Applying for CNA job with NO work experience

[Copperismydog]

Hi everyone,

I'm not sure if this is the best place to post this question since I'm talking about a CNA job, but here goes. I'm in my first semester of nursing school and completed a CNA training course over the summer. I'd like to apply for a part time job as a nursing assistant at the hospital where I do my clinicals.

The problem is that the job application asks for my most recent work experience and if they may contact my previous employers. I haven't worked in health care AT ALL, and I actually haven't had ANY job for 4 years. I was self employed as a wedding planner for a little while, but I doubt that will impress a prospective employer. So should I leave the employment section of the application blank?

I'm wondering how I should fill out the application. I don't know if I should bother to write down my past work experience since it it so irrelevant and so long ago. Also, I'm not in touch with any of my previous employers so I don't really want to give them as references.

On the plus side, I'm doing very well in school, and have two professors and my CNA instructor who have agreed to be my professional references on the job application.

Do you think this will be enough? Does anyone have any recommendations of things I should include on my application to increase my chances of getting a job?

Thanks!

[MissTrina]

Don't ever leave it blank, even if your previous work is irrelevent to the position you are applying for. Put your most recent experience first and go back as far as they ask for. It is not your responsibility to be in touch with your previous employers. Put any volunteer experience you have from the past several years. And be prepared to answer questions about your lack of employment history during an interview. If you can send a resume with a cover letter that mentions why you are trying to break back into the job market that could help. Plenty of CNAs get hired with no health care experience, myself included. Good luck!

[BBRANRN2013, ASN, RN]

I am a 3rd semester RN student and too have had No healthcare experience. I just recently got hired for a Nursing Assistant at a Rehab Hospital. I start Nov 7. I put in numerous apps! I think on the employment they are looking at stability. I have been a secretary for 7 years. Just write down all your current medical endeavors...what you have learned in school thus far and why you think you would be a great candidate for the job. Don't worry someone wii hire you. They told me that they will do everything they can to make sure I finish school. This is a good thing. Keep ur head high. Good things will happen.

[amc911]

Dont leave work experience blank I too had no healthcare experience but almost 20 yrs Office Management Experience in my interview at the hospital they were actually impressed with my work experience and ethic even though I had no healthcare experience. I just finished my CNA program this past summer and will be starting at my local hospital in L&D in two weeks - so dont give up!! Good Luck!

[BBRANRN2013, ASN, RN]

I really want to work in L&D....How did u get in there! That's where I want to work when I'm an RN as well!

[amc911]

I got SO lucky that there was an opening I found on the hospital website and I knew someone who worked at the hospital so I had an employee referral which scored me an interview. Do some networking or try to volunteer at the hospital you want to work at to get to know people! Its sad to say that sometimes it really is true its not what you know but who you know!