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.

Specializes in LTC, Med-surg.

It took me two months from when I got certified to find a job, even then, I have to commute

45 minutes to get there in my old car. I got that job by looking up the yellow pages and

calling everyone I can get to. 90% of the places I called were looking for at least one year of experience.

Good luck.

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Try skilled nursing facilities, long term care, or assisted living! They seem to have more spots to fill for CNA, In my opinion. It can be difficult at times, but working with the elderly is very rewarding, and it will be great for you to have that experience when you go on to be a nurse!

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Thanks everyone! I'm still looking/putting in applications. I really just came on here to rant because it's frustrating! How are you expected to get experience when no one is willing to give it? Anyway, thanks again and I'm keeping my fingers crossed

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Specializes in hospice.

Yeah, I remember that dilemma. It took me three months after grad to get a job. But I've been steadily employed since then with no gap. Next month is my 2nd anniversary with my current employer and October will be three years since I was certified. Just keep throwing apps at every job....eventually something will break loose. And network! Tell everyone you know that you're looking....you never who they might know second or third hand.

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I feel your frustration! I have been certified as a CNA since early June and have applied to every single SNF and hospital within a 50 mile radius. I've had one interview at a SNF with no luck. I am currently taking a CNA Acute Care class to hopefully up my chances. I plan on taking a Home Health Care class in the Fall. I start nursing school in the Spring, and really want to get my foot in the door at a hospital! It's pretty depressing!

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I feel your frustration! I have been certified as a CNA since early June and have applied to every single SNF and hospital within a 50 mile radius. I've had one interview at a SNF with no luck. I am currently taking a CNA Acute Care class to hopefully up my chances. I plan on taking a Home Health Care class in the Fall. I start nursing school in the Spring, and really want to get my foot in the door at a hospital! It's pretty depressing!

I got my certification like the end of April, beginning of May. I've applied to everything I'm my area. With school I just cannot venture too far or have a crazy work schedule so it limits my options even more. I just applied to two more jobs tonight so here's hoping!

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Still no luck finding a job. Since I have no experience as a CNA other than nursing school clinical, what skills do you suggest putting on a resume? I don't know if I'm not getting these jobs simply because a lot of people are applying, if it's only because I have no experience or if I'm doing something wrong in my resume. I'm beginning to get seriously frustrated.

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Specializes in LTC, Med-surg.

Try to find the crappiest nursing home in your immediate area. I don't care what you do to find that out either its online at their medicare rating or usnews.com.

Then, go there and ask to apply. Crappy nursing homes will be desperate to take on newbies. I learned that

now in my first CNA job facility.

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Still no luck finding a job. Since I have no experience as a CNA other than nursing school clinical, what skills do you suggest putting on a resume? I don't know if I'm not getting these jobs simply because a lot of people are applying, if it's only because I have no experience or if I'm doing something wrong in my resume. I'm beginning to get seriously frustrated.

This probably isn't the answer you were hoping for, but I agree with some of the previous posts' that reference most hospitals prefer someone with at least 6 months experience. You could easily gain that, through LTC. I understand wanting to get your 'foot in the door', but what good is the license if you aren't able to utilize it?

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Sorry - certification.

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At the same time, I understand having your heart set on something and wanting to achieve that. But I think the experience in the LTC could still benefit you :-). In any case good luck with your search

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This probably isn't the answer you were hoping for, but I agree with some of the previous posts' that reference most hospitals prefer someone with at least 6 months experience. You could easily gain that, through LTC. I understand wanting to get your 'foot in the door', but what good is the license if you aren't able to utilize it?

I'm sure they do prefer at least 6 months experience I'm was just saying I met the requirements of the ones I applied to (2 semesters of clinical) and I'm not completely opposed to LTC. I did do some resume clean up with a friend today and already applications I sent in say under review whereas before they just went straight from submitted to not selected. Also I have just recently submitted a few applications to LTC I'd say about 2 weeks ago and nothing from them either. I'm trying to give it time just getting frustrated because I was really hoping to get something over the summer so I could be in the swing of things before school started back up. Hoping the new resume helps, the one I had was apparently totally wrong! So many do's and don'ts I didn't know about, never really had a job that required a really formal resume so this is kind of a first for me.

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