Still no job

IEDave, ASN, CNA, LVN · Apr 16, 2012

In my case - 'bout 6 weeks. :yeah:

Basically, what happened was that I had a lead through the Red Cross (where I received my training) 2 days after completing my class. Couldn't make it go (scheduling conflict with my psych class, plus the facility was sub-par) so I got on the Medicare website and searched for all the LTC's/SNF's/Rehab facilities within 25 miles of home. Sorted by overall rating, then went to all the 5-star facilities for job applications (hiring or not). Had one place that wouldn't let me take the application home, so I handed it back to the person behind the counter and left - sorry, past experience has been that an organization that tight-fisted just isn't going to be a place where ol' Dave's gonna last too long.

Anyhow - got a call back about 4 weeks after I'd applied at this one facility - they brought me in for an interview for an on-call position, and they called me about a week after the interview to come in for an orientation. Got about 20 minutes in to the orientation and the presenter (the DSD) started handing out employee packets and W-4/I-9's: at that point I finally realized that "um, Dave - you got yourself a job, bud!"

So, yeah - it can take some time. Best way to proceed (IMO) is to get a list of facilities with good ratings (Medicare's website is a good source, but there are others) and work from the goodies to the baddies. Try and scope the places out before hand, so you don't end up in a hellhole - physically go on site (dressed for an interview); look, listen & sniff - treat it as though you're a family member who's putting Mom or Dad in there. If it meets your satisfaction - apply. Repeat as needed.

I actually received 4 call-backs during my search (I'd sent out about 20 applications) , so it does work pretty well. Ironically, I received my CNA certificate the day before I was called in for orientation.

Hope this helps,

----- Dave

nguyency77, CNA · Apr 16, 2012

Are you doing online applications? I think for CNA, those are a waste of time unless you have at least some experience and references. It's so hard to get your application noticed within the hundreds of people who might apply for a given job. And the best thing is? The impersonal nature of online applications means that the company doesn't even have to get back to you...ever. It's rude, but that's how it goes sometimes with online applications.

You might try taking your chances going to the LTC and just introducing yourself to HR and telling them you're interested in working for their facility. Wear a nice outfit in good taste, and bring a notebook. The first time you go to the place, see if it smells okay and there aren't confused residents wandering around the lobby. Then ask the secretary for an appointment with HR or whoever hires the CNAs. I did that at my current work and I got offered an interview after talking to the hiring manager for a couple of minutes. Just try it! I landed a great job with flexible hours and awesome pay. Best of luck. :)

RN1485, BSN · Apr 17, 2012

When I first got my certification I applied online all the time to every facility...no answer. Then I decided to apply in person at some local facilities. Applied to 5 places total in person and 4 of them called me back for an interview. When it comes to CNA jobs, in my experience, it is best to apply in person.

Jessicainsantafe · Apr 17, 2012

I have almost two months to go before I am able to take the CNA certification, but have applied to a couple of home health agencies here where I live. Also, I am about to do some home health volunteer work starting at the end of May, and that will be experience under my belt. Heard back from one of the places I applied at, though, but it seems they aren't interested in me until I am actually not in class....so I said hey! I'm available in the summer! I have to go back next week for a follow-up interview, and this place has a really good reputation, so, I am keeping my fingers crossed. The advice given by all the posters seems really good, too, since if you are interested in working in an LTC, you would want to go check them out in person and see where they stand as far as ratings.

Good luck with your job search. Just keep plugging and when you least expect it, something great will happen!