Need Cna Job Advice - Please Read

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Jun 12, 2005

Hey all,
I need some job advice...I am a certified CNA in the Orlando area and I cannot seem to find a CNA/PCT job w/ the hospitals I don't have any experience and I can't get any if i don't get a job. Unfortunately the nursing homes are not an option for me I did my clinical rotations there and was very upset and dissapointed w/ the nursing homes...also them seem to pay less than the hospitals and seem to work there CNA's even more. I am well aware that PCT/CNA's don't get paid very much but i still have bills to pay just like everyone else. i guess I am trying to ask...What else can I do to get a job? applied several time to ORMC & Fl. Hosp. still no word...left message w/ HR...still no word. I am getting very discouraged because I spent very good money on the CNA course...Have I wasted my time and money?
help
Coco:stone

Sometimes hospitals are reluctant to hire a CNA that has no experience right out of school. I would suggest getting involved with assisted living to get some experience. It is not as bad as the nursing homes and will give you the opportunity to work as a CNA and bring in some $$. Do not get discouraged with the hospitals. The process can be time consuming and frustrating. Your application is sent from HR to the nurse manager of a particular unit (depending on where you applied). Nurse managers are very busy and often look at applications as the last thing they do in the day (at least thats what I do). In addition, they may not have any openings and may be holding your application until there is an opening.

I would suggest that you call HR and ask to speak with the nurse manager that has the opening. If you can at least talk with the manager, you might improve your chances of getting an interview.

Remember, being a hospital CNA is very demanding and tough work. Depending on the unit, you may be the only CNA on and have to support the nurses for a unit. Be prepared to work very hard .... I think it is much harder than the nursing home for sure.

In any case, good luck.

10ACGIRL · Sep 18, 2005

Hey all,
I need some job advice...I am a certified CNA in the Orlando area and I cannot seem to find a CNA/PCT job w/ the hospitals I don't have any experience and I can't get any if i don't get a job. Unfortunately the nursing homes are not an option for me I did my clinical rotations there and was very upset and dissapointed w/ the nursing homes...also them seem to pay less than the hospitals and seem to work there CNA's even more. I am well aware that PCT/CNA's don't get paid very much but i still have bills to pay just like everyone else. i guess I am trying to ask...What else can I do to get a job? applied several time to ORMC & Fl. Hosp. still no word...left message w/ HR...still no word. I am getting very discouraged because I spent very good money on the CNA course...Have I wasted my time and money?
help
Coco:stone

I agree CoCo! I am a CNA too. I am having a hard time just the same looking for a new place to work. I resigned from my last job becaause my supervisor would not let me go home so that I could take an emergency leave to Tennessee to be with my father who just had a heart attack! I will not WILL NOT work 4 an idiot that isn't compassionate . :angryfire :angryfire

Cococure · Sep 28, 2005

I found a job finally!!! that is after 4-5 months of looking...it go very frustrating...i am a PCT/CNA @ Fl Hosp. working the night shift...All i can say is don't give up ok keep trying :)

Good luck

Coco

land64shark · Sep 29, 2005

Just curious, did you keep after them or did they just get around to calling you on their own?

Congrats!

Cococure · Sep 30, 2005

hey land64shark,

I just kept going after them via phone calls to the Hr dept. I am guessing after my 3rd or 4th call they figured lets call this girl in for the interview ... :rolleyes:

Good luck

Coco

luv4nursing · Sep 30, 2005

Coco,

hey! What did u say when you would call? I applied to a few LPN positions online and never got a response, but I got an email from them the other day basically saying that they dont hire new LPN's....lol. But maybe Ill have better luck if I stalk them like u....lol Im thinking of approaching them (and ORMC as well) telling them Im an LPN working towards my RN (which is true). They are mainly RN focused there so if they considered it as an investment and that I would stay with them as an RN maybe they would be more willing to hire me. Im going to wait until I have my ducks in a row (license and IV cert) and then approach them. If they dont hire me, Ill work for 6 months and try again. Im determined to get into the hospital one way or another.

Cococure · Oct 1, 2005

Hey luv4nursing,

If they sent you an e-mail say that they only hire experienced LPN well then they probably won't hire you unless you want to be a PCT/CNA - the pay sucks for me but it will probably be better for you cuz ur an LPN and once ur in nursing school no problem for you...that's how a couple of LPN's are doing it now @ FL Hosp. Also have you tried Health Central they are pretty good too and they hire LPN' and the HR dept. is really nice spoke w/ them a coule of times also...i would have probably worked there but FL hosp was closer to home really close! But here are a few other hospitals in the Olrando region ...

good luck

Coco

http://www.health-central.org/

http://www.hospiceofthecomforter.org/

http://www.centralfloridaregional.com/

luv4nursing · Oct 3, 2005

Coco,

thanks so much for the info! I forgot all about health central. They have a listing for f/t and p/t LPN and all the requirements say are FL LPN license and CPR. I REALLY want to get hospital experience just to help me in the future. So even if the pay isnt great, Id do it part time and do agency or home health on the side. Thanks again! Also, ORMC is listing several LPN positions that only say experience preferred so that means Id at least have a shot at it. Ill keep ya posted!