Can't get a job as a CNA/GNA in Maryland

Nurses Career Support

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I cried today. I don't ever cry, even though I know it's good to let it out. But I cried today, because my tireless search for a job has yielded a single encouraging word. By now I'm broke and I'm getting ready to leave my friends up here and move back in with my mother to an area I really don't want to go to. I can't get a job as a nursing assistant.

Over the past couple of months I would guess that I've applied for over 100 different positions at 40 different LTCFs and hospitals. If you work in Montgomery County, Maryland then odds are 95% that your bosses got my resume. If you work in D.C. or neighboring counties then they might have gotten it, too.

I tried to do everything right, starting with my first day of CNA classes last September. I came to class early every day. I always tried to make a good impression on my instructor and clinicals supervisor - and I succeeded and I have great references because of that. I have great work references, too. I got the highest grade in CNA class and I'm pretty sure I had the highest grade in Montgomery College's whole program.

I'm not too young or too old. I'm 29 years old and in the middle of a career change. I used to be a freelance writer and in my resume I mentioned some of the eHow articles I've written on good communication. I have a lot of experience in supervisor roles. I have a ton of experience in service roles and working with the public. I have plans of finished my bachelor's degree online and applying for PA school and I had hoped that getting my CNA license would provide with opportunities to get clinical experience. I'm in great shape. There's nothing wrong with me except that my only experience as a CNA was in the 100 hours of clinicals.

It's not because I was too picky. I made sure to always check that I'm available immediately. For any shift - day , night, weekend, holiday. I always checked that I would work full-time, part-time, temporary, PRN. Anything.

It's not solely because of the economy. I've responded to dozens of internet job postings that say, "experience not required". I've gotten referrals from our college's program director, from companies *asking* for new graduates. I've gotten nothing back.

I know people are going to read this in think that I'm hiding something or that I must lack the self-awareness to realize that I'm doing something horribly wrong, but it's really not the case. I went out and bought a tie and googled on how to do the "Windor knot". Every time I walked into a facility I wore nothing less than a tucked-in white dress shirt with tie, black socks and dress shoes, and ironed khakis. Every time, I was sweet as pumpkin pie to the receptionist.

I've tried different methods. I've tried varying my approach. I've tried doing research on the company and it's values and writing personalized cover letters. I've made post-application phone calls and e-mail inquiries and the only response I've gotten was, "we need a copy of your CPR card to process your application" or "we'll call you if we're interested" or... nothing. I've reapplied for jobs that are somehow "still open" and I've gotten nothing. No job offers. No interviews. No phone calls. Nothing.

When I started, I was given the impression that being a male would work to my advantage, because I can do a lot of heavy lifting. Specifically, I'm 6'4" and can deadlift about 300 lbs. My mother has worked in nursing homes for 30 years and she kept telling me how the care staff always needs male CNAs. She's more baffled by my situation than anyone.

I've now come to realize that people say, "we need male CNAs" like they say, "we need to hire a professional organizer". It doesn't actually translate into action. I don't know how much of my job troubles are because of my gender, but I do know that something that I have on control over is working against me something.

And so I cried today, even though I'm a tough guy. After weeks upon weeks of keeping my chin up after every frustration, I cried. After weeks of revising my resume, writing new cover letters, sending out identity-theft-worthy information to impossible error-prone online application systems, I cried. After weeks of telling myself that I would find something eventually, I cried.

And I called my Mom. And I let her know that I applied to her company, that I was going to get a license-by-endorsement in her state. That I'd like to move back in with her for the first time since I was a teenager. Until I get some money saved up and get back on my feet.

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Hi. I am not sure if you have an update to your message on not finding a CNA job. But I hope things are going well for you. I am female and just started looking forCNA Jobs. And I so hate being jobless/with out income. I want to become a public health nurse. I encourage you to continue with your educational goals and stay strong. Get back in school and do your PA thing and get the support you need.

And may the thing that's right for you come your way.

All the best to you.:)

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Hi DanielCNA,

I'm sorry you are so frustrated with the Job Search. I take it you live in Montgomery County? If so, have you considered applying to Georgetown and GWU in DC? How about applying to Inova in Northern Virginia?

As a Marylander myself, I highly recommend looking into University of Maryland Medical Center. The facility always needs bright, motivated CNAs. Just a hint: if you apply to UMMC, apply for "patient care technician" jobs as well as "nursing assistant" jobs. Also, I know Anne Arundel Medical Center (Annapolis) PCU is looking for PCTs, too.

Good luck!

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Specializes in CCMA.

Hey Daniel! I know exactly what you mean. I got certified as a "CCMA" in December and I've applied everywhere in Montgomery County and DC, and still nothing. I understand your frustration completely. Have you applied to places in VA? I saw a lot of job listings in Arlington, Tysons, etc. for CNAs. I wish you the best of luck and hope you're able to find something soon:) 

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Specializes in CCMA.

I have another suggestion for you coming from a friend who is a CNA. She couldn't find a job either, and she's in northern VA, so she started her own business working as an independent CNA for agencies. She now has several steady clients making around $25 an hour

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