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

I'm completely switching professions, so I'm curious for those of you that didn't have any prior experience in the healthcare field, how long did it take you to find a job?

[Joey_Boy, LPN]

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

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

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]

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!

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]

Two weeks after I passed my state exam

[Elvienm]

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!

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.

Two weeks after I passed my state exam

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

Good luck to you!

[blessedinscrubs]

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.

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]

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 :)

[DarkBluePhoenix]

Any of you in so cal?

I'm in SoCal and it took me 4 months. I was applying everywhere. None of the SNF LTC were hiring, and none of the hospitals wanted me without experience and without being willing to work nights. After I decided to apply nights, it took me a month or two.

[DarkBluePhoenix]

Oh i would love nites. Especially weekend nites

Haha, sur eyou don't want to move to Indiana? I wanted to get off of nights and it took me 3 months for them to find someone to take my night shift position!

I have somewhat health care experience..graduated in December and am considered a certified medical assistant. Applied to the hospital and they called me back the very next day. Went to the interview the next Wednesday, and was hired the following Wednesday. Didnt start yet.

[DarkBluePhoenix]

Haha, sur eyou don't want to move to Indiana? I wanted to get off of nights and it took me 3 months for them to find someone to take my night shift position!

hmm I as much as hate (and love) CA, I can't move lol.

I work nites as a server and make good money, but I want the experience. Lol

I just want like a summer CNA job? I'll work anywhere and whatever shift.

But of course I prefer weekend nites?

Probably not flexible enough eh?