New CNA in ATL cant find job

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · May 11, 2011

hmmm, that sucks because nursing homes are usually the easiest place to find a job, especially as a new CNA. Maybe you can find a private duty job taking care of someone. You wouldn't be working as a CNA, but as a "caregiver." So that wouldn't count toward the hours needed to maintain your CNA status, but at least it's "experience." Are there any assisted living places or adult day care centers in your area? Home health agencies?

Sophia_CNA · May 14, 2011

I am a CNA in the metro Atlanta area and I understand what you're saying. Unlike most states (or so it seems per comments) it isn't easy to get a job in a LTC facility in GA as a new grad. They're as competitive as Hospitals.

This is what I did. While waiting to take my state exam and seeking employment, I volunteered at a Hospice company. No, you won't be working as a CNA, but it looks good on your resume AND you are gaining interpersonal patient care experience. It shows you're eager and dedicated to caring for others. Also, it gives you a great industry-related, professional reference.

Another good option I've found is working in Home health. Some companies (not many and do your research) will hire you as a CNA and not just a HHA or caregiver. The benefits are working one-on-one with one client at a time. As a new grad, this may be helpful as you transition into the field. Caring for many clients at once can be overwhelming, especially when you’re transitioning from knowing skills in theory vs. practice. In addition, and again depending on the company, you get to use a lot of skills as well as learn new ones (manual and mechanical transfers etc). Stating experience with skills is key.

Modify your resume to reflect what you did that’s pertinent to the role of a CNA. For example, I had a previous job as a Secretary. Instead of highlighting the usual, I modified my achievements and job function to show I was capable of handling sensitive information, providing client confidentiality, accurately documenting and recording information etc. This may be a creative way to highlight none related jobs and show how skills transition from one profession to another. Bottom line, patient rights and confidentiality is pretty standard. If you’ve done it somewhere before, you are very capable of doing it again. Working in food service and retail is great for showing customer service, ability to multi-task and problem solve.

Being prepared for an interview should include going in as if you can start right there on the spot. I went into all my interviews with: Copies of resume, recent background check, current TB screening, copies of CNA certification, copies of CPR/First aid, any letter of recommendations from teachers and/or past employers. This showed I was serious and ready. Many who interviewed me were very impressed.

karamarie91 · May 15, 2011

^^^Wow. That's a great answer. I am also a new CNA in Metro Atlanta and I got my first CNA job by volunteering at a nursing home. I totally agree with being prepared and highlighting your past jobs(especially if it was in customer service)

Best wishes.