CNA jobs in Lehigh Valley Area?

[gymnut]

Hi everyone!

They say the best way to get a job in health care is if you know someone on the inside and that's pretty much what this thread is about. I'm not going to be asking to use your name as a reference but I would like to know, if you work in a health care setting that hires CNAs what they specifically look for (experience, a breathing body?), what they pay rate is and most important of all if it is a decent place to work that will nurture my skills?

I ask this because I am currently enrolled in a CNA program that will be finishing on Nov 20th. I will be eligible to take my boards on Dec 14th. I have done a lot of searching on various job sites but 95% of them are for Manor Care, Genesis and HHA. Genesis has already contacted my school and stated that even though we didn't graduate yet to send an e-mail to HR so the application process can be started. I sent in the e-mail even though it's not my first choice to work because they have gotten bad reviews by medicare and from people I've known who worked there or had loved ones placed there. Currently I'm unemployed and I can't wait for that perfect job to come around and figured I'd treat it like a boot camp and gain experience BUT if I can avoid working there by finding something better first I will. I am also volunteering at St Lukes on the oncology floor as a nurse assistant as well.

I really thank you for all your help. The job market is so though out there and I also heard that most nursing homes and hospitals don't advertise jobs so I figure before I actually get prettied up and start knocking on doors I would ask here as everyone has always been so helpful!