Searching for a job is unbelievably frustrating.

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Searching for a job as a new grad CNA is easily one of the most frustrating experiences I have ever had.

This is what happens:

"Oh you're a new grad? Sorry, we only hire CNA's with experience. I recommend you try a LTC facility, they usually hire CNA's w/o experience."

Ok.... so I call several LTC facilities.

"Hi, oh sorry, we only hire certified caregivers, not CNA's. You could get your caregiver's certificate and then apply."

I try home health.

"Hi, oh sorry, you need at least 6 months of experience before we can hire you."

So then I call hospice.

"Hi, oh we require at least 6 months of prior hospice experience."

Seriously. If no one is willing to hire a new grad, how on earth am I suppose to get this experience everyone wants? I am sick of the generic no thank you emails from hospitals. I am sick of not getting a response. I have never in my life had a difficult time getting a job. I have never had an interview and not been hired. I am frustrated beyond belief.

Welcome to health care I guess, huh? :banghead:

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You honestly need to start in LTC, go to every single nursing home in your area. Trust me, at least one of them will hire you. I don't even have my certification yet, but I tried place after place, rejection after rejection, and I finally find an awesome place to hire me!

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Specializes in GI.

I'm a new grad RN. I feel your pain and frustration. I think it's worse for RNs than for CNAs. Good luck to ya!

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Thanks! That's my plan for Monday, I'm gonna gas up my car and go to every nursing/health care facility I can find.

Scrub mouse- I'm sorry, I can only imagine what it must be like for an RN. Good luck to you too!

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Nursing homes/LTC are definitely the way to go if you are a new grad. The hospitals here are now requiring 1 year experience :( I'm sure you will find a job soon!

I interviewed for my first cna job on 6/29 at a ccrc (continued care retirement community) and the DON offered to hold the position for me until i take the state exam on the 15th. I was so excited & I was the first person in my class to get a job offer. The facility does not accept Medicaid or Medicare and is a REALLY nice place. Just go in with a lot of enthusiasm and you'll do great. I am starting NS in August too so i'm not sure if that had played a part.

Good luck & let us know how your search goes!

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Don't give them a bunch of info about yourself over the phone. Go to the facility, fill out the application, and find out the name and number of the HR person and when they will be in the facility. If they are there in the facility, ask the receptionist to call down and see if you would be able to hand them your application in person. Just a quick 2 minute introduction can put your face with the name and establish a connection that will help you get a job. If they are not able to meet you right then, drop off your application and IMMEDIATELY call and leave HR a voicemail that says "Hi, this is so-and-so. I am a CNA and I just dropped off my application for you, but I wanted to call and introduce myself. I'd love the chance to introduce myself face-to-face - could you call me at ------- and let me know when you are available for a quick minute so I can pop my head into your office and meet you? Thanks." I got my first CNA job because I bugged the HR lady so badly I think she finally just hired me so I would stop calling her! Do it - it works!

Then call, every other day, for a week and a half. Bug the heck out of them, and make sure they know that you want the job. Most people in HR will not ignore you if you want it bad enough. Good luck! I have been a cna for a year and a half and JUST got a job at a hospital, so don't get discouraged. Once you start working, make a name for yourself with the nurses you work with. Keep in contact with them. Some of them will leave to work at hospitals, and if they like you and know you do an excellent job, they will help you get hired there. That is what happened to me - it is all about who you know. LTC is good experience for the hospital, so get a job there first and soak in all the experience you can get.

: )

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