Landing a job

nuberianne_RN · Aug 8, 2007

Have you spoken with anyone personally? I would call up nursing homes and ask for the Director of Nursing (DON). Sometimes applications get lost in a paper pile.

You have not mentioned if you are actually a CNA yet. If not, check with your state board to see if you can challenge the test. It may be quicker for you to study on your own than wait for a class to open up. Have you spoken to the director of your nursing program? They should be able to help you. This is only four or five shifts we are talking about. Worse comes to worse apply in another town. You can commute back and forth for a couple of weekends. Don't let this stop you from getting into nursing school.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 8, 2007

I'm rather surprised, because nursing homes tend to suffer from extremely high turnover rates of staff CNAs. Therefore, nursing homes are always hiring new CNAs without experience, at least in my area.

At the nursing home where I am employed, the CNA employee turnover rate is over 100 percent!

~MICHELLE~ · Aug 8, 2007

Thanks for the advice! Yes, I am actually a CNA now. I am certified, but have not worked yet. I have not talked to the director at my school yet. I will try that as well as talking to the DON at the facilities I am applying for.

I am so new to all of this and just don't know how to go about it all. So thanks again!

missi30 · Aug 8, 2007

Keep trying, I was in your same position. I received my CNA in June and was recently hired almost an hour away from my home. All, and I mean all of the nursing homes (and this is in NYC) I've applied to told me they were not hiring and I should check back, when? most could not say. It seems like these nursing homes were on a hiring freeze or something. But all I can say is keep trying and tailor your resume to each job that you apply to. Good Luck!!!!

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Aug 8, 2007

talk to someone in HR at local hospitals too. If you can get hired as CNA you might be able to get tuition reimbursement as employee. Our facility pays even a portion for part-time folks. The hospital may have quickie way to get license too, since they need CNA's frequently. Then call the local school that provides CNA training to see if they have leads. Also, the Literacy Council in my county teaches this class. Check them out. They get a grant from the Federal govt. Last, but not least, go online to your State's licensure board for CNA's. They may have leads.

Morphine · Aug 8, 2007

WOW. Big difference between where you are and the Southwest. CNA's, LPN's and RN's do not even need to be good, but be qualified and have a warm body...bingo, your hired... . at pretty much any facility:uhoh3:. Eveyone has multiple openings and are fighting over new hires.

Try a smaller town outside of the city.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 9, 2007

WOW. Big difference between where you are and the Southwest. CNA's, LPN's and RN's do not even need to be good, but be qualified and have a warm body...bingo, your hired... . at pretty much any facility:uhoh3:. Eveyone has multiple openings and are fighting over new hires.
Try a smaller town outside of the city.

This is the case in my area; I am in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. As long as the nurses and CNAs are warm bodies, they'll be hired regardless of their lack of experience. The only qualifications are that they have a pulse and a license or certificate.

~MICHELLE~ · Aug 10, 2007

Geez....I wish all I had to be was a warm body!!!! I will keep trying to get that job! I have no choice! I have to do it! Thanks for all your advice everyone :)