how does a newly certified nursing asisstant find a job?

[james112]

hello i am very frustrated cna. i chose to become a cna because i needde the chance to make some money while i continue my education and become a rn. also, i thought it would help me be a better rn, because i would have the experience of working with patients.anyway i started school in january for cna and pct and i finished in june recieved my certification for cna in july.now when i look for jobs it seems everwhere that i look they want someone with 6 months a year or more experience. its truly frustrating because how can i get experience if i dont get the opportunity to work and get it!!!!!

[amc911]

I am in the chicago area and the LTC where I did clinicals hired us before others since we had experience and they want to help out the students who helped them. Trying to get a job in a hospital is almost impossible with no experience unless you know someone. I was lucky to know an Asst Director who put in a good word with HR they pulled my application for a HUGE pile to call and interview me. Wow them in your interview if you get that chance I did and they said they are more then willing to train the right person - they were looking more for a good attitude then experience now I am starting in two weeks a PCT position in L&D exactly where I want to be!! Dont quit on your dreams - Good Luck!!!

[james112]

i am not giving up i actually tried to get hired a the ltc where i did my clinicals at and i think i need to go up there cause some students where i did my phlebotomy and ekg classes work there so i going to hope to call in a favor wish me luck on that.but in georgia they are so damn funny acting they want stuff that has nothing to do with the job as qualifications you know like driving record and insurance as long as i can get to work do my job and im no felon,assault or endanger the pts that i work for that should be all you need oh a good drug screen.lol

[Tamoune]

It is becoming extremely hard to find a job in Georgia:crying2: .It's really who you know and not what you know. Another thing that kills me is when they say they want experience. How will I gain the experience if no one gives me the opportunity. A good friend of my got into a hospital as a CNA without any experience. I guess it all has to do with timing. Hopefully my timing is around the corner. Soooo stressed and depressed.

[Gennabean,CNA]

Get in while they are hurting for people. Most of the time, they won't even care if you are certified, they just need bodies to do the job. Kindred Healthcare is a great starter company and they hire right off of the exams. :) also, try and find some RNs and instructors that can be references for you. And thoroughly looking through monster.com and Craigslist and your local newspaper(s) help alot too. I became addicted to Craigslist when I was looking for a job, but then I got hired at the same facility I did my clinicals at. Just keep looking and don't quit. :) Also, calling and going into facilities and asking if they are hiring, even if their website says they aren't, helps too. :)

Good luck, and God Bless!!

[Cristae]

I'll second that Kindred is a great starter. That's where I started working and there were a lot of great people that took the time to show me the ropes.