How do I move on to something better after working at a bad facility?

[PrettyNerd, CNA, LPN, LVN]

Hi everyone!

Ok so I have a serious question for you guys, if you guys have read some of my previous posts, I often mention the place that I work at and how I am very unhappy there. I've been working for this facility for maybe 8 months and during that time I have applied to other facilities but didn't get the job. I am very eager to get out of there ASAP because this place has an extremely bad reputation! As in neglecting residents, under staffing, and I can go on...

Like I said, I am very eager to resign but I am afraid my potential employer will look at my resume and think that because I am working for this facility, I am probably a bad CNA or something like that

I will be applying to the LVN program this year, I've been volunteering at a hospital for 2 years and I absolutely love helping people and making a difference in their lives. I don't want people to think that because I work for this horrible company, that I must be like that as well.

Anyway my question is, I know I have to have some work experience on my resume when I apply to other jobs but how do I write that I worked for this company? How do I let potential employers know that I am a good candidate for their facility? How do I let them know that this company doesn't reflect on what type of person/CNA I really am? Also, how do I make sure they are not a bad facility?

I need some advice/encouragement because I am afraid to have the same experience (I didn't know this place was bad until I had been working there) I have a list of other facilities and their numbers next to me of which I will be applying for.

Thank you all in advance for your answers.

[Missingyou, CNA]

There are websites that a family can go to inorder to view a facilities rating with the state before placing someone in a nursing home. It is open to the public to view. You can go on that website ( I think it is different for each state). Search nursing homes/ long term care state audits or something like that. (Think as if you were looking to place someone in a home). The site will give you a rating with the state, any citions received, and the CNA:resident ratio, as well as any comments someone made. It will give you a feel for the facility.

As for what to put on your resume. 6 months experience is usually desired with most any CNA position, if you have 8 months, it shouldn't be much of a problem.

I suggest you write up a brief cover letter and tell them about your goals and the kind of person you are.

Something like "I am a mature, responsible person looking for a CNA position. I plan to apply to the LVN training this fall because I sincerely enjoy helping others and making a difference. Volunteering at _____hospital for the past 2 yrs and my previous experience as a CNA has allowed me to do that. I am excited about the opportunity to continue to make a difference while working here at ____".

When asked why you are leaving your current position for another CNA position with this new LTC facilty, you can say something like, I'm looking for something closer to home.....closer to school.....what a great facility this is....or something like that. DO NOT say something about your horrible experiences at your current employer, since it is considered unprofessional! To bad mouth another facility (even if it's true) will get your resume into the reject pile immediately.