Don't know if this is legit...

Published

hi all,

I'm a male cna (from nyc) trying to find work and its been hard trying to find an agency or a nursing home to hire me when i have no experience whats so ever. I have had my license for almost a year and still have not found employment with in this field. I remember i applied to this ad on craigslist which sounded great and all and I received a call from them a days after i sent my resume, they sound legit and all and I was really happy thinking I finally found work in what i was looking for. Until they mention a $130 background check, I don't kno if that is what agencies charge when they looking for cna but can anyone clarify this if u have work in an agency or know about it to verify that it is legit to charge that amount for a background check?

Also would anyone know any place that they might hire non experience cna, the only one i have tried is Town Nursing and I see their ad alot on craigslist saying they have availble shifts and I'm here thinking "so why aren't you calling me since i applied there and you guys took me and place me on some waiting list and now you have available shifts an yet you don't call me...." this is very stressful at the moment....

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Specializes in LTC.

The craigslist thing sounds like a scam to me. I've never had to pay for my own background check! Something smells fishy there.

As for finding employment, I'm not sure what to tell you, because I'm not in NYC and around here, brand new CNAs don't seem to have any trouble getting hired. I've been a CNA for a few years now but after I got out of class I got a job right away, although I DID learn that you can't be picky if you want a call back. The places that called me right away were the ones where I checked every box on the application, saying I was willing to take any shift, part time, full time, or per diem, holidays, weekends, etc. So be as flexible as you can. I got hired for second shift, which wasn't ideal for me, but I dealt with it for a while until a first shift position opened up in the same facility.

In a similar vein, I see a lot of posts on this forum from people complaining that their preferred hospital won't hire them without experience, followed by the phrase, "and how can I get experience if they don't hire me?!?" Again, be flexible. The answer to those posts is always, "Work in a nursing home to get experience, THEN apply at the hospital you want." Turn in applications anywhere you can.

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Specializes in LTC, SNF.

I second what fuzzy said and add that the best way to find a job in this field is to go to the nursing homes in your area and apply in person. You will find that some places just don't even try to look at online applications because there are just to many but if they have your resume and application in their hand you may be the first person they think of hiring.

This has worked for me at three nursing homes and I got three offers.

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I'll try visiting these places then hell if it increases my chances of getting hired i'll take it, also the $130 background check i won't even bother since most likely its a scam like you stated fuzzy. Thx u both for responding I really appreciate it. wish me luck, 100th try is the charm right lol :)? take care.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Don't pay for your own background check.....it's a scam!!!!

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im no expert on landing a job, cause i just landed my current job with pure luck and network LOL but one thing is for sure why pay for your own background check?? i think that is 100% scam right through the neck!!

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Before I was a CNA, I applied for work as a caregiver -- I had to pay for my own background check, but it was only $55 and they took it out in 2 payments from subsequent paychecks because I didn't have the money up front. Maybe in Idaho it is typical for an employee to pay for his own background check because I'm not the only one who has done that as part of the hiring process.

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I agree..sounds like a scam. I'm in Northern NJ and there are some job openings up here.. Have you tried looking into becoming a Senior Caregiver? I think it was called Seniorhelpers.com, think the have jobs in all the 5 boroughs too. Good luck to you!

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Sometimes it's best to find a job the old fashion way.....hitting the sidewalk. I would recommend visiting nursing homes, adult homes, rehabs with resume in hand and fill out applications. I work in a hospital and for an agency as a hospital sitter and I would stay clear of anyplace that wanted me to pay for my own background check. Difinately sounds like a scam.

Best of luck to you.

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Don't pay for a background check for a CNA job, especially one where they want $130. A background check fee, if required, is usually no more than $20 to $30. Your instinct took good care of you. There are employers out there that will consider you, you just have to be willing to make the extra effort. Good luck.

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