Advice would be much appreciated!

[sonnecna]

Hello,

I passed my CNA test last weekend. (yea me...lol) I would love to be a patient care technician in a hospital. How in hades does someone get this position??

I have applied online 100's of times without luck. And when I say without luck I mean not even a phone call. I have two years experience as a direct care worker. I know it's not the same as in-patient care but I can wipe bottoms with the best of 'em.

Everyone I have talked to says it's not what you know it's who you know. I have resorted to offering haircuts, color, and highlights on craigslist in exchange for a hospital job. (My wife is a professional hair stylist)

I have even applied for transporter jobs and environmental service jobs just to get my foot in the door. Still no luck.

If anyone has some advice for me I would appreciate it. My next step is sitting in the local hospital cafeteria with a sign that says "CNA needs work!"

Is it that hard to secure a job in metro-Detroit??????

Thanks for listening!

[jenni82104]

Maybe you could try volunteering at a hospital to get your foot in the door. Then you could ask some CNA's that work there how they got their job. The only other thing I can think of is maybe taking a job in a nursing home, those may be easier to get, and then you could show you have experience. Good Luck!

[sonnecna]

Well, I had an interesting experience at Crittenton Hospital on Friday. I found my way up to human resources. I even got to talk to someone. I told this gentleman, "I am a certified CNA. I would really like to apply to your hospital but there are never any appropriate openings posted on your web site."

He took my resume and scanned it briefly. Then he said, "Unfortunately there are no nurse assistant openings."

I paused for a moment then pointed to the piece of paper titled "Job Openings" posted at the receptionist desk. I asked, "What about the four nurse assistant positions listed here?"

He seemed embarrassed. He then said, "Oh, those aren't on-line?"

"Nope."

"Unfortunately," he says, "we are looking for someone with experience."

I said, "You are looking for experience for an entry level position?"

He chuckled uneasily and said yes. Then I asked him where I should go to get experience if experience is needed for that job. He chuckled again and said, "I know."

"No," I said. "I am seriously looking for an answer. Where can I go for the experience you want?"

"I don't know," was his reply.

What a putz!

I have more than a year of experience as a direct care worker. The sad part is that direct care workers - the good ones - don't get the credit they deserve. My intangible care giving skills are as good or better than most. I can learn the paperwork. Can a hospital teach someone with 6 months experience who didn't work out at another hospital to REALLY care about patients?

[jenni82104]

Geez, who knew it was that hard to get a cna job? Have you tried applying at nursing homes? I know you want to work at a hospital, but maybe you need to start there. You could also try applying to a temp agency, and let them try to find you a job. Try Kelly Services, Today's Staffing, and Adecco. I am sorry you are having such a hard time, but don't give up, there is something out there for you!

[lotus32]

Hi,

When was done with my CNA class (I never took the certification), I put my resume on www.employmentguide.com and set it up so that they would apply to all positions that I was qualified for. I got a lot of calls.

[hair_tie]

I'm scared it's going to be like that for me when I am done with my LPN stuff... I hope not. You work so hard for something then they mess with you....