Brand new CNA

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hi All,

I am so very happy to find this Forum.

It is great to share with people that are in your field.

I just passed my AZ Nursing Board test for CNA.

Thrilled about that, but, all the jobs I am looking at require experience. I have done clinicals and volunteer at a

prestigious hospital and have cared and currently care for a private client with ADL and I have all that on my

resume but I am very concerned that would not get me into the door.

What can I do??? I am getting very discouraged.......

Any suggestion would be most appreciated

Thank you so much

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Specializes in Rehab, LTC.

You will probably have to work at a LTC for a while until you can get your foot in the door at a hospital. Usually for 6 months to a year.

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thanks for the suggestion. I don't mind but are they hiring?

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Specializes in 6 yrs LTC, 1 yr MedSurg, Wound Care.

LTC is exactly what I was going to suggest. Usually they are hiring, just call some facilities that are close to you and see if they are, then go in and fill out an application. That's what I did and was hired on the spot, a year after getting my certification and not working. Experience doesn't seem to matter as much there and they will teach you.

A lot of people don't want to work in a NH, I was one of them, but it really gives you the opportunity to learn hands-on care that you probably won't learn anywhere else. Lots of experience there.

Good luck with your job hunt!

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Dondie,

I believe that is the way to go and I have identified some agencies near me that I will visit to apply.

Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Cheers,

Harriet

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Specializes in CNA.

Hi, same thing happens to me, I was already GIVING UP, when one day I search and get telephone #'s for all the LTC facilities near my area. And after the 8th place I called they told me "Yes we are currently Hiring" so I flew there, ready and with my resume and application ready. I got interviewed on the spot and got hired.. I stared my orientation the following day. So I will suggest you do the same and try to get a job at a LTC instead of a hospital, because it seems to me that hospitals do required at least 6m exp. I am planning to stay here at least the 6m just while I got exp. Then start looking for a Hospital job.

by the way, the Director of nursing seems to like that I am a volunteer at a Convalescent Ambulatory Care Facility..

I really Wish you the best and Don't give up so easily.

It is hard but with perseverance WE ALL CAN DO IT!

Good Luck!

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I need you guys opinion. Today I went for my first interview for CNA is a small facility 45 minutes from my house.

What I liked was the atmosphere, small group and the lady who runs it seemed very nice.

The salary is awful...$8.00 per hour?

I have read many posts that say it is very hard to get a job without experience. I have been caregiving a long time, but just got my CNA. I live in Arizona? Do any agencies hire without experience?

If you work for a small assisted living place does that count as experience?

Thank you

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Specializes in CNA2: Acute Care, Orthopedics.

if its offered in your state, take a CNA2 course. But you definitly need some sort of tangible experience, such as LTC

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Does anyone have any experience with working as a private CNA.

I believe in my area there maybe people that could use the services of a CNA, but I wanted to know if anyone has done it.

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I'm afraid low wages are very very common.

As for working as a private aide, if you mean home health care through an agency, then yes, and many love it.

If you mean completely private and self employed, then I personally would not do it just because you have to really understand the finances of it...as well as paying your own income tax, etc. Seems like it takes a lot of work and organization...but it can be done.

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