Can't get hired as a CNA!!

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Hi,

I've just recently completed the CNA program and passed both the class and the state exam. I've worked in the medical field in the past but it's always been in billing or as a receptionist briefly. I'm not a job hopper, but when all you can find is temporary work it doesn't look that way to the hospitals or nursing homes. My goal is to work in a doctor's office, nursing home, or hospital. I'm not picky! At this point ANYTHING works, both for the experience and for the money. You see, I'm currently working on my ASN in RN and I thought that if I got my certificate as a CNA I could work my way through school as well as gain the experience. I'm having trouble getting that chance. I have applied EVERYWHERE. I live in the midwest where there are all kinds of medical facilities, but NOBODY will give me the opportunity to prove myself! Its so frustrating! I've had 1 interview for a CNA position at the county nursing home and thats it! I keep asking myself if I'm not making a good enough impression or if my resume isn't good enough or if it's just the economy. I've redone my resume and worked with 2 professionals to help me keep my attitude, appearance and resume in good standing. And STILL nothing! I've been searching the websites everyday for 6 months. I'm at a loss. Everyone tells me that I just need to keep plowing ahead but its very depressing and discouraging when the 3 different hospitals I've applied to won't even give me an interview!

Signed,

VERY Frustrated CNA!

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Hello. I'm going to give the same advice I've given others (and it works). First, you will get a job. Maybe not tomorrow but eventually. I had to apply to 22 job postings at my local hospital before they gave me an interview and I will be honest and tell you that I made a "connection" on LinkedIn with the HR director and put a request in for an interview that way. Second, volunteer at the facility you want to work in. It is a lot easier getting in once you already have your foot in the door. You may have to take a job doing something you don't like to make ends meet in the interim but eventually you will make a connection.

I know its frustrating. I've been there. Find out what agencies the hospitals use to hire temporary "hospital sitters" and register with them. You will get to know other hospital employees and may make a connection that way. Check to see if any of the facilities you are interested in have facebook pages and LIKE them or your local county health office of the aging.

Best of Luck.

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I am having the SAME problem! I will complete my CNA II here in NC in about one month. I am currently certified as a CNA I and on the registry with NC. I have sent over 30 applications with not ONE interview! I feel your frustration!!!!:confused:

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Specializes in Med Surg - Renal.

Try nursing homes. While you are getting experience there, keep plugging away at hospitals and eventually you will get hired.

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Thanks for the support! I've been trying to keep my chin up and just continue to apply to the hospitals, nursing homes, home health places, and dr offices. But it gets hard when you get turned down for not having any experience. I mean how are you supposed to get experience if they don't give you a chance to prove yourself! I didn't think about volunteering. I'll definitaly look into it!

Thanks Everyone!

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Specializes in LTC.

Definately keep your head up!!:o:o I had applied to about 100 places(clinics/offices/Ltc/hospitals) before i landed a job as a CNA. My best advice would be shoot for the nursing homes 1st, they are always in demand and majority except no previous CNA experience and will train you. Ive been working long term care 4months now & we are always hiring. GoodLuck & Keep going!!:up:

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I am having the same problem, I got my CNA certification in January and cant even get an interview. They pick the people who have experience. Its frustrating. I have applied at every hospital, nursing home, home health facility I can find.

I do have a question. When filling out applications.. if they have you fillout a questionare like "do you have experience bathing and dressing patients" do you count your clincals for CNA school as experience? I never really know it I should or not but it is experience.

Any suggestions?

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Specializes in Hyperbarics.

I am hearing this quite often in allot of fields. One issue I see with CNA is that it is very basic. Get some certificates in other areas, ECG, ACLS, PALS. That might give you a better chance at getting hired

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Im looking into getting QMAP certified. I see a lot of postings for CNA requiring it.

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Thanks for everyones responses and support! I got a CNA job with a home health company. I can't believe it! Not what I expected for my first job but I'm very excited about it.

THANKS!

"No Longer Frustrated!"

Jade

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Specializes in hospice and home health as a CNA/ HHA.
Thanks for everyones responses and support! I got a CNA job with a home health company. I can't believe it! Not what I expected for my first job but I'm very excited about it.

THANKS!

"No Longer Frustrated!"

Jade

I am glad you found a job! Congrats! And home health is great! I have been working private duty home health for almost 2 years now. You will love it! You actually get to make a connection with your clients! Enjoy!

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It is tough, honestly it is best to know someone in order to get in. However, I found my rehab center while driving around and they happened to be hiring. I love rehab, not as hectic, the people are usually independent, needing limited assistance...and you learn so much. I know its frustrating, but keep applying, look into some small or private facilities, and even some private home care agencies...they are always hiring, and you can usually make your own hours..

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