CNAs w/ no prior healthcare experience, how long did it take you to find a job?

Joey_Boy, LPN · May 6, 2011

I was hired before I was finished school or certified. In NJ you can work 120 days without your certification.

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · May 6, 2011

It took me two months. I wasn't very marketable until I had my name appear on the Board of Nursing website. Although in MD you receive a 90-day temp certification, I still didnt get hired until my permanent # appeared on the board's website..

juliaann · May 6, 2011

I was hired before I had even taken my CNA class. My hospital paid for my training and "in exchange" I had to work for them for 1 year. Fine by me, because I needed a job anyway!

Good luck, I was also changing careers at the time!

Kitsey · May 7, 2011

I applied after I had passed my certification test, got called for an interview a week later, and got offered a job 30min after I'd left the interview :)

SnowbirdinFL · May 7, 2011

Two weeks after I passed my state exam

Elvienm · May 7, 2011

Like 3 weeks after I Passed the state test. That's only because that was how long I waited to go out and look for a CNA job. I had No experience other that what i learned at the skills class I told the DSD that and she was cool with it. few minutes later I got interviewed by the DON and got hired. My orientation stared the next day.

:) Good Luck!

yousoldtheworld · May 7, 2011

I was lucky enough to be hired before I'd even taken my test. Some others I know took several months to find a job, though. Just depends on your luck/area/job hunting skills.

Poi Dog · May 7, 2011

Two weeks after I passed my state exam

Same here and I had zero health care experience to boot.

Good luck to you!

blessedinscrubs · May 7, 2011

Once I gave up my dream of working night shift (10 to 6), and agreed to work any shift available, it took me about 20 minutes to secure a job, lol.

yousoldtheworld · May 7, 2011

Yep, if you keep your availability open and flexible, you are muuuuch more hireable than people who have lists of days and shifts they can't work! If you are able, it might be beneficial to hire in at any shift they have available, and then just let them know what schedule you'd LIKE once it's available.

travelgurl18 · May 8, 2011

It took 1 1/2 months to get a job at a hospital but only 2 weeks at a long term care facility. I ended up taking the hospital job and quiting the LTC facility, better pay and more experience. :) Shoot for the stars and you'll land on the moon :)