Frustrated...student nurse can't find pct job in MD

Spunki-RN-2be · Jun 27, 2014

Do you have your CNA License in the state of MD?? Where in MD are you located? I may be able to help you. I am willing to at least try! (my first reply didnt send on my end, so if this posts twice, I apologize in advance!!)

Spunki

crossfitnurse · Jun 27, 2014

I will be starting my 2nd year of an RN program in Maryland and had hoped to find a hospital tech or student nurse job for the summer and during the school year. I have experience as a CMA and got the CNA after finishing my first year of the RN program. Well, I've applied to probably 100 jobs in all kinds of areas in several different hospitals since April and have not had one job offer. I apply every single day to every new job I see. I've contacted HR directly as well as nurse recruiters. I even had a nurse who was working at one of the hospitals speak to a manager who said she'd pull my application so a recruiter would call me for an interview. Well, that was weeks ago and still no call.
The only thing I do get is rejection notices practically every day for positions that I've applied for and am no longer being considered for. I was able to get an interview at 2 different hospitals. One of them was for a PRN, student nurse/tech in the ER. After waiting 3 wks following the interview, I was told the manager "decided to go with another candidate"....for who knows why! The other interview I had was in oncology. The HR and nurse manager seemed to like me and thought I'd be a good fit with the patients , but did have some "concerns" that I have not had any paid experience as a cna in the hospital. So, that one sounds like a long shot. They're supposed to be done interviewing next week.
Needless to say, I am beyond frustrated and am becoming quite depressed. I'm about ready to give up and just look for any job to pay the bills, but I really wanted to get experience in the hospital so I'd have a better chance once I become an RN and am trying to get hired. Has anyone else had this problem or does anyone have any suggestions or advice. I am out of ideas and losing hope in this whole process. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

It took me quite a while to find the position I just finished orientation for. What seemed to help me get "noticed" was that I put in an employee referral! Do you know anyone at the hospital?

happyinmyheart · Jun 27, 2014

Around where I live it is very common to work in a nursing home to get some experience first! Maybe considering working in a nursing home for a year and continuing re-applying at hospitals?

runner502 · Jun 27, 2014

Actually, I did meet some people in my online nutrition class I'm taking this summer and two of them mentioned my name to a unit manager. The problem is that now it's in the hands of the recruiters and I'm not sure whats going on in HR! Actually, since I wrote this post today, I got an email back from one of the recruiters at another hospital. I had asked her what I could do to get them to consider me. Well, she went and found my application and she said part of the problem was that I hadn't indicated on my application that I had my CNA! I'm not sure how that could be, unless it was from an older application they had when I applied before I got the CNA. In my email to this recruiter I did give them the name of of one of their nurses who suggested I apply there. So, I'm not sure if this helped, but she said that she would look and see what is available and will be in touch! I don't want to get my hopes up, but at least someone is willing to consider me! Thanks for the suggestion.

runner502 · Jun 27, 2014

Yes, I do, but I don't have experience working in a paid position as a cna. I just have my year of clinicals in the nursing program and 2 yrs experience as a CMA in a medical practice setting. I live in Anne Arundel County but have been looking in nearby counties as well.

funtimes · Jun 29, 2014

How many LTC Facilities have you applied at? I find it surprising you couldn't find one that is willing to hire a CNA with no experience. There is very little difference between working as a CNA and working as a PCT except the setting you do it in. Yes CNA is the harder job, but hard work never killed anybody.

runner502 · Jun 29, 2014

Well, I actually haven't applied to any nursing homes since I have not had positive experiences in my clinical there or just visiting there. I found myself becoming very depressed in that setting, so I'm trying to avoid it. I'm also not a very big person and don't know how I would handle the heavy lifting involved. I know some people seem to thrive in this setting and find it very rewarding, but I just don't think it would be a good idea for me.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Jun 29, 2014

I think nursing facilities tend to be more hoyer lift friendly than in the hospital. Hospitals tend to rely on man power even if they have a hoyer lift on the floor. The key is that you get six months in and then the hospitals are usually more open to hiring you.

I personally was rejected for 2/3 ER tech spots I applied at my original hospital for not being qualified and I was hired for the third so go figure. I think HR scans the resumes quickly before passing it on. For the ER one I was hired due to my experience in private ambulance and 911 experience. That manager purposely weeded out CNAs and nursing students but left the LPNs, EMTs, paramedics, and CMAs.

If you are a CMA, consider phleb in the hospital if your state does not require a certification or registration for phlebs. In my state, we don't. Also, phlebs tend to make more than PCTs anyway. Also look at other positions such as patient transporter and unit clerks, ward clerks, monitor techs, patient companions, etc. Something you may consider is working in a nursing home that is part of a hospital system and then transfer in. One friend is doing that for her RN. Even dietary is something you may want to consider just to get an in. She is eligible to transfer after six months. Being internal opens up many doors.

If you have career services at your school, have them scan your resume and offer tips. It's a tough world out there and you're competing against hundreds of other students who want the nursing spots or out of nursing homes. While you may think your resume looks great, it may not highlight what you want offer in the best manner possible. Like the CNA license. Is it mentioned on your resume or just the application? A lot of HR recruiters pull the resumes.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jun 29, 2014

There are obviously some issues with apps you are turning in. Are you double checking them before turning them in? Are they neat and legible? Are you following up with a phone call in a positive manner? In the two interviews you did have, how did you present yourself? Also, if you want this experience LTC may be the only way to go to get some experience. Hospitals usually hire with experience. You may just have to suck it up for a few months and work in one.

I have a couple of issues with this. First off, being a CNA/PCT does not necessarily land you job once you graduate. You will be a new grad RN just like the rest of us with no experience. Second, if you have truly applied to as many jobs as you say, there is something wrong with what you are turning in. Go back and look at what you have turned in and fix it for the next job. Most people know within the first couple of minutes whether they want to hire you or not. You need to be memorable in a positive way.

runner502 · Jun 29, 2014

First of all, yes I do send in complete neat applications that are double checked. Like I said, they were probably looking at an old application before I had my CMA. I also do have it indicated on my resume that I am a CNA as well. Secondly, I had had my resume reviewed by nursing instructors and professionals who tell me I have a very good resume. I have also been told that I am very poised in interviews and present myself well. Thirdly, I am not suggesting that working as a tech will guarantee me a job later as a nurse. I have been advised by many practicing RNs and nursing recruiters that working as a tech will increase your chances and give you good practical work experience. I appreciate your advice, but I didn't particularly like your tone.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Jun 29, 2014

It's actually tough to get a job in a hospital. Think about it in terms of odds. Look at all the registered nursing programs in your area. Then add in the LPN programs. Chances are you have at least 3 schools. Then look at the CNA schools. Each job posted probably receives at least 100 applications minimum. Chances are you are not doing anything wrong, but there are people who have inside references, are current employees, or experience as a CNA applying too.