Getting frustrated job searching

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I'm a ADN nursing student going into my 3rd semester. I've applied for and got my CNA right before I started my second semester and I still cannot find a job. Most of the job requirements say nursing students need at least 2 semesters of clinical which I now have and still every application comes back saying you have not been selected at this time. Ugh if I can't find one by the end of the summer it's going to be pointless to try because during the semester I can't go through long orientations. I'm only looking for PRN jobs due to my crazy schedule with school and kids but over the summer my schedule is pretty open to whatever needs to be done. It's getting so frustrating and bringing me down.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

I know exactly how this feels. I am not sure WHERE exactly you are applying, but I can tell you that bigger hospitals have a whole slew of applications that want those positions just as bad as you do. If you really want one of those jobs I would suggest setting out 30 minutes to an hour each day applying for positions. I know in school that can be tough, but diligence and determination are key to landing these jobs. I would also suggest when you see a newly open position (check the post date to see how recent they are) to be one of the first applications submitted. This also increases your chances. Another thing I would suggest is calling HR and asking if your application has been reviewed or even speaking with a nurse manager or assistant nurse manager for that particular unit you applied to.

In your situation it may be difficult because of your time constraints but I would really look for a part-time job on a particular unit rather than PRN. PRN jobs you will be floated to anywhere the facility needs you for that day and your rapport with other staff members will be limited. I am not sure what your long term goals are, but if it was me doing this process over again, I would pick a hospital that I wanted to stay with long term even after I graduate that way my foot would already be in the door and even possibly some good resources for letters of recommendation.

Most importantly try to focus on being aggressive about the jobs you apply for. Apply with a resume, cover letter, and make sure you FOLLOW UP WITH THESE PLACES AFTER YOU HAVE APPLIED. Most of the time when you call HR and inquire about your application they already know whether or not you have been selected for an interview or denied and they are looking at other applicants. The point is to make sure you are aware of every possible thing you could do to make that position yours. The worst thing they can do is tell you the position has been filled or that you were not selected. Good luck and stay positive!

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Specializes in hospice.

The GDP went down 2.9% in the first quarter of this year. The economy is shrinking. It's going to be hard to find jobs all over. The much-vaunted "recovery" we keep hearing about is NOT happening. Keep on trying, but it's going to be very hard. Sorry. :(

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Specializes in LTC.

Are you trying SNF's or just hospitals? I got an offer from a SNF before I'd even sat for my CNA exam, at the end of my first semester. A lot of times people rule out the SNF because they think it is a "less than" environment, but the truth is, that's where the bulk of the work is.

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Specializes in OB, Postpartum, Nursery.

Welcome to the nightmare. This has been going on since 2008, when economy took a dive.

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I know exactly how this feels. I am not sure WHERE exactly you are applying, but I can tell you that bigger hospitals have a whole slew of applications that want those positions just as bad as you do. If you really want one of those jobs I would suggest setting out 30 minutes to an hour each day applying for positions. I know in school that can be tough, but diligence and determination are key to landing these jobs. I would also suggest when you see a newly open position (check the post date to see how recent they are) to be one of the first applications submitted. This also increases your chances. Another thing I would suggest is calling HR and asking if your application has been reviewed or even speaking with a nurse manager or assistant nurse manager for that particular unit you applied to.

In your situation it may be difficult because of your time constraints but I would really look for a part-time job on a particular unit rather than PRN. PRN jobs you will be floated to anywhere the facility needs you for that day and your rapport with other staff members will be limited. I am not sure what your long term goals are, but if it was me doing this process over again, I would pick a hospital that I wanted to stay with long term even after I graduate that way my foot would already be in the door and even possibly some good resources for letters of recommendation.

Most importantly try to focus on being aggressive about the jobs you apply for. Apply with a resume, cover letter, and make sure you FOLLOW UP WITH THESE PLACES AFTER YOU HAVE APPLIED. Most of the time when you call HR and inquire about your application they already know whether or not you have been selected for an interview or denied and they are looking at other applicants. The point is to make sure you are aware of every possible thing you could do to make that position yours. The worst thing they can do is tell you the position has been filled or that you were not selected. Good luck and stay positive!

I've applied to every hospital in my area to every PRN position available. With the exception of one hospital because it says phlebotomy preferred (not required) but when you go to apply and it says do you have phlebotomy experience and I check no it won't allow me to apply. Most of the jobs I've applied to state a particular unit, would they really still float me? I feel like applying for part time would be wasting their time when I say during the semesters I'd need PRN Bc there's no way I could even do part time with the semester I'm about to have. Class twice a week,clinical twice a week,simulation once a week, and still need study time, oh and there my kids lol. Also I don't think I mentioned that I'm in Maryland. My clinical instructor for mother-baby also told me I could use her as a reference. There was a PRN position open in the nursery at the hospital where I had my clinical rotation and she (my instructor) even have me direct contact info to the clinical nurse manager and she never even responded back. I look every day for newly posted positions but so far I've applied to all I can.

I haven't applied to any LTC facilities bc I don't have my GNA and as far as I know I need that as well to work in LTC? I found an assistant living home that needs home health CNAs and you must apply online it says and there's no button to tell me to apply so I'm waiting for Monday so I can call HR and figure out what's up with the website.

I've been thinking about just sitting for the GNA exam and my med tech bc apparently the classes I've already taken qualify me for CNA, GNA, and med tech. I just didn't initially get those bc I wanted to be in a hospital and my friend (a nurse) told me the other two would do me no good in a hospital.

But anyway, thanks for the tips and support. This is frustrating but I'm going to keep on pushing along and applying ;)

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Are you looking for LTC jobs as well as hospital jobs? Some Nursing students see themselves as being above working in LTC, even though there's very little difference between Hospital PCT and LTC CNA, except maybe the CNAs have more responsibility and do a harder job. There are more LTC jobs than hospital jobs, and the turnover is much higher so there are always positions at some places.

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Are you looking for LTC jobs as well as hospital jobs? Some Nursing students see themselves as being above working in LTC, even though there's very little difference between Hospital PCT and LTC CNA, except maybe the CNAs have more responsibility and do a harder job. There are more LTC jobs than hospital jobs, and the turnover is much higher so there are always positions at some places.

Initially no I wasn't looking into LTC only because I wanted to be in a hospital so I would have my foot in the door once I graduate. I by no means think I'm above LTC. But I only have my CNA and my understanding is to be in LTC you need your GNA as well. I've never actually looked into it but my aunt was a CNA/GNA for many years and told me I can't go to LTC without my GNA.

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Specializes in Long term care.

Generally,but not always, hospitals require 6 months of long term care experience before they will consider you. Could be why you are having so much trouble.

I work in LTC and have never heard of needing anything other than a CNA....but maybe thats just the state you live in...?? I would apply for LTC anyway and see what happens...I don't think you have anything to lose and this way, you will find out exactly what you need.

Have you tried home care?? They are ALWAYS hiring, and you can work as much or as little as you want.

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If you live in Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx or Manhattan, you can apply to Towne Nursing Staff. They staff nursing homes in all those areas and will accept inexperienced CNAs. They hire for part time or full time.

Good Luck!!

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Generally,but not always, hospitals require 6 months of long term care experience before they will consider you. Could be why you are having so much trouble.

I work in LTC and have never heard of needing anything other than a CNA....but maybe thats just the state you live in...?? I would apply for LTC anyway and see what happens...I don't think you have anything to lose and this way, you will find out exactly what you need.

Have you tried home care?? They are ALWAYS hiring, and you can work as much or as little as you want.

I live in Maryland. I have not applied to home care...wouldn't even know where to look for home care jobs. And as far as the 6 months that is true on all of the ones I have applied to but they all also say if you're a nursing student you need 2 semesters of clinical which I have. I did find one at an assisted living place for home care but the web site is acting crazy and doesn't give an option to apply so I've called about That and I'm just waiting for them to fix the site so I can apply to that.

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