Landing That First Job After CNA Training
So, you have just completed your CNA training and are on the hunt for a new job. However, after filling out a few applications, you are feeling a little discouraged about the state of the economy and the job openings available.
Don’t give up hope yet, though.
With these creative ideas, you’ll have a winning edge and should be able to find that first job after CNA training. All you need is a little effort, a little patience, and a passion for what you do.
Ideas For Finding Your Dream Job After CNA Training
Locating that first position after CNA training can seem tough. Here are some tips to get you going.
- Sneak In Through The Back Door- Well, not literally. You might end up in a bit of trouble for that. But here’s a unique idea. When you first began your CNA training, you probably already decided where you wanted to work. As luck would have it though, when you finished your CNA training there were no paying jobs to be found. Don’t allow this minor setback to stop you though; it should simply be a stepping stone. If you are determined to work in one location, consider volunteering there first. Show the administrator, director of nursing, the staff, and the residents your skills, your compassion and the way you bond with the residents or patients. Make them believe they can’t live without you. After a little time, they will have no problem hiring you for full-time employment.
- Save Those Phone Numbers- During the course of your CNA training, you most likely made quite a few friends. At the end, you and your fellow classmates exchanged phone numbers and addresses, promising to keep in touch. This information can be used for more than just arranging a night of drinks on the town though. If you are having trouble finding that first position, call up your classmates and see who is already employed. They may be able to put in a good word for you at their facility.
- Make a Deal- Many CNA students have a difficult time paying for their CNA training. If you don’t have the extra cash in your pocket, you may be able to find a facility that will not only pay for your training, but will guarantee your employment. Many facilities, like nursing homes, offer students the deal of a lifetime. If they agree to work for the facility for a certain period of time, usually six months, the facility will pay for all of the costs of their CNA training.
- Check Out Every Facility- Even if your heart is set on working in a hospital or working in a nursing home, don’t be too picky if jobs are scarce. Check out every available healthcare facility. I once walked into a facility to apply for a job at the same time a girl was being fired for missing too many days without calling in. I was hired to fill the open position twenty minutes later. It just goes to show, you never know when you might get lucky. Your CNA training is definitely necessary, but sometimes it also takes a bit of “believing in yourself” and being in the right place at the right time.
- Step Up Your Interview Skills- The interview is an essential part of obtaining that first position after CNA training, so don’t blow it. Make sure you dress professionally; for CNAs, this typically means clean, unwrinkled scrubs. Be professional throughout the interview, be polite, and answer all of the interview questions honestly. Study up on common interview questions for CNAs to thoroughly prepare for the interview process.
Finding that perfect position after CNA training doesn’t have to be difficult. With these creative ideas, you will be hard at work before you know it.
For more information about CNA training, continue to follow our website.
Leave a Reply