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

Nurses General Nursing

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Hey everyone. Well, as some of you know.... I've taken a break from nursing school and have recently decided that I'd like to get back at it. I can't start back up until next fall, so in the meantime, I thought if I could get a job as a CNA, working maybe 8-16 hours a week, I could at least get some experience to make sure this is right for me.

I've applied to at least 10 different NA positions, and have yet to even get an interview. The last email that was sent to me (I'm figuring it was computer generated), said that after reviewing all of my qualifications, I don't meet the necessary criteria for the position.

I'm just curious what I'm missing. I have a 4 year degree. I have my NA certification. I've volunteered in a hospital for over 2 yrs. I'm married, 3 kids and I stay home. I've never been fired from a job, and I've always had good reports at my old positions.

I guess I'm just worried that if I'm not qualified to become a CNA with all the things I currently have, how in the world will someone hire me as an RN?

I guess this is a rant. Not sure if there is much anyone can say. If you have any advice or any experience, I would appreciate that.

TIA

Jen

Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
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

Yeppers!:yeah::up:

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Here in California, CNA's have sort of been "done away with" due to the ratio laws. Ward clerks too. Or else the staffing is very minimal.

The L&D position sounds good! I wish you luck!

steph

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Ooooh. MN hospitals are TOUGH to get into, esp. around the twin cities! They will NOT (usually) hire you unless you have a year of nursing-home / ltc experience.

Most job descriptions say that. I know. I applied to MANY jobs when I first got my CNA only ones I heard back from were ltc. I did my one year, applied to a hospital, and got right in. I worked there 2 years, then quit as the unit was way understaffed. Now am looking for another hospital job, have currently applied for over 20 jobs. Have not heard back on any. It's a tough market for CNAs right now. I know Allina Hospitals laid off a bunch of CNAs about 6 months ago...so right now there just may not be enough jobs to go around.

I would try and get that 1 yr of ltc experience.

Good luck

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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

I second that. No guarantees, of course, but it can't hurt.

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jen,

ty the mpls vamc. while not a l/d position they do hire student nurses for cna equivalent positions.

http://www1.va.gov/minneapolis/careers/nursing/care_nur_nursing.html

student nurse technician

the student nurse technician (snt) works and learns under the supervision of a registered nurse while attending nursing school. flexible scheduling allows the student nurse to work in conjunction with school schedules.

snt-3 is designed for new entry nursing students in a bsn program. the job would involve observing patients in a 1:1 or 2:1 fashion. a certification in nursing assistance is preferred but not required. a copy of the nursing program acceptance letter is required for newly admitted students. if one clinical rotation has been completed, an official transcript is required. once selected for the position, you will be asked to complete a medical examination and would receive further scheduling instructions. orientation requires two consecutive days of training. (snt-3 position description pdf)

snt-4 is designed for any student who has completed a one year clinical rotation in a nursing program. the snt-4 functions with the unit team and can perform some treatments. requirements include letters of recommendation from two clinical instructors and official transcripts. once selected for the position, you will be required to complete a medical examination and would receive further scheduling instructions. the orientation program is one full week of training 7:30-4:00. (snt-4 position description pdf)

recruiter at http://www1.va.gov/minneapolis/careers/nursing/care_nur_recruiter.html
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Don't leave off your other degree.

Do apply in person TO THE UNIT DIRECTOR. Sure, take your application down to HR, that pit of sloths who may or may not get back to you in a couple of months. They don't know qualified from unqualified, really they are just paper pushers. Take a copy of your application, resume and cover letter to the L&D unit director. In your letter and again in person let her know that you have taken a leave from school, you are planning on continuing to work through school (if you aren't, don't say that now; and do reconsider that position. You might change your mind, and at least work every other weekend in order to keep your foot in the door to the unit). Tell her you want to work L&D when you graduate and you hope your CNA position will lead to an RN position after you take the NCLEX.

Our unit directors love students. They can see what sort of employee they will be before they invest a lot of time and money as a new grad hire. The student gets a better idea of how the unit works, and make a nice transition into the RN role after graduation. It really is beneficial to hire someone in your position, even if you don't have any hospital experience.

Then, if you get the job-don't slack. Don't call in a lot, don't quit without giving adequate notice (better yet, don't quit-negotiate new hours once school starts if necessary, but do not quit if you ever want to work there), don't give them any reason not to hire you when you graduate as an RN.

Good luck.

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Ooooh. MN hospitals are TOUGH to get into, esp. around the twin cities! They will NOT (usually) hire you unless you have a year of nursing-home / ltc experience.

Most job descriptions say that. I know. I applied to MANY jobs when I first got my CNA only ones I heard back from were ltc. I did my one year, applied to a hospital, and got right in. I worked there 2 years, then quit as the unit was way understaffed. Now am looking for another hospital job, have currently applied for over 20 jobs. Have not heard back on any. It's a tough market for CNAs right now. I know Allina Hospitals laid off a bunch of CNAs about 6 months ago...so right now there just may not be enough jobs to go around.

I would try and get that 1 yr of ltc experience.

Good luck

Can I ask which hospital you quit because of the staffing problems?? You could PM me if you wish. I'm really just curious. I'm trying to get the feel out for which hospitals are good.

TIA

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