advice for getting a CNA job

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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i am in nursing school and am taking my CNA test in May. I want to work as a CNA this summer and would like some advice on landing a job. I have applied for countless CNA positions at hospitals..but always online applications..i have not physically went to the hospital to apply because technically I am not a CNA yet and I don't want to be turned down. Should I wait until I take the test and am officially "certified" to go talk to people? Should I get a jumpstart? I need advice, I am out of school in 2 weeks and won't have a job! :uhoh3:

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Have you considered applying at Home Health Agencies? They have very flexible hours which makes it easier to work around your school schedule. Our agency hires nursing students after they have passed their Fundamentals of Nursing class. Having a CNA certification isn't necessary. We certify everyone as a HHA with the state after they pass the HHA state exam and competency testing. I know every agency has different requirements but you might want to check them out in your area.

Good Luck!

Kyasi

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Specializes in ICU.

Sometimes it takes hospitals a long time to respond to online applications. I didn't hear back about my first CNA job (in a hospital) for almost a month after I submitted my application. I did not have my CNA yet, much like you, but they offered me the job anyway. I was allowed to start without my CNA - but I'm sure this depends on your state's rules - in my state nurse aides in hospitals don't *have* to be certified, so I was hired and working before completing my certification.

It's definitely appropriate to call the HR department and inquire as to the status of your application. Sometimes that gets things moving a little more...what you really need to do is get in touch with the nursing manager of the unit hiring CNAs - if the unit is listed try calling the hospital's operator and ask if you can be connected to *ER, ICU, Ortho, etc.*'s nurse/clinical/staff manager, and then mention you saw they had an opening, that you were interested, that HR has your application, and that you're very interested in learning more about the opportunity.

Hospitals get so many applications (at least in my area) that it takes a while to sort through them...and many just get filed and the applicant never hears anything back. It is definitely worth your time to do some calling yourself. :) Just be polite and brief!

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getting a job in a hospital can be hard (many want 1yr exp and many cna's with exp want to work there), it's one of the better places to be a cna.

ltc is the easiest place to get a cna job, just make sure to apply in person, you will get a job.

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thanks! i applied to a ltc job yesterday and they tried to get me an interview on the spot but the hiring official wasn't there but the receptionist said she would hand deliver the application to her. im not THRILLED with ltc...actually, to be honest it is my last choice...but i know it will be a good learning experience, it is close to my apartment, and it pays pretty good, not to mention i know a girl that works there AND they will give you as many or as little hours as you want. she was making a lot of $ last summer working there 100 hours a week.

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Your friend was working 100 hours/week??? Was she getting paid for 60 hrs overtime?

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.
thanks! i applied to a ltc job yesterday and they tried to get me an interview on the spot but the hiring official wasn't there but the receptionist said she would hand deliver the application to her. im not THRILLED with ltc...actually to be honest it is my last choice...but i know it will be a good learning experience, it is close to my apartment, and it pays pretty good, not to mention i know a girl that works there AND they will give you as many or as little hours as you want. she was making a lot of $ last summer working there [b']100 hours a week[/b].

You sure she wasn't exaggerating? LTC's..well basically most health care companies hate people working overtime.

Well anyways, just give it a try. Ask around, see if it this place has a good reputation..Medicare.gov â€" the Official U.S. Government Site for Medicare

ranks nursing homes on a scale of 1 to 5. See which facilities in your area get good ratings. LTC isn't for everyone, but you may like it. Good luck

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sorry it took so long for a reply...no she really gets 100 hours a week...60 OT

i don't know HOW but i guess they are short-staffed (it's kind of a sketchy place) and they call her constantly for doubles or to come in on her days off and she just does it for the money. i've seen a paystub of hers for over 1000 dollars for a 2 week period

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You sure she wasn't exaggerating? LTC's..well basically most health care companies hate people working overtime.

Well anyways, just give it a try. Ask around, see if it this place has a good reputation..Medicare.gov â€" the Official U.S. Government Site for Medicare

ranks nursing homes on a scale of 1 to 5. See which facilities in your area get good ratings. LTC isn't for everyone, but you may like it. Good luck

Generally, the more expensive the nursing home, the better the working conditions. The nursing home I got my first CNA job at was rated as one of the worst in the country back in 2007. I learned a lot but it really sucks there.

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