A question about hiring new CNA's

pagandeva2000, LPN · Mar 8, 2009

Since it is pretty hard for a CNA without experience to find a job, I am wondering if it would help if the CNA put in their resume that he/she would be willing to work nights and waive the shift differential. Would it make that much of a difference?
I ask this in the LPN section because I am assuming LPNS know more about the CNA hiring process. Thanks.

You might inquire if this thread can be moved to the General Discussion Board. I don't personally know about the hiring process of CNAs, or really any place. There are many reasons why one person may be chosen over another...varying from years of experience, their presentation at the interview, distance from where they reside to the facility, age, so many things.

I am not sure about placing on a resume that one will work nights or waive differential for a few reasons...one is that this is a conversation that can take place during the interview. Also, (and this is just my opinion), saying that you will take less pay for any reason may devalue the position. I believe that each person should be paid accordingly. Maybe say that you are willing to volunteer to gain experience might be a better option. Good luck!

sasha2lady · Mar 12, 2009

When I made the move into a CNA job it was pretty smooth b/c I was already employed at my facility as a housekeeper so I just got transferred into the other dept and went from there....however....in my 9 yrs there I have seen probably 100 aides be hired and either quit or get fired and my boss recently hired an aide for 3rd shift and she told me that the girl had a strong handshake and so she thought she'd be a good worker b/c most of the ones she interviewed had weak ones.....kind of ridiculous I think but......anyhow...that girl lasted all of 2 mos...maybe.....called in constantly 2x within her first week! She even came in one night and told her coworkers that she had drank 3 beers and took a percocet before coming in which of course was told to the boss....who chose to do nothing. That girl didnt end up losing her position til she called in a few more times and the boss hired another girl in her place who has also called in 2+ times since she was hired on....and thats been.....about 3 wks now. My boss has told me that when they call for references they dont get much info about what kind of employee that person was...only if they are rehireable or not but the boss has started coming to the nurses asking if we know any of the new applicants...and if they do she will ask what kind of worker they were and how they did on their job before she will consider them. I think a peer interview process would be nice to have.....someone else might pick up on something one person doesnt and can ask ?'s. O course...where I work that'll never happen. They prefer to take shots in the dark and hope ppl work out most of the time. then the aides get shoddy training and when they turn out not so good.....ppl wonder why???

BuddahNature · Mar 12, 2009

Had no idea a new CNA had such problems finding a job, being as in long term care there is a really a huge turnover,from what I have seen. However,maybe you can tip the scales more in your favor. These may be things you already know,but Ifeel they are worth repeating. Let's start with the application,if it is done offline,and it is possible take it with you and get it neatly typed. Also when you pick up the application,come dressed ready for an interview. I have seen applications filled out on the premises,and the person told,they would be interviewed then,and there. Don't bring others with you.Let them wait elsewhere,car,etc. You are in a spotlight from the time you enter the building, and word does get back to the powers that be. If you cannot leave your kids and others at home for an interview,then what about coming to work . Start making your impression from the front door. Dress appropriately for an interview. I have seen some sights,from '' I have not a clue," to those who are well put together,but wearing the wrong attire for an interview. It costs money to get a good resume done,but it can be instrumental in landing you a job. A professional resume writter can make you simply glow on paper about what your true assets are. did any job you did in the past use any of those qualities desireable in being a CNA ? For instance do you have customer service skills that spill over into healthcare ? Bring this out in an interview,how this will be an asset in healthcare. Impress someone during your clinicals ? Certainly could not hurt.to ask the nurses you encountered to place their positive impressions of you in a letter of reccommendation. Have you visited your local state unemployment office. they have services that could help connect you with a job. have you actually applied to all the places you can. Try googling a list of long term care facilities in your county and state. Look for healthcare jobs on craigslist,and also on the internet,put CNA jobs in your search engine to come up with multiple sites you can find a job on. hope you find something soon. :nurse:

Bettie P · Mar 12, 2009

Never offer to waive legitimate, rightfully earned wages/differential/bonuses. Your time and training has real value, and you should treat it accordingly. Offering to work unpopular shifts is a different story. Once your foot is in the door somewhere, you can usually transfer to your preferred shift eventually, especially if you have a good work record. Good luck.