New CNA trying to find a job

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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I just became a certified CNA last month I'm just wondering how long did it take before you landed your first job??? I've been doing apps like crazy I'm just hoping someone gives me a call. I live in Michigan

I got my certification in late March of this year. I accepted my a job offer mid April. Someone will call. Just keep putting in your apps, and follow up with some phone calls.

GL on your search

Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

I started applying before I received my certification.

Walking into SNFs in person and applying on craigslist are how I secured CNA jobs. 1 full time noc and 2 per diem jobs are what I landed within about 2 weeks of receiving my official test results.

I came dressed professionally in scrubs, watch, hair pulled back and was personable with whomever I could see in person. One time it was a nurse and later she told me she asked the DSD to hire me because I presented myself well. Another time, the lady I was making small talk with just so happened to be the person who interviewed and recommended who to hire to the DSD.

For my in person apps, I didn't care whether they were hiring, I just walked in.

Thank you for the tips and I never would have thought to look on craigslist

Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

Everyone is shocked that craigslist works for me. I'm now an LVN and found 2 jobs through craigslist.

I do have a decent resume which beefs up and sells my (limited) experience.

I also use a cover letter that sells my skills. I put the cover letter into the body of the email and set the email up the same way you'd format a business letter ie return address, 3 paragraph body, date, closing, etc.

Specializes in ICU.

Also in MI...it took about two months, but that's b/c I spent a month applying to nothing but hospital jobs and then didn't apply anywhere for a couple of weeks b/c we had company in from out of the country. Applied at an assisted living place and got a job in less than a week. Don't be afraid of LTC. I still work there b/c I have a good thing and it works for me, but I know plenty of people that worked in LTC for a few or six months and then went to a PCT gig.

Ok thanks I'm going to add some of these ideas into my approach on job searching.

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