What kind of extra credentials will help me find employment as a CNA?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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So in a few days I am starting a three week crash course preparing me for the state Nurse Aide exam. I am taking the test in early March and hope to be looking for employment in April. The area that I'm looking for seems to have plenty of jobs and there are three major hospitals within thirty minutes of where I live. The only concern I have is that I have been out of the workforce for five years as a stay at home mother. What I am basically wondering is, are there any additional credentials or certifications that will help me find a job? What will interviewers be looking for other than the obvious positive attitude, etc? Any advice that you can offer will be appreciated. It is very important to my family that I find a job!

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In my area, most of the hospitals, if not all of them require BLS/CPR, so having those credentials not near expiring might help.

Good luck in your fast class! I took a 2 week fast class in October and passed the state exam in November. Because of the Christmas season, I'm just now starting to hear from the hospitals I've applied for.

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The CNA training that I am taking also includes CPR and BLS and I have already completed those. I have also decided to independently study sign language so that I can mention some knowledge of it on my resume. I will not be seeking work at hospitals yet. I'm going to try Assisted Living care first.

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Ah ok... I had to take a separate class at my CNA training center for BLA and CPR. Also, I was just hired on with no experience at one of the hospitals where I live, and I was told that one needs to have an excellent cover letter and clean, but descriptive résumé. I completely revamped both, and emailed nurse recruitment informing them of my interest, and received a call for an interview within two weeks. I would recommend definitely contacting nurse recruitment wherever you want to work telling them that you are extremely interested in working for them.

Good luck!

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I was out of the workforce for 21 years when circumstances dictated that I find a job. I've been a CNA for about 7 months and I was hired straight out of school. I interviewed for two jobs, one at a LTC and one for the hospital. I was offered a job at both. Ended up taking the hospital job, which is actually in the home health/hospice department. I don't think you'll have a problem :)

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