Hard Time Finding a Job (PCT/CNA)

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I just recently graduated from a CNA program :) and since then, I've been applying for jobs like a mad-woman. I actually was awarded a paid apprenticeship along with 11 other students (from a class of about 30, mind you), but it fell through. The hospital we did clinicals at wasn't hiring at the time. Since the ceremony though, a couple of my classmates have already gotten jobs, and quite honestly, I'm a little salty! I've applied to so many places and I feel as if my resume is pretty impressive and well put together for someone my age. How can I get a job ?? I'm really trying to get one fast because I'm starting college in the next month. 3 days ago I applied at a hospital about 11 minutes away from my house, and the day after it said "Under Consideration" under HR Status. Should I follow up? I'm trying to wait a week before I make any calls.

I really want this job and I have a good feeling I could get it, so I want to do whatever possible to make it happen.

Thanks for the help :)

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I'm currently a PCT in Tucson,Arizona. I can tell you from experience that the hiring process can take some time, (meaning more than a week).

Making a phone call never hurt anything but do not be surprised if HR can not tell you anything since it is the manager of the unit who is truly making the decisions. You will most likely be called to set up a interview with the unit manager. If that works out they will either set up a peer interview or you will have to wait for another phone call to set it up. Hopefully, the interview goes as wonderful as your previous and they choose you. However, you will have to wait for another phone call. This one should be from HR making you a offer for the position you applied for. The positive side of the process is the interviewing experience you gain. I have been told its a breeze compared to.what your RN interviews will be, only now you have a idea of what to.expect.

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I am a PCT but I work as a CNA for a Home Health Agency. I have done this for about two years now. They hired me without any prior experience except my clinicals/externship. They hired me on the spot and so did a few other agencies I applied to. Home health is a growing field. I get as many hours as I want or as little. I make 9/hour for one client and sometimes 10 if it is a couples sit. I am in school to be an RN so this works for me. I will forever be thankful for my company for the experience I have gotten here. They even said I could stay there when I graduate and start out at 35/ hour. So no job searching immediately after school. Only downside is I don't get paid overtime. CHECK OUT HOME HEALTH!

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I'm in the same boat as you! Have you been mostly applying to hospitals? The only interviews I have landed were ones at assisted living centers and nursing homes. Maybe we should start there to get experience before a hospital will want to hire us?

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Specializes in Geriatrics and Rehab.

I am in the same boat. I am a new state approved CNA and can't find a job, except in Home Health Care--which I can't do because I don't want to drive my car into ground. Many home health agencies will not give you gas money. It seems like you're losing money more than earning, am I right? I need to work in a nursing home, assisted living or a hospital.

I highly suggest looking into nursing homes or assisted living. Get the experience that you need then try to get into the hospital setting. Hopefully someone will hire us soon!!!

:)

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Hi ChicagoCNA! I saw that your profile says you're in Duluth, so we're neighbors! I'm just east of Atlanta. My husband is a newer CNA here in Atlanta so I thought I might could help. Have you actually taken your certification test and passed? If not that might be why you're not getting any bites. My husband finished his CNA class in April and was certified in May. He started applying for jobs immediately after completing the course. He ended up getting a job as a home health aide before he was certified, but once he passed the certification test he received quite a few calls about jobs. Also it seems that hospitals in our area are much less likely to hire unexperienced CNAs than long term care facilities and home health agencies. So if you haven't already I would try broadening your search. I've also heard that it's not uncommon to get job leads by walking in and speaking with a manager. I've always heard that was a no-no in other fields, but I've heard of quite a few people getting jobs at long term care facilities by going in and speaking with someone.

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I am in the same boat. I am a new state approved CNA and can't find a job, except in Home Health Care--which I can't do because I don't want to drive my car into ground. Many home health agencies will not give you gas money. It seems like you're losing money more than earning, am I right? I need to work in a nursing home, assisted living or a hospital.

I highly suggest looking into nursing homes or assisted living. Get the experience that you need then try to get into the hospital setting. Hopefully someone will hire us soon!!!

:)

You won't necessarily have to put a ton of miles on your car. I think it depends on the assignment. A lot of people I know in home health care have an assigned client that they work with regularly. You drive to your client's home like you would any other job. My husband works in home health care and has two clients. For one client he drives to the client's home and is there the entire time. No different than if he were to drive to any other healthcare facility for work. His other client is in a wheelchair. When he needs to take his client outside the home he drives his client's own wheelchair accessible vehicle. So really there's no additional mileage that he's putting on his own personal vehicle outside of what would be normally required for getting to any job.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Yes I passed my test and everything . Its hard to do assisted living theres not many close to me and until the end of next month i must rely on my mom for transportation and I cant have her go too far . But I will keep looking !

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Yes I passed my test and everything . Its hard to do assisted living theres not many close to me and until the end of next month i must rely on my mom for transportation and I cant have her go too far . But I will keep looking !

That makes sense! Is there any chance for using the Gwinnett Transit? I know it's super limited so it might not be an option. But keep at it! :) Good luck!

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