doesn't matter what certifications, licenses, or experience I obtain, I won't get a job regardless.

I really believe I come across OK in the three interviews I have had. I am volunteering two days a week at an LTC facility. I have yet to be there long enough to feel comfortable that I should reapply as a CNA for hire. I actually don't think Volunteer Services remembers I am a CNA which I disclosed in full early on.

What's holding me back? Age? Sex? Employment gap? Disbelief that I actually provided the health care I claim?

One other item that I hope isn't a problem is that I moved away from friends when I went to help Mom. When asked for personal references that know me three years or more, I only have one. Everyone else is gone. Businesses I used to work at disappeared too. Or at least were gobbled through acquisition or divestiture. Two closest friends passed away before their time.

Tips? Hints? I'm feeling pretty glum that I made a real bad career choice and probably could have been told I never would be hired had I asked here a few months ago. I don't see very many forty-something male nurses' aides today. I can't recall meeting any while taking care of Mom.

Help appreciated. If not, encouragement would be accepted too. :) TIA

[omgtehbunny]

Have you gotten any kind of reasoning from the people in human resources where you've been applying? Or are they just calling or sending a letter that says, "Thanks, but no"? It may be worth it to just ask someone that you've interviewed with what's going on. They may not want to tell you the exact reason they didn't hire you, but you may be able to get around that by asking something along the lines of, "Could you tell me what kind of improvements I could make if I'd choose to reapply in the future?" It's worth a shot.

It really surprises me when I hear of CNAs having trouble finding work. Perhaps other areas are not as starved for people in the field as where I am. I didn't think I would get a job so easily - I have not had a job in a year and a half, I was at my last job for less than a month, and I forgot to take the barbell out of my tongue or cover the tattoo on my wrist for my interview! I've taken care of my mother several times in my life (the first being at age eleven), and rather than use that as an excuse why I couldn't work, I worded it as though it's been real life experience. Maybe I wasn't getting paid for it, but I certainly did many of the things a CNA would do for someone in a LTC facility. Caring for her was what made me realize I wanted to help others in the same way.

I really doubt that being a man has much to do with it. At least around here, the LTC facilities and hospitals LOVE for men to work for them. Most men are stronger than women and have less trouble ambulating residents or even just moving equipment around.

Don't give up. You know that you're good at what you do - you've already had those eight years of experience caring for someone you love.

[NM nurse to be]

Hang in there, Greg! I'm a brand new CNA too, 40 but female. There are men in this age group where I work, so don't lose hope on that account. I had a hard time getting an interview at first because I had NO experience outside of class in the medical field. I've done something completely different for the rest of my life and it was hard to get even a call back for an interview!

I got a good push from an acquaintance who happened to be a VERY good name to use in the company and that got me in the door. I still had to convince them to hire a totally greeny who had no real world time. And they did hire me :)

Are you going in person to enquire about positions? If you aren't, maybe that would help, not just calling an ad in the paper. I like the idea of asking the interviewer what you can improve, that will give you some good hints.

Don't give up yet, something is out there :) Good luck!!

[gregmotz]

Have you gotten any kind of reasoning from the people in human resources where you've been applying?

To clarify, I've applied twenty-some places. But I actually don't think I've ever gotten face to face with someone who hires. I did a variety of requirements to apply such as come sit at their computer and apply, submit a resume, fill out a paper application, etc. I always try to get my smiling face in front of someone. Not much good luck.

One interview response I received from HR face-to-face was that interview notes and app would be forwarded to the person doing the hiring. Other two interviews, again at HR, resulted in no response at all. Unless the smiling, "Thank you very much for coming in" counts. I didn't receive what was the typical, "We'll let you know" answer. But it has been ten years since I did job hunting. Not sure what to expect.

These are real basic interviews, with questions like. "Tell me about yourself?" "Why do you want to work here?". According to recent tips on interviewing, I am prepared and give the "correct" answers.

The other twenty or so places have been very cold to the idea of follow-up. That is, it seems the hiring system is designed specifically to prevent applicants from talking to HR. I feel more than one voice message is pushing it. Maybe I need to skip leaving messages and keep dialing my fingers bloody until a human answers.

Something totally odd was a 200 bed facility where the "operator" took a written, dictated message after several calls where the HR person (correctly asked for by name) was always out of the office or on the phone. Difficult to believe someplace that size runs on paper. Odd to me.

As I write this I realize that my follow up is lacking and I will remedy that. In addition, I like the idea of asking what I need to do to better my chances when I reapply. I thought my own choice of volunteering was a good one. And that has reinforced my feeling this is something I want to do. I see others doing the job I am applying for and am further convinced I'm right for it.

[rancelumsden]

I don't get it. I was 50+, male, when I became a CNA. It was a 4th career for me. I found there was no discrimination --- I could do the job, that was all anyone cared about. I got some comments about my age, but that was about it.

I usually ask about how well people interview, or how well written their resume is, and how well written 'simple' job applications are. I have a bias that a great many 18 year-olds are only semi-literate coming out of high school and it's no wonder they have difficulty finding a job.

But, from your postings, it sounds like you know the Kings' English, have practiced some interviewing (knowing the correct answer...), have actually gone into places rather than doing everything online. I assume you have neatly written, grammatically correct job apps.

So, sorry, I can't tell at this distance what is happening during the hiring process. I assume you can pass a background check and you look 'normal' (no tats, piercings, etc.).

[gregmotz]

I just noticed the subject of my own thread. I may have it now.

It's only meaningless experience because I'm not making it meaningful. I should highlight the caregiver tasks I've performed. I'm underemphasizing that experience even on paper.

I've been assuming someone else reading a resume or application, or listening to me, would recognize the word "caregiver" and form the same mental picture I have about all the things I did.

I did like all twenty Fla. CNA skills on which we could be tested, daily, for years. And I hardly list any of them, for example, in the "duties performed" section of an app. I bet that's it Ideas?

Following up on other comments, normal looking would seem to fit me. No tattoos or piercing. I'm afraid of needles.:chuckle

Being old (school) I wouldn't dream of showing up anywhere without a pressed shirt and pants, shined shoes, clean shaven, and recent haircut. Personal hygiene is important.

There is nothing negative in my background. I passed the check for my certification and the mandatory check for working/volunteering in an LTC. Not sure what to do about former employers that are hard to contact. I don't think any apps have gotten to that point in HR but I need to look at that.

It's early. I haven't even come close to applying at all the possible places available to work. I did start looking close to home and then moved outward based on convenience. Perhaps I should focus on monitoring the newspaper, job boards, Craigslist, etc. for new postings and be first in line anywhere within 30 miles.

Before I start though, I'll revise the resume and look at printed copies of applications I've submitted online. I need to come up with a concise, descriptive list of skills and duties I did and can do. And then sell it in person when given the opportunity. A little more assertive and flexible wouldn't hurt.

[chickapea]

Hey! Don't give up hope... I'm sure you'll find something soon. I feel like you because I've been a stay at home mom for 6 years and this seems to be affecting my job search. Honestly, I think it's the lack of on the job experience that is a problem, not age/sex.

Over the last 3.5 years I went back to school to become an RN. I've finished my pre-reqs, and gotten certified as a C.N.A. and E.M.T. I really thought that I would have no trouble getting a job and I have applied for at least 100 positions at hospitals, LTC, and some private companys like sporting arenas, that have E.M.T.s on staff. No luck! I have never even been called for one interview from these places. I did however get hired on at a company that contracts out nurses and nursing assistants to fill gaps in schedules at local facilities. I went on my first job last night:yeah:... finally! I'm hoping that this will give me the experience that it seems everyone is looking for (as if 13 weeks of working 9 hour shifts for clinicals in LTC is no experience at all .) Maybe you can try something like this to gain experience and put on your resume.

Obviously, your experience caring for your mom is not meaningless and I'm sure it has given you so much insight and training for your new career choice:redbeathe. You'll get there... good luck to you!!

[Moose31]

I cant imagine a CNA not being able to find work ..every i have worked has been so short handed.(NH) I have noticed when looking for new jobs that sometimes you have to be flexible with the shifts you work. What is your availablity? Some times if you want 1st shift you have to take a 2nd or third shift position and wait untill something opens up on the shift you want.The turn over is so quick though you ussually only have to stick it out on an undesirable shift for a few weeks.Every where i have worked gives priority to people who already employees for first shift.

Good luck , dont regret your choice of career nurses are always needed You will find something. Your life experience is very valuble and any facility would be luck to have you

fellow Nursing Assistant (and RN in progress)

[gregmotz]

I try to let the interviewer know I'll work any or all shifts, but would prefer afternoon and nights, and that weekends are not a problem. In two of three interviews after being asked my shift preference and giving the response above, I was instantly asked, "What about mornings?" To which I said, "Mornings are fine. I prefer 3 - 11, 11 - 7, and point to prior experience at other jobs on those shifts." I did mention I was aware of a pay differential for those shifts and that was attractive to me. Lord, now I'm grasping at straws. But that can't be a "wrong" answer. Can it be?

Congratulations on the first night. So, yes I'll be applying at companies that contract out nurses and nursing assistants to fill gaps in schedules right away now. I don't want to, but others too have also suggested it's a way to get experience.

I see these "health care temp agencies" perpetually looking for CNA's. I don't know what to call them other than that so I mean no disrespect. I heard from others when I took my CNA state exam that their dealings with such agencies resulted in being sent across the county one day every other week into some very difficult situations for a newbie. This was more than one person talking about more than one agency. So I put the agencies a little lower on my list. Now I guess they get a bump. The agencies do specify no experience required but then ask for HHA certification and other in-service training that I'm not certain can be gained without prior employment (which means experience is required).

I have saved a few links to outside resources (some are already mentioned in a forum sticky around here somewhere) that helped rewrite my resume and change my process. I'll post them to the thread here if they prove valuable. /me looks for the "crossed fingers" icon

[KEaFutureRNHopefully]

Don't be glum.. When I was working as a CNA I applied at maybe 5-7 hospitals and then a bunch of nursing homes and only got one face to face interview.

About the not seeing 40+ year old CNAs... I've seen 'em in fact I work with some. I've realized as a student nurse that CNAs are a total God send to RNs.. especially the male CNAs.

In regards to volunteering one of my classmates volunteered and they offered him a primo job on the most competitive floor of a hospital after seeing what an excellent CNA he was .

A couple of tips:

- If you do homecare first ((I did that)) that builds up experience.. sure not experience in an acute care setting, but experience as a CNA.

- CNA Registry

As a future RN ((Hopefully)) I love CNAs and LVNs!!

-Dude as a barely 5 foot student RN I couldn't do ANYTHING on a Medical Surgical floor without a male CNA.. Seriously!!!!

Oh ya, when I was a new grad CNA I couldnt get any responses from hospitals for jobs.. but after working as a home care CNA ( for a year) I began to get call backs and offers from hospitals

[gregmotz]

Things are much better now. It was a poor resume and equally bad online application submission method I was doing. Treat those "job duties" areas on stuffy applications as a chance to use flowing prose to match skills and former duties to the job description. Also this isn't a gather what you need as you go process. Everything from cover letters to thank you notes need to be ready for quick customization to the occasion well before putting in the first application or resume.

On addendum worth note I think. Depending on the size of the HR department or facility in general and keeping in mind the other responsibilities the person might have, the most powerful person in the hiring process is the receptionist/telephone answerer.

While I wanted a job of course, I was also interviewing the interviewer and taking in the vibe. If I have been treated like crap during the hiring process or on the phone by someone, you can bet I will not be taking the job. Or I will take the job, continue the job search, and leave the place hanging in a month.

Because when the facility is short staffed and I am in desperate need of help from new co-workers, I know HR will be treating applicants like crap and it will take forever to scrape the bottom of the barrel for help.