Getting first CNA job: Help!

SentimentalGeek, ADN, RN · Jan 9, 2012

I'm not sure how it is in your area, but many hospitals will only hire CNAs with experience. By all means keep applying at hospitals if that's what you really want, but I know that many people on this site recommend working for 6 months to a year at a LTC facility first, which will give you the experience needed to get an interview with the hospital.

I got lucky and was hired for a hospital job with no experience, but was turned down many times before I got an interview. If they have applicants who already have experience there's a pretty good chance they'll go with them over a new CNA.

Good luck.

CNA1991, CNA · Jan 9, 2012

you face the same problem a lot of CNAs face when they get out of school. All companies want someone with experience but how can you get experience without it? My first piece of advice is be open minded. It took me 3 months to find a job and now reflecting back it was probably because I wasn't being open minded. I thought that pretty much nursing homes were my only option. I never even knew about home health(which is the field I am in now) until I told some customer(I worked at walmart at the time) about how I was certified and couldn't find a job and she just happened to be a CNA and she referred me. From your post it sounds like you are trying to go for acute hospitals. The problem with hospitals is that they are very selective about who they hire in most areas. I know in my area, they won't even consider hiring you unless you have atleast a year worth of experience and CNA 2 certification. The only other way in is if you're friends with a hire up. I do have a friend who is working for a hospital and it's because she was friends with a senior doctor. some hospitals won't hire volunteers even if you are a volunteer it's really all about who you know and what experience you have in that case.My second gem of advice is market. Back when I worked at wal mart, I asked everyone in scrubs what they did and told them my story. Even people who weren't in scrubs I would tell them my woes and finally someday someone listened. I never thought I would be working in home health but that's what happened to come my way. My third piece of advice is take what you can get. I admit, even though I love my job I would rather,be working at a hospital because that's where I'll be as a nurse. Even if the job you ended up with is not the one you wanted it is experience under your belt for the job you will want. Every shred of experience matters and helps. Last but not least more education can never hurt. A lot of hospitals want you to have american heart association basic life support certification (also known,as CPR for healtcare professionals. You can look at the certification requirements on the american heart associations website). Also, CNA II certification gives you real, transferable, experience that could land you a hospital job. Just keep pushing! It's hard but you'll eventually find something! Good luck!

CNA1991, CNA · Jan 9, 2012

Sorry about any errors in my post, I only have internet on my phone.For volunteering, I meant to say that even if you volunteer for a hospital they may not hire you even at that hospital. Also, before the word experience at the end it's missing the word acute. CNA II clinicals will give you acute experience.

Aongroup1990, CNA · May 31, 2012

Yes, You must know somebody and be yoursefl.. and know that you really want something. if you get down get back up..... try to have an outstanding resume. and talk talk network with people..