New CNAs- Have any trouble finding a job??

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i moved to phoenix in november and i have put out so many job applications and nobody has hired me :banghead: ( i have only 2 yrs exp. in a nursing home but never received my cna, just graduated highschool in 08) so i have been thinking about going to a cna training program with the hope that i will be able to find a job but i was wondering if any cnas are having trouble finding jobs or if anyone is really hiring since so many hospitals are having hiring freezes? any input would be great! as always, thanks in advance!

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Yes, I am very frustrated right now. I finished my CNA classes/ineternship Dec. 17th, waited 2 months to get a NY State exam date... passed my test and have been job searching for the last few weeks.

I am used to working hard to track down jobs and am not surprised by the amount of time I am putting in searching, I am however surprised at the lack of calls and interviews. I have had 1 interview (last week) and it was only for PerDiem work. I know I am a brand new CNA with no experience, but I still thought the job prospects would be a bit better than they are......

We have had 2 hospitals close in Queens, and most others are under a hiring freeze. So I've been trying to go for just LTC figuring it was my best shot.

I'm very lucky though that I live with my bf who can cover the rent right now, but not my ideal situation! I don't want to keep taking advantage of that for much longer! I feel sooo bad, this was not my plan.

Sorry for the bit of venting there..... just feeling very frustrated!!! :banghead:

Anyone else?? or any good news out there??

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thanks for the reply and i'm sorry to hear about your situation! i'm going to use the replies in my decision on whether or not to spend the money to take the cna classes because right now i'm thinking it is not worth it if nobody really is hiring..

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Well, don't let just my experience influence you.....

In my opinion you can never waste $ on education.... but you are smart to check out the job prospects first, and maybe hold off on classes until a better time (there has to be one soon right!?). The other thing to consider is this.... are you not getting hired because you aren't a CNA? Then I would say go for the class. If you are seeing lots of job postings that require CNA certificate and you feel you aren't getting hired/interviews because you are lacking it, then go for it now. I worked in HR at a LTC and with 2 yrs experience and a CNA cert. you would be a good hire in my book. (we also couldn't hire aides who were not certified, had to be CNA, not just HHA)

IF I could have done things differently, I would have stayed at my last job which paid very well (was laid off) taken the CNA course at night, then job searched while still working... but it didn't happen that way and now I am desperatly seeking a job... not fun.

Good luck to you!!! and everyone else job hunting!

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Specializes in Infusion.

I guess it depends where you live. Here, north of Seattle, they are screaming for CNA's everywhere.

Every floor in the hospital, every LTC.....

I would get your certification....I think it would definately help. To have the official stamp...with the experience....would make you a definate asset!!

Good Luck!

Natascha

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I agree, I think if you have your certification you will get more opportunities. Good luck!

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Specializes in Rehabilitation.

I agree also. Most job opportunities here require a minimum of a certificate from a program but would really prefer a license. I agree with Katycar, you can never waste money when it comes to educating yourself. The more you know the more you make, the more companies willing to look at your applications, and of course a better knowledge of what's required of you.

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Specializes in LTC, Rehab, CCU, Alzheimers, Med-Surg.

I got a full time job within one week of sending out applications. I ended up not liking that job and 4 weeks later got a much better one with better pay/benefits.

Different areas have different markets, and maybe I just got lucky! The hospitals in my area are having hiring freezes also, so it will be awhile before I can even consider working at one of them :)

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You never know when an opportunity will present itself. Get your CNA so that you have more options. Your CNA most likely will also prove useful should you decide to go to nursing school. Some programs require the CNA, others will give points in the application process for it. There really is no downside to getting the certificate because there is a job out there somewhere if you continue to look. You can also run an ad in the paper yourself for a private duty job; mentioning that you are a CNA would help you to get hired. Good luck.

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thanks everyone for the helpful replies! i called a place yesterday & they have a cna class starting in april that not only i won't have to pay for since i qualify for some program, but also the woman assured me she would find me a job. :yeah:so i've decided to register! i guess it won't hurt anything if i won't have to pay for it & i can probably in the end get a job offer :redbeathe

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

thanks everyone for the helpful replies! i called a place yesterday & they have a cna class starting in april that not only i won't have to pay for since i qualify for some program, but also the woman assured me she would find me a job. :yeah:so i've decided to register! i guess it won't hurt anything if i won't have to pay for it & i can probably in the end get a job offer :redbeathe

congrats! as soon as you finish i'm sure you'll have 0 problems with getting a job :up:

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Specializes in Rehabilitation.

That's so good! Good luck with your class!

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