I'm irritated. Apparently not qualified enough to be a CNA

Tweety, BSN, RN · Oct 2, 2008

If you have your NA license you're qualified. Part of the problem might be that you're a student only wanting to work a few hours a week. Or you're overqualified with your other degree. They probably fear you're not in it for the long haul.

Have you applied to hospitals. Maybe you can somehow word it that you're looking for a NA position that will lead to an RN position when you graduate. Many hospitals are supportive of this idea because they will get an RN for their facility in the future.

Good luck.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Oct 2, 2008

I agree with Tweety...especially the point about not being there for the long haul. Did you apply for a per diem position? Or maybe the volunteer work you listed did not specify CNA duties? Maybe rewording the resume to language related to the CNA may be in order. Good luck!

jjjoy, LPN · Oct 2, 2008

It can be tough to get a position if you appear to be overqualified. They are afraid you won't stick around.

In addition, hospitals are infamous for not following up on applications so you really have to almost pester them to get anywhere.

Have you been in in person to the facilities? Some recruiting personnel can be brusque but others can be quite helpful if they realize that you are sincere in your efforts and not just bombarding every facility in a 20 mile radius with an on-line application.

Maybe you can try to arrange an "informational interview" with some nursing managers of units you are interested in to inquire about what kind of experience they would suggest for you to prepare for a career in nursing. No need to be pushy, but let them know you're available and willing to work as an NA if they know of a position opening up anywhere.

If money isn't a concern, maybe you can volunteer on a couple of different units, get familiar with the nurses and nurse managers and keep reminding them that you're looking for an opportunity to work as an NA.

It's a pain to have to keep pushing and getting rebuffed when you just want to get started! If there's no rush to find paid employment, though, you may be able to take advantage of that.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Oct 2, 2008

Show up with the completed application.

I think the problem is, as has been stated, that you are "over-qualified."

luvmy3kids · Oct 3, 2008

thank you all for your replies. i pasted a copy of the email they sent me today. i guess if you read into it, it doesn't really say i'm underqualified, i just got that feeling the first time i read it.

here is the email i received today: (i substituted xxx's in place of the hospital name just for safety sake... i'm weird like that)

dear mrs jennifer x,

thank you for your interest in our career opportunities at xxx hospitals & clinics, and applying for the nursing assistant - float pool position, job id 413133, 16 hours per week, day shift at xxx hospital.

in selecting candidates, many considerations such as experience, education, and training are taken into account. with the information that you have provided on your application, your skills and/or experience do not fully correspond with our current needs for this position. therefore, i am not able to continue to consider your application for this position.

thank you again for your interest in xxx, where we are committed to creating an environment that helps passionate people thrive and excel, whether in caring for our patients, our communities or each other.

we encourage you to visit our website at [color=#003399]xxx to view and apply for other positions that interest you, and we wish you the best in your future endeavors.

best regards,

xxx recruitment center

xxx hospitals & clinics

casi, ASN, RN · Oct 3, 2008

I've found that especially in MN hospitals are very picky about who they hire. If you don't have hospital experience it's really hard to get in.

Keep up at it, if you know anyone who works for a hospital you are applying to see if they can refer you, and follow up with HR.

nebrgirl · Oct 3, 2008

It seems to me that getting a CNA job is a lot like getting a nursing job, as far as a "dues paying" kind of thing. Meaning if the job you applied for was "great" hours, location, etc...then chances are they had a deep pool of people with experience, and perhaps even "in house" folks. First jobs are often night shifts, and stressed out units.

justme1972 · Oct 3, 2008

Send out applications....leave the 4 year degree off.

I'm serious.

They probably know that you'll be there for a short period of time and that is why you are not getting calls.

just_cause, BSN, RN · Oct 3, 2008

I concur with above... you might not want to market your personal qualifications and ambitions and focus on what a CNA employeer would want - a CNA qualified person....vs a student wanting unique hours and leaving after a short term commitment.. good luck!!!

RNfaster · Oct 3, 2008

Ten applications is not a lot. I have a four-year degree, all my pre-requisites for nursing school, and a corporate background. --I am career changing. For my first CNA job, I had to send in about 100 applications (I counted them in my e-mail). For this last job, I sent in about 50. Send in more applications regularly. An HR rep told me I needed to respond to a job posting as soon as it was published as my chances declined the longer it was up.

I was also flexible as to hours (even night vs. day shift). The more parameters you place, the lower your chances. As I understand it, hospitals are tougher to get into compared to long-term care facilities.

Good luck.

luvmy3kids · Oct 3, 2008

Thank you all again, for your helpful responses. There is a current position, that was posted yesterday, for a NA in L&D (my dream). I applied online, but do you suggest for me to apply in person? TIA