Job Search

[AndiePi]

Hey everyone!

I'm going to be sitting for the state exam August 13 and I'm going to be looking for a job soon in the northwest suburb area of Chicago. I really want to work in a hospital as opposed to LTC so that I can gain experience in this setting. How should I go about applying? I know it can be done online, but I feel like maybe it would be better to do it in person. Also if one hospital has like 5 openings should I just apply for them all? Who should I contact, HR or the department I'm applying for???? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks :)

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

Are the jobs you are interested in ask that you have experience? B/c most of the hospitals around here ask that you have 6mos. minimum experience before applying, which makes things hard for new CNA's imo

[Misslady113]

I'm assuming you would contact H.R and apply through them, in person. The online applications have never gotten me anywhere. Good luck finding a hospital job. You have to remember that you are a brand new CNA with no experience. Hospitals usually hire CNA's with experience because when they hire someone new, that person is more likely to make a mistake, which could mean a potential lawsuit for the hospital if its really bad. So they usually don't want to take that chance with newbie, unless the hospital is desperate for CNA"s. Go for it, see if you get something. But dont wait around for it. Also apply at nursing homes so at least you can get something in the meantime and get some experience under your belt.That way you will look more marketable to the hospital. Sometimes you have to work from the bottom of the ladder one rung at a time to the top. Good luck.