where to go for entry level CNA job??

[567 SeaOtter]

Dear Nurse Friends,

I am in nursing school & would like to get more patient care experience.

The problem is finding a job without 1 year of CNA experience. It's frustrating, Is there a glut of CNAs now too like other fields?

[ItsTheDude]

go in person to every ltc and alf in your area and apply, if you look the part, don't be surprised if you get an interview and tenative hire right then and there.

[caliotter3]

If you can't get a CNA job in a LTC facility or at a home health agency, then look in the want ads for private duty job listings and interview with a private party. Or you can place your own ad to do private duty home care. Those are the three easiest ways to get a CNA job. The fourth source of jobs for CNAs is the acute care hospitals. They tend to be a little more selective in who they hire, but that doesn't mean you can't get a job at a hospital. Good luck.

[567 SeaOtter]

Thanks ItsTheDude & Caliotter3,

As far as private duty home care, how do you protect yourself if anything goes wrong (heaven forbid!)? That is one of my concerns with in-home care.

Any pointers would be great!

[ItsTheDude]

if anything goes wrong in home health you call 911, you're just there maintain them, not rescue them.

[caliotter3]

If you are doing private duty care make sure they give you emergency contact numbers for family members, the patient's doctor, and, of course, you would call 911 for a medical, fire, or police emergency. As for protecting yourself, you should have a written contract drawn up between you and the patient or family member who is hiring you. The client is supposed to pay your employment taxes. If they do not, you need to take care of that matter yourself. It all should be spelled out in your contract. You might want to consider checking into malpractice insurance.

[MotivatedOne]

I think with so many factories closing down, a lot of people have chosen nursing as a profession. Now that the majority of programs require you be an NA, a lot of the factory workers become NA's and because they need a job, apply for NA positions...

Definitely try acute care hospitals. My unit manager just hired four NA's fresh out of class. I think that with you being a nursing student, it's an added bonus. Make sure you mention that either in your application or during your interview. I was hired with no experience at one of the largest hospitals in NC, so it's possible!

Good luck!

[Jihye]

I am trying to get a CNA position in NC also. I have been applying through online application for two months and no interviews not even a phone call!! I am so desperate. May I ask you how you got your first interview? I will beg for just an interview at this point.