Is anyone having trouble finding a Job?

soon2bnurse1 · Jul 2, 2007

I am also having a little trouble as well getting a job. I just finished my CNA course of 3weeks and I am really looking for work until i recieve my cetification...SOmepne please giveme some insight... :cry:

casi, ASN, RN · Jul 3, 2007

As a new CNA it seemed to take forever to find a job, but once people started calling me for interviews, I got a lot of calls. It’s taken me anywhere from a week to three months to hear back on an application. The wait depends on the facility and what they have open and what kind of people they are looking for.

Honestly when it comes to your first job, apply anywhere and everywhere that hires CNA’s. Well, I wouldn’t apply to those places you know have bad staffing ratios or other employee conflicts. Scour the help wanted in the newspapers and local job sites. Also for nursing homes, assisted livings, home care, and hospitals check to see if they have a website. Most of these places will post job openings on their websites before they post them elsewhere.

Just remember that once you get some experience it’s easier to find jobs in the facilities that you’d prefer to work.

missi30 · Jul 3, 2007

Casi,

Thank you! I do realize that everyone wants experience. But how do they expect you to get it. Anyway, I will keep on trying. Again thank you for the advice.

kalmeira · Jul 4, 2007

I would recommend asking in person rather than online. I fillled out hundreds of online applications for months with little response. I was frustrated because everyone said they wanted 1 year experience, but how do you get experience. Then I went to a LTC facility in person and was hired right away, within days. I didn't even know if they were hiring, I just asked if I could apply. I think it helps to apply in person, because even if you have no experience, if they see you can speak well, and don't seem like a total wacko they will be more likely to hire you.

SHELL75 · Jul 4, 2007

Honey You Can Work At Any Nursing Home, Long Term Care Facility Or Assisted Living. Dont Know Where You From, But Everyplace I Know Of Is Desperate For Cna's. Know They're Not The Greatest Places Sometimes, But They Are Great For Experience.

SHELL75 · Jul 4, 2007

Just A Hint, Catch The Don At Shift Change At Any Nursing Home. Usually They're Cranky Because Someone Has Called In And They Are Short Staffed Anyway. Lol Done It For 8 Yrs. Trust Me.

RNDreamer · Jul 5, 2007

I feel your pain. (also in NYC) I have been a CNA since November and can't find a job either. I was only able to get an HHA job. I have sent my resume to nursing homes and hospitals, and have even called nursing homes to see if they are hiring. No, they are not and I receive no calls regarding my resume. I am interested in taking a nurse tech course (ekg & phlebotomy), but am hestitant on spending more money and still not being able to find a job...SIGH!

I've recently become certified and would love to work in the hospitals, but none of the hospitals I've applied to responded yet! It's been weeks and in some cases a month. How long does this process generally take? I've also applied to several nursing homes.
Oh, btw I'm in NYC.

bethin · Jul 6, 2007

Follow up on your applications. Depending on the size of the hospital it could take them 2 weeks for HR to look at your application and refer it to the right NM. Also, did you include a resume? I find that that is very important also. If you're not CPR certified get that done. That will be a plus when you do get an interview.

I had done LTC for 6 months when I was hired on a med surg floor so it does happen! I put in my application and didn't get called back for 3 months because at the time they didn't have any openings. Five years later I've floated to ER, ICU, LTC (part of hospital, ugh) and OB. I feel well rounded.

I agree with another poster, apply everywhere and if you're able, do any shift. Being flexible is a plus.

I have applied to other hospitals for OB and have been turned down d/t lack of experience, floating did not count to them. I'm with you - if I can't work OB how am I supposed to get experience?

I wish you lots of luck and hope you get a call tomorrow! Keeping my fingers crossed for ya!

soon2bnurse1 · Jul 6, 2007

Follow up on your applications. Depending on the size of the hospital it could take them 2 weeks for HR to look at your application and refer it to the right NM. Also, did you include a resume? I find that that is very important also. If you're not CPR certified get that done. That will be a plus when you do get an interview.
I had done LTC for 6 months when I was hired on a med surg floor so it does happen! I put in my application and didn't get called back for 3 months because at the time they didn't have any openings. Five years later I've floated to ER, ICU, LTC (part of hospital, ugh) and OB. I feel well rounded.
I agree with another poster, apply everywhere and if you're able, do any shift. Being flexible is a plus.
I have applied to other hospitals for OB and have been turned down d/t lack of experience, floating did not count to them. I'm with you - if I can't work OB how am I supposed to get experience?
I wish you lots of luck and hope you get a call tomorrow! Keeping my fingers crossed for ya!

Thanx for your advice! you sure were very helpful! thanx every1!:balloons:!