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

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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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?

I am in NC. I passed the state CNA test in the middle of December 2010. It took me until the end of February to find a job in a nursing home. I will also start working at the hospital on May 23rd (now that I have a few months of experience).

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Specializes in Psych, LTC/SNF, Rehab, Corrections.

Finished class Aug 23. Hired within a week.

Didn't even interview me. I wasn't even certified...and hadn't even TAKEN the test. *laugh*

My first job:

- LTC facility.

- $11.75/hr (no benefits - but, hell...we don't have benefits for 3 months, anyway).

I'm about to hit the hospitals, soon.

Oh, and I live in San Antonio, Texas.

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Me too :-) Good luck!

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I was in a similar situation as you. I came from a completely unrelated field, and decided to start a journey to pursue nursing, which involved taking prerequisites and finding a CNA job. I had no previous experience.

I took a class in November, and then passed the exam in December. I started applying to CNA jobs in nursing facilities and hospitals. I got hired as a home health aid in January. Then I got a job at a skilled nursing facility in March. Now it's May and on Monday I will begin yet another new job at a hospital as a casual/as needed PCA. I hope I can transition to a part-time or full-time position after I gain some experience as a casual aid.

My fellow classmate who is a PCA at another hospital gave me advice on job searching that worked. She advised that I go online to the hospital websites every day and apply for any new PCA postings. I did that and I got called in for an interview within a week. Best of luck on finding a job!

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As soon as i asked if their were any positions available.. no interview or nothing.. a few days after my class ended.. i start monday.. scared.

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I finished my class may 27th got a job june 2nd :) btw I have no job experience this is my first job ever!

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one day. I actually started looking for work a month after i became certified. I applied at night online, that morning I was hired at a LTC. Not ideal but a job

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