For those CNAs who got hired straight into hospitals...

Ytellu · Jun 18, 2011

Hello and Congrats.

I also knew that I wanted to work in a hospital rather than a LTC. What I did was keep an eye on the hospitals "career" section on their website and they had an option that would email me when CNA jobs were available. It took 5 months and applying 22, yes 22 times before I was called for an interview. Also, look for job fairs in your area and take time to speak to the hospital recruiters and find out what they need experience wise. Some places will hire newbies and some require 6 months to a year.

A friend of mine also volunteered at the hospital while she was going to CNA class so it was an easier transition for her.

Ask people to review your resume to make sure its top notch.

In my case this is a second career for me so my prior business related experience worked in my favor. Network with anyone who works in the hospital. If you have to take a per diem job in a nursing home just so you can list the experience on your resume.

Good luck and don't give up.

magichospital · Jun 18, 2011

Thank you!

FLCNA · Nov 11, 2011

Magichospital, thank you for asking!

Ytellu, thank you for taking the time to respond.

I have had my CNA license since 2008 and never wanted to

work as a CNA until recently.

I am employed in a nursing home but I want to work at a hospital.

This will be my second career, I am retired from the military .

My resume is being revised and I am receiving the CNA job alerts.

Magic, did you get hired at a hospital??

I will let you know when I get hired!

Brandi81 · Nov 11, 2011

I became certified in June and was hired right into a hospital in August.

I only applied to hospitals and checked their job sites a couple times a day. I probably applied to 50+ positions. I ended up with three interviews and luckily got hired at my top pick!

I work part time PMs and nights.

Make sure you have a good cover letter that is individualized for the place you are applying, I always worked in their mission and values in mine.

First I applied then got selected to take a personality type test, then phone interview with hr, then interview and reading and math tests with hr, interview with clinincal manager and then a peer interview.

Prepare for your interviews, know the hospital, prepare answers to common interview questions.

Good Luck!

CarolinaGirl1112 · Nov 12, 2011

The only job search I used was Indeed. I checked it at least twice a day, sometimes more. It included jobs that had been posted from all 3 of my local hospitals. Go to your local hospital's website and create a profile. It most likely will require you to re-type everything that is already in your resume, which is a pain, but you only have to do it once.

Apply, apply, apply. I was hired at a hospital for a position I had applied to over a month prior. Sometimes they are just SLOW. Make sure you have your NA license # on your resume as well as your BLS certification.

All you can really do is just keep working at it and eventually you will get there. I managed to get a job at a hospital in the capital city of NC with NO experience. If I can do it, anybody can. Oh, and make sure you dress up for your interview. Wear a suit, look as professional as possible. You want them to know that you're taking it seriously. My interview for the hospital job was shorter and easier than the one I had for a nursing home a few days prior. Like someone mentioned above, make sure you're ready to answer any of the typical interview questions. (EG. "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" "Give me an example of a time when you had a difficult situation at work" "Where do you see yourself in five years?")

Best of luck to you, just don't give up!