Landing that first job?

[amarilla, RN]

Hi all,

I'm a 2nd career R.N. student in my second semester. With no other previous health care experience, (outside of volunteering), I nonetheless submitted my resume to a few local hospitals hoping to get a call to interview as a NA for one of the advertised open positions. I have a great work history, but unfortunately it's all corporate with absolutely no relation to nursing. The only practical experience I have is: first semester (Fundamentals / Nursing I), first semester clinical rotation through med-surg, and a current second clinical rotation through med-surg and tele.

Having no experience with this sector of the job market, I'd love to get some feedback about the hiring process. I applied online via the hospital websites and am hoping to receive a call, but wonder how long the wait might be? Should I try to attend a job fair or expand the search to rehab/LTC? How did you land your first job?

I've sent in my documents to receive a waiver to take the state CNA exam, also, but felt it not yet appropriate to list eligibility until it is confirmed and I subsequently pass the exam. I'd think having the certification might be a big help to someone like me, (someone with no other experience other than nursing school.)

Any advice, experiences or commiserating about the job market welcome and appreciated.

Thanks all!

Best,

Southern

[jb2u, ASN, RN]

When in nursing school, I applied online to an open cna/student nurse position. I never received a call. One of my classmates started working there; so, I asked her about it. She said, "oh just call them." Well, I did and had an interview with HR the next day. Within the week, I interviewed with the floor's nursing manager and had the job.

I guess my point is...give them a call. Let them know that you are a nursing student and you are interested in working for them while going to nursing school and hopefully to obtain a nursing job upon graduation from nursing school. Many hospitals love nursing students because it allows them to get a "first chance" at recruiting a new nurse over other hospitals.

Good Luck,

jb

[rancelumsden]

I was 53 years old and spent most of my working years as a computer programmer when I became a CNA. Hiring process is really no different in the hospitals (in my experience) than corporate. Hospitals around here require more initial testing --- reading test and personality test. But I had the same experiences as corporate --- may or may not have been contacted after applying for a position.

It seems to be anecdotally true, to some degree, that you sometimes up your success rate by going to a site in person rather than simply applying online. It shows a bit more initiative and can't hurt.

Otherwise, no insight. It's all the usual stuff --- well written resume, good interviewing technique, proper dress, etc. once you get in the door.

[sonomala]

The others make great points and I'll add be willing to work second or third shift. I'm a cna grad with no exp that got on at the best ltc because I was willing to pull 12 hour graveyard shift.

[filumena]

I agree with the previous posters about coming in/calling in. Also, I would recommend applying at an assisted living home. That's how I got my first "nursing" job. Believe it or not, you don't have to be a CNA (or even be CPR-certified!) to work as a "caregiver" at an assisted living home. Most of my co-workers had no previous care-giving or nursing experience whatsoever, so they jumped at the chance to hire me seeing that I'd actually been CNA and CPR trained. I worked there for 6 mo. before I applied at another (better, and higher paying) nursing home. Meanwhile, I gained valuable experience--seeing as many of the residents were high- or total-cares. (I'm talking catheters, aphasia, hoyer lifts, dementia, colostomies, etc etc etc.) and I was able to get that 6 mo. experience I needed to get my foot in the door at other facilities and hospitals. Just my 2 cents! I wish you all the best!