How long did it take you to find a CNA job?

etxn · Oct 10, 2012

Hi there,

It will depend some on your area, but I was able to find work right away and was hired at the first place I applied.

My best advice is: If your CNA instructor talks positively about any people/facilities - PAY ATTENTION. Write their names down and start there. Networking is good :)

archerychick69 · Oct 11, 2012

I got hired before i even finished my cna classes by a nursing home and a home health agency. In North Carolina you can begin work as long as you are within 90 days of completeing your state boards.

Band · Oct 11, 2012

My nursing program let me challenge the CNA exam, it wasn't through a CNA program or agency though; it took me 3 months. I just kept trying.

Good luck

Lacymom · Oct 11, 2012

I'm going to be starting a CNA program next month and I was just curious how long It took you to find a CNA job after you completed the program and passed the state exam. Any tips for finding a job? I'm really determined to get a job in the medical field as soon as I complete the program. Thanks for all posts!

I got mine in August. Started looking a couple weeks ago. Will know by Tuesday if one place is going to offer me a job and getting ready to see about a second LTC a second interview and then they decide.

duskyjewel · Oct 14, 2012

It took me three months after I finished my course to get hired. Most places didn't want to touch me until my certification came through, and it took me two more months after that. I applied EVERYWHERE except LTCs with the worst ratings, and my first job was in a hospital telemetry unit. I worked there for 7 months before moving on to a hospice job. Have been with the hospice company for two months and like it a whole lot better.

animal1953 · Oct 14, 2012

I'm still looking and I graduated in May and got my license (FL) in June. Still haven't got work yet but I have a interview as a PCT in the OR on Monday.

animal1953 · Oct 15, 2012

As a follow up, i had my interview today and it went really well. Had to put on a jump suit and hair cover for a tour of the OR. This position is for a PCT in the OR. The interviewer was very excited and seemed glad that I was there to interview. Met with the OR director and she seemed pleased with my qualifications and the fact that i want to learn (mentioned something about getting me into scrub tech classes) I have an Admin interview on Wed and then I think I'm going to be offered the position. It takes a lot of applying and in person follow-up to get in sometimes. I figured out early during my clinicals that I wasn't cut out for LTC or ALC and focused on the hospitals in my area. Apply for everything and re-apply when you see the position posted again. You have to go after it. I reverted to my old school ways of looking for work and it seemed to work for me.

t2091 · Oct 17, 2012

Finished my class in August but it took till about the middle of September to get my official license then I got a few calls back and got hired on the spot at Life Care Center last week and I have my orientation tomorrow actually.

MidwestBetty · Oct 17, 2012

I finished in August but I wish I would have applied sooner but I think it depends on your area and how many positions are open. I have actively started looking a few weeks ago and I think I'm getting closer to a position I want. I did get offered a position already in home health but I felt that it wasnt enough work for me because I want to eventually be an RN and would like a lot more experience as a cna than what I thought I would have gotten.

Compassion_x · Oct 19, 2012

I didn't even need to apply or interview. I was already working at a nursing home when I took my CNA class, and I just talked to the ADON and filled out a paper to send to HR and that was that.

Good luck!

kpossible · Nov 8, 2012

I got my CNA license in August (in Wisconsin, you have to have your license before you can start working) and applied in October since my schedule got lighter and I wanted to work during winter break of college. I applied to online ads on the local job website and I got a job at a home health care agency! It's basically driving to a client's home and taking care of them. I'm PRN right now as they try to find clients that fit my schedule (weekends) that aren't covered.

Good luck!