4 answers
Grace
Student
Abingdon, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
967 views
What is the best way to land a job as a new CNA? #Spring25
I am getting my certification in May and the only experience I have is clinicals. I am so excited to start this job and would prefer to be in a nursing home instead of a hospital.
Login to comment
4 answers
Isabella Brummer
Certified Nursing Assistant
3
Answers
Updated
Isabella’s Answer
Hi! Being a CNA at a nursing home is such a crucial part to the care of our elderly population; residents, their families, friends, nurses, other CNAs, and additional healthcare professionals thank you! I have only had experience working as a CNA in a nursing home but I truly would highly recommend working in this setting! Because of the crucial nature of CNAs, there are likely many CNA positions available within your area. I would start off by searching nursing homes in your hometown and then neighboring towns, odds are that you will find a position with a short commute. Look at these facilities websites and social media accounts. Typically, the website will share how many residents there are, open positions, admin staff, different offerings the nursing home itself has (such as rehab and activities departments), and may even show images of the facility itself. I have found that many social media pages display the type of environment that they foster for their residents, and if that seems appealing I would look more into that facility! Applications should be available on the facility website, but if not, just call the main number and say you are interested in applying for a CNA position! Overall, being a CNA is such a rewarding job and will always be in need, similar to other healthcare professions. Wishing you the best of luck on your job hunt and CNA journey!
Tara McPhee
Mental Health Tech
1
Answer
Acworth, Georgia
Updated
Tara’s Answer
Hi, Grace.
My name is Tara. I think going into CNA work is a wonderful and rewarding journey. When I started out I would volunteer my time in the nursing home by singing or doing activity time with them. It looks good on a resume and you can always get referrals from the staff when you do apply for a job. If you like that particular nursing home you can apply there because they already know you.
As for a CNA job in general. There are so many careers you can do. If you love working with seniors. These are the best places to look at for careers. Some are more challenging due to the emotional impact. If you love what you do the reward is well worth it. I started out in homecare. I loved the one on one aspect of the job and being able to work independently with the flexibility of making my own schedule. There is also Hospice and Palliative care. This type of care is a little more taxing emotionally. If you are not able to work in that type of environment I get it. Not too many can do it. I really loved working in hospice. I found it very rewarding and many of my patients needed a space to be able to find someone to just talk for a while. Next, is our skilled nursing facility, rehab, long term care, and assisted living facilities. Each one is a little different from the other, but care be blended together. When I first became a CNA most of these were blended. Now you see the assisted living separate from long term care and rehab. I am not sure which aspect you would like to go into as far as the (nursing home) care. Assisted Living has usually a memory care unit and a unit where they have independently living residents as well. Skilled Nursing with rehab will have residents that need care for short term due to a hospital stay and long term for more chronic conditions.
If you want to go into the skilled nursing aspect of your career. Just start spending time there and volunteering. That will give you a jump start on a career. Also you can even ask the manger if they can let you shadow someone or even train you. Some nursing homes now are needing aides badly and will train them as they are going to school. Never be afraid to ask. 👍
I wish you all the best, Grace!
Volunteer your time at a nursing home.
Ask a manager if they can train you.
Ask questions to CNA'S in the nursing homes near you.
Ask if you can shadow a CNA for the day.
See if there are any nursing homes that will allow you to be an aide while you are getting your certificate.
My name is Tara. I think going into CNA work is a wonderful and rewarding journey. When I started out I would volunteer my time in the nursing home by singing or doing activity time with them. It looks good on a resume and you can always get referrals from the staff when you do apply for a job. If you like that particular nursing home you can apply there because they already know you.
As for a CNA job in general. There are so many careers you can do. If you love working with seniors. These are the best places to look at for careers. Some are more challenging due to the emotional impact. If you love what you do the reward is well worth it. I started out in homecare. I loved the one on one aspect of the job and being able to work independently with the flexibility of making my own schedule. There is also Hospice and Palliative care. This type of care is a little more taxing emotionally. If you are not able to work in that type of environment I get it. Not too many can do it. I really loved working in hospice. I found it very rewarding and many of my patients needed a space to be able to find someone to just talk for a while. Next, is our skilled nursing facility, rehab, long term care, and assisted living facilities. Each one is a little different from the other, but care be blended together. When I first became a CNA most of these were blended. Now you see the assisted living separate from long term care and rehab. I am not sure which aspect you would like to go into as far as the (nursing home) care. Assisted Living has usually a memory care unit and a unit where they have independently living residents as well. Skilled Nursing with rehab will have residents that need care for short term due to a hospital stay and long term for more chronic conditions.
If you want to go into the skilled nursing aspect of your career. Just start spending time there and volunteering. That will give you a jump start on a career. Also you can even ask the manger if they can let you shadow someone or even train you. Some nursing homes now are needing aides badly and will train them as they are going to school. Never be afraid to ask. 👍
I wish you all the best, Grace!
Tara recommends the following next steps:
Madison Courts
Certified Nursing Assistant
2
Answers
Reidsville, North Carolina
Updated
Madison’s Answer
Hi Grace!
I'm working as a certified nursing assistant in both home health and a nursing home. After getting my certification, it was easy to find these jobs because many places really need CNAs. These two settings are quite different, so it's important to find the right fit for you. If you like spending time with patients and their families, Home Health might be perfect. I love the time I get to spend with my patients and the bonds we form. In Home Health, you work more independently compared to a nursing home. But if you prefer a fast-paced environment, a nursing home could be better. You'll see many patients each day and work with lots of other nurses and CNAs. To find these jobs, try looking on Indeed or check out local places online to see if they have openings. I hope everything goes well for you, and it sounds like you'll make a fantastic CNA!
I'm working as a certified nursing assistant in both home health and a nursing home. After getting my certification, it was easy to find these jobs because many places really need CNAs. These two settings are quite different, so it's important to find the right fit for you. If you like spending time with patients and their families, Home Health might be perfect. I love the time I get to spend with my patients and the bonds we form. In Home Health, you work more independently compared to a nursing home. But if you prefer a fast-paced environment, a nursing home could be better. You'll see many patients each day and work with lots of other nurses and CNAs. To find these jobs, try looking on Indeed or check out local places online to see if they have openings. I hope everything goes well for you, and it sounds like you'll make a fantastic CNA!
Hwal Lee
DMSc, PA-C
277
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Hwal’s Answer
Grace,
Congratulations on being so close to getting your certification! I was a CNA before going to PA school, so let me share some tips with you. If you completed any clinical rotation in a nursing home and had a good experience, I would encourage you to talk to someone there about an open position. If you didn't, and if you are willing to accept a role only in a nursing home, I don't believe it would be very difficult to land a job in a nursing home. You could look up nursing homes in the area(s) of your preference, then look for open positions at each place you find. Even if a nursing home you prefer to work at doesn't list any open positions when you look, I would encourage you to either visit, call, or email them about an opportunity. I have personally visited several nursing homes and got myself a job although their website didn't list any opening at the time.
Also, make sure your resume is updated and includes any relevant experience and skills. Let me know if you would like me to review your resume, or if you have any specific questions I can help with.
Good luck!
Hwal
Congratulations on being so close to getting your certification! I was a CNA before going to PA school, so let me share some tips with you. If you completed any clinical rotation in a nursing home and had a good experience, I would encourage you to talk to someone there about an open position. If you didn't, and if you are willing to accept a role only in a nursing home, I don't believe it would be very difficult to land a job in a nursing home. You could look up nursing homes in the area(s) of your preference, then look for open positions at each place you find. Even if a nursing home you prefer to work at doesn't list any open positions when you look, I would encourage you to either visit, call, or email them about an opportunity. I have personally visited several nursing homes and got myself a job although their website didn't list any opening at the time.
Also, make sure your resume is updated and includes any relevant experience and skills. Let me know if you would like me to review your resume, or if you have any specific questions I can help with.
Good luck!
Hwal