How soon do you start looking for a job

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2010

I guess it depends on where you live. A few people on the board said that they put in applications while they were still in the class, but for me I did it after I finished my class. Even then, I had to wait 2 months before I received my license # due to background checks, and though my state gave me a temporary license#, alot of employers did not want to even talk to me without my permanent license

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Feb 16, 2010

I had a private duty job already, and 2 months after I took the class she paased away. I went to go look up my # in the system and it wasn't there. No one from my class was on there either. I called the school and I think they forgot to send the paperwork! A week later I had my # and that's when I started applying for jobs.

Kenrb27 · Feb 16, 2010

I don't plan on looking for a job. The CNA's where I'm from make 8.88 in LTC and I make more than that at my desk job. THere is no way I'm willing to do all the hard work that a CNA does for that amount of money. I'm taking the class because it is a pre-req for an LVN program I'm applying to and/or for experience points for the RN program. I wouldn't mind working as a CNA and getting some medical experience but I just can't do it for pennies. The only way I would work as a CNA is possibly with a registry.

paislie · Feb 17, 2010

I'm in MS and my teacher said some of her past students got jobs while they were still taking the course. So, I guess it just depends on you. I think alot of places will hire you before you actually get your certification.

jessesgirl13 · Feb 24, 2010

I don't know where you live, but in MA, you can actually take a job while you're still in the class, but you have to pass the class in order to take the state exam and you have to pass the exam in order to keep your job.

eveningsky339, LPN · Feb 24, 2010

I don't take my state test till March, I'm in the thick of clinicals, and I've been hired for nearly a month. Some facilities take student CNA's, just expect to be overwhelmed by the "newness" of it all!

Someone brought up a good point about pay. In my LTC facility, day shift CNA's start at 8.50/hr. I could wash dishes in the kitchen for 10.50/hr. Unless you plan on stopping at CNA (don't), you may want to do another job while you further your education, with some per diem CNA stuff on the side.

jolly_tamale · Feb 26, 2010

I went looking about two minutes after I passed the state test and had my temporary license (same day) in my hand. I got three job offers within two weeks. No one would even talk to me while I was still in class though (I tried!)

Restoration · Feb 27, 2010

Thanks everyone for chiming in :). No ones talking to me for sure, theyre all asking 'did you graduate yet or are you certified, we dont take uncertified'. I will start looking after my exam mid april.

jessesgirl13 · Feb 28, 2010

wow all of you guys that say that you get paid 8 something an hour, that's just a total rip off. From what i've been told in MA they have to pay you at least 10 an hour. Don't take my word for it though. this is all still unknown to me. I'm just going off what other people have said.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Feb 28, 2010

I've heard of NAs hired in CA, but they weren't allowed to touch the patients. They were able to pass out water and observe the CNA, and fetch things like linen, make the beds, set up the areas for the CNAs but that's about it.

AmyinNC05 · Mar 6, 2010

I have been a CNA before, but I had to be recertified because I moved to a different state. My class won't end until mid April, but my instructor informed me that the assisted living place I very much wanted to work for would hire before you graduate. So, I went and filled out an app yesterday, and she called me and asked me to come in on Monday morning. I'm pretty sure I have the job.

There are some that will hire before you graduate obviously, and I think it's a great way to go ahead and get your foot in the door. Of course, just starting out you may tend to be a bit more nervous and unsure of yourself, but most places let you train with someone before you go out on your own to care for residents.