What else should I do to get a job as a PCA?

Nursing Students Technicians

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I'm a CNA in southwest Florida. I've applied to three different hospitals in my area and at least 7 different PCA positions between these hospitals. I've only applied a week ago, but I'm wondering if there's more that I should do. Should I call HR and ask for an interview, or will they call and inform me? I'm really nervous. I've worked in home health for so long, I'm used to getting an interview right when I turn in an application and then getting hired right after my interview. :uhoh3: Any tips for after I actually get my interview?

I started looking around in the Careers forum. They have a Nursing Interview Help thread.

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Specializes in ER, Med-surg.

I'm going to wear a black, knee-length skirt, black shoes, a gray and black coat and a green tank underneath. I have my interview tomorrow. Greatest strength: Dedication. Greatest weakness: I work too hard (seriously I threw my back out once). I'll tell you guys how it goes. :lol2: I'm surprised that I got an interview that quickly!

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Specializes in ER, Med-surg.

Well, I bombed my interview. I am still embarrassed an entire day later. Oh and apparently my CPR wasn't good enough. It was BLS CPR for Healthcare Providers, but it wasn't through American Red Cross or American Heart Association. I wish they would have listed the type of CPR they wanted on the job requirements. I wouldn't have applied if I didn't meet the qualifications. I'm taking the CPR Recert skills test on the 20th. The interview started off with the Head Nurse wanting to see my CPR and CNA license, so I knew 2 minutes in that I didn't have the job and that just threw me right off.

I think next time I'll do scrubs if the facility doesn't have a problem with it, I felt so out of place!

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Specializes in NICU, ED, Forensic Nursing.

I'm sorry. Most facilities are looking for AHA CPR nowadays. My nursing school made me get recertified right away since I didn't have the "right" CPR. Better luck next time.

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Specializes in ER, Med-surg.
I'm sorry. Most facilities are looking for AHA CPR nowadays. My nursing school made me get recertified right away since I didn't have the "right" CPR. Better luck next time.

Thanks! At least now I know why I haven't been getting call backs!

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Specializes in ER, Med-surg.

Just to update...almost a month later, I finally got another interview with a hospital closer to me. I had an initial interview which I thought went poorly, but I got a call back for a second interview on the rehab unit and I finally got my hospital job! I'm so excited! :lol2:

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Specializes in med surge.

I feel the same way. I'm confused. I'm a nursing student with a gpa of 3.875, I volunteer and am active in the community. I can't even seem to land an interview, however, other students who have less involvement and lower gpa's get the interview. This is sucking, because I had the opportunity to graduate a semeter early by taking summer classes and I choose not to so that I could get nursing experience. I am sitting for my CNA exam next week, maybe that will open some doors? Who knows, I'm bummed right now. Also, when I found out that one of the positions that I have applied for was filled, I sent a little note to the recruiter asking what they were looking for in an applicant, since I didn't even qualify for an interview. Does anyone have any suggestions?:nurse:

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Specializes in ER, Med-surg.

I think once you're certified, it'll be a lot easier to find work. Most of the jobs probably require the certification. There are some employers that actually don't like the student thing! A lot of employers I taked to said they didn't want to deal with working around my school schedule or being too busy or tired to focus on work.

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I applied to five hospitals and probably 15 positions before I got hired. I applied for the job I just got hired at on Friday, was called on Tuesday, interviewed on Friday, and was given the job 30 minutes after the interview ended. You have to keep putting in applications, sending out your resume, and trying different hospitals. Eventually you will find a facility that likes what they see, and they will call you. I applied to some jobs over two months ago, and have heard nothing back. When I go online, it says that my application has been received and is still being processed by HR. If they call me, I will happily tell them that I have a job and will not be working for their hospital.

Keep your head up, don't get discouraged, and keep applying. You will find the right job eventually. It just takes time, patience, and determination.

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Specializes in med surge.

It does take time and determination. I have interviewed for the Oncology Unit at one local hospital and was offered the PCI (patient care intern) position. I actually called the HR department again and asked to speak with the particular recruiter. She asked me a few questions and put me forth to the interview. Yea. So I am sooo excited!!! Thanks guys for the advice.

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