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

DarkBluePhoenix · May 8, 2011

Any of you in so cal?

tigerkate · May 8, 2011

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 · May 9, 2011

Oh i would love nites. Especially weekend nites

yousoldtheworld · May 9, 2011

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!

cmm4ever · May 9, 2011

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 · May 9, 2011

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?

travelgurl18 · May 9, 2011

Can't hurt to try! If nothing else you might be able to get an in home CNA position which will be good experience as well.

I'm in so cal as well

DarkBluePhoenix · May 9, 2011

Can't hurt to try! If nothing else you might be able to get an in home CNA position which will be good experience as well.
I'm in so cal as well

Wow, you were able to get into a hospital right away? In so cal? Lol where?

I am going to try huntington hospital in Pasadena but worst comes to worse ill look in nursing homes. I actually don't mind working in a nursing home, but (and I hate to sound picky) only at nite or over nite.

travelgurl18 · May 9, 2011

I got in at UCLA. I couldn't believe it! But I'm thinking its the unit I'm going to work in. Peds ICU, its extreemly emotionally draining and there aren't many people who can handle seeing kids and babies in critical condition and losing them. Honestly I'm not sure how I am going to handle it. But all I can say, is just apply everywhere and NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK, thats how you get jobs anywhere today. You need to know someone.

When I trained in the LTC facility, I honestly loved working there, its not a bad gig if you find a good facility. Best of luck!

pinkstethoscope · May 9, 2011

Wow, thank you everyone for all your responses! I am in clinicals right now and will be graduating from the CNA program on 5/22, taking the state boards on 5/28. I have started applying for jobs already, I'm really hoping I can at least secure something.

CNA2PA · May 9, 2011

i had a job before i started the class to even be a CNA, i also got paid $10.00 p/h for my 50 hours of in class time and 50hours of clinicals, my class was 3 weeks long as well. From what i hear now most people pay for the CNA classes (:

soxgirl2008 · May 10, 2011

It took me 4 months to find a job, but I had my heart set on working at my local hospital and I could only work PMs part-time. I eventually got the job though!