Became a Certified CNA 6 months ago-Tips on getting a CNA Job with no experience NOVA

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Hello Everyone!

I am currently getting ready to apply to Accelerated BSN programs for Spring 2017. I received a Bachelors degree in Business for undergrad but over the years have recognized my passion to be a nurse. Since then, I got certified as a CNA through the American Red Cross Nurse Assistant training program. I have had my license for 6 months and now that I am finished with my nursing school pre-reqs, I finally have time to utilize my license and get some experience!

I need some advice from any entry-level CNA's or experienced CNA's in the Northern Virginia area or anywhere because I have zero experience besides clinicals and am finding it very difficult to get a CNA job. At this point I am feeling kind of hopeless.

Thank you so much in advance for the advice an tips.

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Are you only applying for acute care positions? If so, you may need to broaden your search. Start out in LTC and try to work your way into a hospital from there.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Call HR at places you apply. One of the major hospitals locally let rejecting my apps pretty much immediately. So I called HR and they said it was because I was including my previous degrees on my application. They suggested I only put my nursing school and my CNA number and to only include job duties that can be transferred to the CNA scope i.e. Customer service. I asked if that was legal, they said it was fine because the computer screen automatically eliminates overqualified candidates.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

I ended up getting a tech job on peds. Love it!

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Also, you can start by volunteering. Then talk to unit managers.

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My advice is apply everywhere you can, even if you have to fill out a long application. I had no experience as a CNA except for a couple of odd jobs, I applied and eventually got a call for an interview. Got the job at a nursing home. So don't worry, some places will hire.

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Hi everyone! Thanks SO much for all the warm encouraging replies! First post is this is such an awesome network and resource to have! I actually got a call from a Rehabilitation center in my area the day I posted this!!

Very nervous about the interview and how I will carry over my business experience working as an admin assistant then government IT consultant to the nursing field but I will try my best!

That is also a good idea about calling HR, I have tried that at one hospital though asking for feedback on my resume and they weren't very helpful :/.

Thanks again!!

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