I got the license. Now, how do I get the job?

[kungfu_panda]

I got my CNA license last Saturday. I was so excited about working right away, but nowhere seems to be hiring right now...I've called at least 15-20 facilities (haven't tried hospitals yet) and they all said they're not hiring, but they're accepting applications. Is this common for a brand new CNA? I don't know...I just need some work ASAP.

How long did it take for you guys to find your first job?

Oh yea, some were hiring on-call CNA's. Should I apply for that? or do I probably need experience before I could do that?

[NurseLil-lea]

It did not take me long at all to get a job at a nursing home with my CNA certificate. Also right now, the economy is really bad and so it will probably take you a little while to find a job with your CNA certificate. I would not do the on call CNA's right yet. I will get out there and get experience first as a CNA and all of what it entails. I worked at a nursing home and now I am working for an agency for home care. I only do this part-time because I have a full-time job M-F. Try a hospital, you can gain a lot of experience as a CNA working in a hospital.

[RespiratoryGirl011]

I know around here it is usually harder to get hired at a hospital than a LTC. I received my CNA a few weeks ago, and I am still job searching as well. The problem I have been running in to is that most places prefer CNAs with experience. I hear that once you get your first CNA job, it is much easier to get others and/or get on at a hospital.

[adorblepuppy]

it only took me a few days to find a job as a cna. If you can't find nothing else. Try and get something in home health. That is what i was going to do until i found a small nursing home. I was not ready to have the responsibility of 10 to 15 people. Now i kind of have the best of both worlds. it is a small place. They don't have that many residents.