New to nursing, just became CNA ... need advice

[CNAnovice]

Hi, I am a 54 yrs old housemom trying to break into nursing. I was a textile designer prior to 9-11, and been studying nursing for the last 3 yrs for a AAS in RN. 16 more credits to go and I failed my last chance to stay in the college program. I resorted to getting a CNA and hope to become a RN later on. 1st impression on getting a job as a CNA is, ( correct me if I m wrong ) hospital won't take U because U R not experienced, so U ended up getting jobs from nursing home. Nursing home may still select you because U R inexperienced. So far I handed out many resumes and no one call back - and I thought the fiels is in need of nurses. Does this not apply to CNA as well? Should I engage an agency to find me work? Whats the down side of working with an agency? Don't they pay U less ( cause they will take a portion of your pay as fee? or expect U to work a period of time before U can quit?) Or should I continue visiting nursing homes and hospitals and pound them with my resumes???? I am in the NYC area, is Nursing Jobs so competitive? Or should I move into the Long Island suburb?

[lilo19]

Hi, I'm going to try to help you with some information about the agencies. But first, something about your situation.

Taking into account that you're 54 and your previous job profile had nothing to do with nursing, imagine how difficult it would be for you land an interview and get a job. Experience...well, you can gain experience in the domain by various ways, among which volunteering and internship.