I am trying to get a Patient Care Tech job at any area hospital and have had no luck. Since I assume the DON has the final word in who is to be hired (or not?), I decided to post this here among all you wise nurses.
Here are the facts at a glance:
I'm 48 (and don't look it, not that 48 is old!);
2-year college degree;
CNA (as of May 2008);
15 years experience as an intellectual property paralegal at two of Chicago's finest law firms;
Was the legal assistant to the General Counsel of a large network of hospitals in the Chicago area;
No gaps in my work history;
Strong references.
Becoming a CNA is more of a service I decided to provide to help others; it's a huge pay cut for me, but I was semi-retired anyway and was looking to volunteer in a hospital, so this is really a win-win!
Am I perceived as too old???????????
Am I over qualified on the one hand and too inexperienced (in healthcare)on the other?
Do nursing students have priority over "just a CNA" ?
I don't get it! I have seen what's out there and it ranges from outstanding to mediocre at best!
If there is anyone out there who can offer any helpful words of wisdom, please do so because I am determined to get in to a hospital and prove myself!
BTW, I check all the area hospitals' on-line job boards daily and pounce the moment I see a new PCT/CNA opening.
I did it! I start January 19, 2009 at one of the area's finest hospitals! I will work three 8-hour days in Cardiac/Telemetry. Never say "Never." I was persistent and it paid off! One nurse told me that she would work for no other manager in the entire hospital so I feel blessed.
I just wanted to share my good news with everyone!
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Have you tried long term care, such as nursing homes? It may not be your first choice, but I find that they are more welcoming and needing CNAs. At least you would gain experience. If you are a certified CNA, it would increase your chances, I believe. In addition, some hospitals may be looking for experience, because they are more fast paced, and showing a background anywhere in patient care may have them consider you faster. I have also observed that many hospitals may advertise, but already have their people in mind...they may be posting as a formality. Not to say that you still won't get in, but I would surely give a nursing home a try, for a start.
At my local hospital they only hire CNA II's (Acute Care Certified). All nurse assistants must have certification and nursing students do not get preferential treatment.
Keep trying! Most jobs are filled before there is a job listing. Take a resume and cover letter personally to HR and be persistent. Good Luck!
I did it! I start January 19, 2009 at one of the area's finest hospitals! I will work three 8-hour days in Cardiac/Telemetry. Never say "Never." I was persistent and it paid off! One nurse told me that she would work for no other manager in the entire hospital so I feel blessed.
I just wanted to share my good news with everyone!
Thank you!
:yeah::heartbeat:nurse:
Congrats to you...... new year, new job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Whoo hoo..........
:yeah:
:heartbeat:nurse:
gonzo1224
47 Posts
I did it! I start January 19, 2009 at one of the area's finest hospitals! I will work three 8-hour days in Cardiac/Telemetry. Never say "Never." I was persistent and it paid off! One nurse told me that she would work for no other manager in the entire hospital so I feel blessed.
I just wanted to share my good news with everyone!
Thank you!