New CNA, looking for job hunting tips, need experience

Dorali, BSN, LPN, RN · Jan 27, 2009

I read on a post recently to try a temp agency. Maybe they can find something for you.

Dondie

lpn2b1991 · Jan 27, 2009

You are not the only one. I've applied to several different NHF and i have been rejected. One facility told me that I was to young and did not have enough experience. I took my CNA class my junior year of high school because i was allowed to. Im 17 years old and graduating from high school this year and I have yet to be hired as a CNA. I've been thinking about trying an employment angency to help me out.

Starchild · Jan 29, 2009

It seems to be like this everywhere. I went on a job interview today for a CNA position. But they were only looking for people with experience. When I was called to come in for the interview, she was fully aware that I had not worked as a CNA since becoming certifed in November 2008. I said to the interview, " In order to get a job you have to have experience, but you can't get the experience without getting a job". I was so mad when I left the interview. I could her hear on get on the phone and tell whoever she was talking to that she can't use this one (I guess that means me) because I don't have the experience. I had to stop at Burger King and get me a whopper to help me feel better. It was a wasted of time getting this CNA. I should have kept working in accounting while I work on the pre-reqs for nursing school. Too late now, I been out of work for almost a year, so I can't get hired any way.

deezy · Jan 31, 2009

I am now resorting to "connections" that I know to help me find a job. I work in a Skilled Nursing Facility, but I am not in patient care. As I continue to work towards my RN Degree, I want to work weekends as a CNA. I amke more than a CNA at my current job, so can't transfer to that position at my job, as that would not make sense. Many people at my job know me and know I will do a good job. I have pulled out all the stops to try to get an in. Also, I have been working in an ICF/DD (Intermediate Care Facility/Developmentally Disabled) for the past year. I work with mentally retarded adults and we do all aspect of patient care to include ADL's, Changing briefs, range of motion, transferring, etc. We even prepare meals and do activities. This seems to count for nothing, because my title is Residential Specialist, not CNA. I have an interview with a Home Care Assistance Office on Tuesday. I told the lady I have no experience using my CNA License that I just got two weeks ago. She said we could "talk about it"..Hmmm? I don't want a job as a residential care taker or aide, because I already have that. I need to find a job where my title is CNA. I am also signed up to become a volunteer at the hospital next to my home. It's a large chain hospital. I've applied for about 10 open positions on their website and used a connection to try to get an interview, but I have heard nothing. I've asked to be assigned to the Skilled Nursing Facility and see if I can build a reputation with the staff in order to be hired one day. Well, that's all I can do. I am going to keep trying until I finally get a break. I agree with Starchild, a whopper sounds good at times when I get frustrated. It's a catch 22. You can't get a job without experience and you can't get experience without a job. A friend in my class got a job at the nursing home we did our clinicals in, but that place ought to be shut down and I don't even want to work there. However, I now know why she went there because they offered to hire us. That would be my very last resort. I tried temp agencys and registries, but they REALLY want experience and I can understand that. A hospital or nursing home calls the temp agency or registry to fill an urgent need. They don't have time to train us. I think volunteering is my next hope. I know it works, as I am the Volunteer Coordinator at the nursing home I work in and I've seen employees fight to hire a volunteer who did an awesome job when an opening comes up. Let's do this! Best of Luck to EVERYONE! :bowingpur

cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 1, 2009

I would look around at your local hospitals and see what CNA positions they have available. Many of the positions will say (6 months - 1 year experience required) but you will find that (for the most part) when you mention your a nursing student who would like to continue working for their facility after you graduate nursing school they tend to overlook your lack of experience. I will say that with any HR department you need to call and keep calling to let them know your interesting (just make sure your respectful and give them a reasonable amount of time to respond.) Not too long ago I was in the same boat as y'all so if you need anymore tips just send me a PM and I will do my best to help.

!Chris :specs:

deezy · Feb 1, 2009

Great ideas! Thank you... :bugeyes:

deezy · Feb 7, 2009

:yeah::yeah:I got a job! A nice 98 bed Nursing Home 7 miles from my house. I talked to EVERYBODY I knew and a friend of mine suggested I try this place. I dropped her name and the lady was impressed with my resume and my references. I start on Tuesday. The pay is low, but since I only can do weekends, I get a one dollar differencial, so that brings it up to $10.75 per hour. Not too bad for a beginner. I found that online applications were impersonal. I did better by going in person. Thanks to everyone who gave suggestions and Good Luck to those who are still looking.

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Feb 7, 2009

congratulations!

yousoldtheworld · Feb 7, 2009

Congratulations! After you've had that first job, it's much easier to get more if you need to.

Remember that the first couple of weeks at a CNA job can suck - you don't know the routine yet, you don't know the residents, and you don't know your coworkers. Sometimes, coworkers won't be helpful to you until they see that you're committed to your job. Don't take it personally, and just remember that the first couple of weeks are the hardest, but it almost always gets a lot better. :)

jangelvi · Mar 24, 2009

Hi Deezy,

Hope that your new job is working out great for you!

I too am a new CNA living in Chula Vista Ca. I became certified two weeks ago and have submitted at least 20 applications for employment. I am at a lost. I really need to find a job and stabilize my schedule as I plan to start an ADN program in May. I had one interview that went well...but the company could not work around my school schedule...

Do you know of any places that are willing to hire a new grad? I really appreciate any info/advice you are able to share...

My best to you!

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2009

I signed up to work at a home health agency. The pay isn't great but I'm very grateful to find something b/c I don't have any experience... & plus its a recession! Who in their right mind would be picky about a job in this economy? The coordinator also told me that in a few months my pay rate would go up :) I go for my orientation next Thursday. My advice is to keep looking & don't give up. I know many of the people in my class didn't want to do LTC & I didn't want to work for an agency. But if it gives you experience, than by all means go for it! And who knows? You might even like working there! Stay positive everyone :)