Are CNA jobs normally this competitive in NYC?

[WanderingDave]

I was a CNA in upstate New York, where CNA jobs are a dime a dozen, but don't pay all that well. I decided I'd take my New York State certification down to that big exciting world-class city our state happens to have attached to it, since I heard the pay is much better. I've always wanted to try making it in NYC, and now that I figured I had a marketable skill, I was set, right?

Wrong. Yes, jobs here pay better. But after 3 months of searching, all I've been offered is spotty per diem work. People have laughed in my face when I've asked for benefits, and told me in all likelihood, per diem work is all I'll likely find. But there ARE CNAs who are hired directly by hospitals and LTC facilities. The place the agency currently puts me at has them. How in the world do I get these positions? This per diem shlock doesn't pay the bills or impress perspective landlords.

My impression of the CNA market in NYC is that it's absolutely cutthroat, and the salaried-and-scheduled positions are highly coveted. Any idea as to why this is, and whether this is likely to remain so?

[BabyRN2Be]

I was a CNA in upstate New York, where CNA jobs are a dime a dozen, but don't pay all that well. I decided I'd take my New York State certification down to that big exciting world-class city our state happens to have attached to it, since I heard the pay is much better. I've always wanted to try making it in NYC, and now that I figured I had a marketable skill, I was set, right?

Wrong. Yes, jobs here pay better. But after 3 months of searching, all I've been offered is spotty per diem work. People have laughed in my face when I've asked for benefits, and told me in all likelihood, per diem work is all I'll likely find. But there ARE CNAs who are hired directly by hospitals and LTC facilities. The place the agency currently puts me at has them. How in the world do I get these positions? This per diem shlock doesn't pay the bills or impress perspective landlords.

My impression of the CNA market in NYC is that it's absolutely cutthroat, and the salaried-and-scheduled positions are highly coveted. Any idea as to why this is, and whether this is likely to remain so?

WanderingDave, I'm not from NYC so I can't help you there, sorry about that. I'd just like to make a suggestion if you don't get a lot of responses to your questions in this forum. You may want to consider posting in the NY nurses forum. The people in that forum may be more familiar with the CNA atmosphere in NYC. Go to the drop-down menus above, click "Forums", go down to "Nursing Discussions By Geographical Location", and then a list of U.S. States along with other parts of the world will appear. Go ahead to New York nurses forum if you don't get the answers you need in this one.

Although, it is interesting to hear what the CNA atmosphere is in other parts of the country. Best of luck to you! :)

[drmorton2b]

It comes down to this, more people, means more people looking for jobs. Alot of Political BS comes along with this Hospital and LTC stuff trying to find a job. It blows, I know it does.

[ketty]

Hey WonderingDave,

I've been asking myself the same question. I'm about to go into the CNA field, and I'm beginning to think twice about it. Because more and more I'm reading in the forum how hard it is to find a job as a CNA. I don't know what to do? I'll be keeping my eye out for you and the responses that you get.

sorry