cna license expiring soon never had a job please help

[Chelsea228]

Ok So I got my CNA at the end of my Jr. year of high school (I went to a tech. school) and I didnt go for a job in my Sr. year cause I wanted to keep up with my schooling. Well I graduated in June and my father had gotten hurt real bad that same month so instead of a nurse comming in I just stayed home and took care of him. He didnt go back to work until mid. October, so I went and looked for a job and no one was really looking to hire because the economy was going down hill. So I figured I didnt really have a summer break so I took a month off. Then after the holidays I went looking again and I applied to the only place in town hiring a assisted living, but I never got a call back. I have never had a job before, and my license is about to run out in May and I really need a job. Is there anything special I can do? Please help. Also I heard that you dont have to be a CNA to work at a assisted living? Is this true? Thank You, if anyone writes back.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Hello!

I checked PA + NJ state regs, expect most states are similar:

In order to be eligible for recertification, you must have

been employed providing nursing or nursing-related services

for pay for at least seven (7) hours within the twentyfour

(24) months before the expiration date listed on your

certificate.

One is eligible to retest if they haven't worked # hours.

CNA certification/license developed as means to protect frail elderly, especially those living in Medicare/Medicaid facilities. Since asssisted living facilities are not licensed as nursing homes instead under personal care home regulations, many states do not require CNA certification for employment.