New Virginia CNA having no luck

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Specializes in CNA.

Hello I am just flustered! I am a pre nursing student and I became a licensed CNA in Virginia in March. I am having the absolute darndest time finding a position. I always here people say that places are always hiring for CNA's, but everyone wants you to have a year or more experience! How am I going to do that if I cannot get a job?? Please someone give me some light to this tunnel. :(

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Specializes in None yet..

I was just going to post the same question!

I'm a prenursing student iin Seattle WA with a 4.0 GPA in all my nursing school prerequisites. I took CNA training from a college, did clinical rotations with a quality LTC/TCU and hospital, then got my state certification in Jan 2014. I'm waiting to hear about admission to nursing school in the fall. I want and need to work as a CNA so I'm not just a desk jockey with a little clinical experience.

I have not been able to get any response to my job applications. First off, 95% of the jobs require at least 6 months CNA experience. Those that don't have never accepted me for the next step.

Please, any advice about how to get that first job is deeply appreciated. Resume and cover letter tips, how to network or break in when you know no one in the system, or anything else important that I don't even know enough to ask.

Thank you!

(Nurse-in-Future, I'll post a separate thread if you'd prefer me not to jump in on yours.)

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Specializes in LTC, Med-surg.

Call up all the nursing homes in your immediate area and ask them if they are hiring. Yes, that means go to your yellow pages and

get the #'s of ALL of the nursing homes/skilled nursing facilities/assisted living facilities.

Try to get information on the nursing homes that are the known to have the

worst reputations because they tend to hire new CNAs with no experience. No joke, the nursing home

where I'm hired has the worst reputation but yet they hired me (new CNA/no experience)...when other facilities wouldn't even look at me.

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Specializes in Hospice.

What part of Virginia? I know the Riverside system needs CNAs bad! I posted my application online and had three calls within a few days. I am working in LTC now. The application process for such a big hospital group is tedious, but they definitely have a lot of openings for CNAs.

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I'm in VA, also a new CNA (received my certification in March as well). What part of VA do you live? I put in numerous apps before I finally landed my hospital job. Stay persistent, try to follow up on apps you've placed.

GL on your search

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Where in VA are you? I am in northern VA and I found my job at the assisted living place few days before I took my state exam.

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Specializes in Long term care.

Try home care agencies. They don't pay as much usually, and the hours are sometimes inconsistant BUT, you can work there AND still be looking for steady work while getting some "experience". The experience isn't quite the same as what you'd get in a LTC and it wouldn't be considered experience to most hospitals, but it could be a foot in the door and at least you can say you work as a CNA....keeping up your inservices and work requirements for you re-cert....incase it takes you THAT long to find something else. I can bet that once you are hired into a home care agency (and they are ALWAYS hiring) you will get a LTC position.

:yes:

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Specializes in CNA.

Yes, it is a very arduous situation. I live in Lanham, Md and I pretty much just look where I can. Most all facilities want some experience nowadays even the nursing homes. I just sign up for as many job boards as possible, chec i with the health sciences department at school, and constantly apply for any position that I THINK i could do. I even started looking for positions as a patient transporter. Prayers up guys!!! Thanks for the info

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Specializes in CNA.

I try to look in northern since i live in MD.

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I live in WV and it takes me 35 min to get to work? I don't know how far are you from Loudoun County, but check out the assisted living facilities around Leesburg area. They often hire with no experience and they are flexible. The job is actually easier physically, compare to nursing homes and you actually able to provide quality care and bond with the residents. Also, i believe that it is a good idea to apply in person rather then online. Also Loudoun nursing and rehab often hires CNAs, they called me twice but they wanted someone for night shift. It is a great facility, they are affiliated with NOVA hospital, so you will be able to get great benefits, and they also have tuition assistance programs. Good luck

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Specializes in None yet..

Strawberryluv & pdiconsults, thank you for the suggestions and the links. Missingyou, thanks for the back up plan. I have a list of excellent new ideas that make me excited about jumping back into the search with some new strategies. I will be implementing your suggestions and the ones I found on the links starting first thing tomorrow. Thanks so much for re-energizing me.

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Well, I guess I am lucky, after I received my license, there are many agency calling me for job interview; I refused some of them, I chose and got the job I like in TLC 10 minutes drive where I live. I think having a CPR certification is a plus. Don't lose hope op.:blink:

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