So frustrated...how are you supposed to gain experience?

[Riann216]

Ugh. I am one of those many jobless Americans. I am so frustrated right now because I have my CNA license (certified nursing assistant) but I have not found a job since I got it in August. Not so much as an interview. Almost every job wants atleast 1 year of experience. Well how am I supposed to get 1 year of experience if no one is hiring without it?

I'm trying to get into the nursing program and am on my last prereq's for applying to the program and I see the million nursing jobs out there but am now thinking that hey....what if it turns out to be just like getting a CNA job? Paying for school and everything else is pretty challanging when you have *no* income.:sad:

[vbcarr]

Have you looked into doing home health care? I know a lot of people who started out that way because the jobs were hard to come by. Alot of Veterans need people to come in and either make them lunch, help with medical stuff, bring them to doctor appts and such. Not exactly what you want to do but it would help with experience. Good luck! and I hope things start to look up for you.

[XUfan]

My husband is having the same problem...just not in the same career field. It's very frustrating, because we know he can do the work...but nobody will give him a chance. We're not going to make it on what I bring home, so I'm looking for a second job, while he looks for a full-time one.

Back to you, though. Are you trying the nursing homes in your area? The ones around here are always hiring. I just got a job at one, working in the kitchen. It's a big company, with locations in lots of states. PM me if you'd like the website. You can apply online.

[hotpostalchick]

So terribly sorry you have ran into this problem. I would say it is because it is a employers market out there right now, not a employees. They have the pick of the litter with everyone being laid off, etc. Betty Sue may have been a CNA and then went into another field that laid her off recently. Betty Sue has experience and it would be easier to bring her in and not have to train so much. That stinks cuz who is to say you wouldn't be a better candidate and/or worker than Betty Sue. (I don't know Betty Sue, just a name I made up)
Best of luck in your search!

[Dengineer]

Have you looked into doing home health care? I know a lot of people who started out that way because the jobs were hard to come by. Alot of Veterans need people to come in and either make them lunch, help with medical stuff, bring them to doctor appts and such. Not exactly what you want to do but it would help with experience. Good luck! and I hope things start to look up for you.

I was thinking along these same lines but I don't know much about CNAs and home health licensing. But I know a lot of people have elderly relatives who need some care but not 24/7 RN nursing--a family at our church just this week was looking for someone to sit with their elderly mom. She has some medical issues but really just needs some hands-on care. Since you have a CNA that would be a big plus in your favor when it comes to getting a position in that type of setting.

[Kellybelly]

It's a catch 22. You need a job to get experience, and you need experience to get a job.

Sending good vibes your way.

[sati769leigh]

Ugh. I am one of those many jobless Americans. I am so frustrated right now because I have my CNA license (certified nursing assistant) but I have not found a job since I got it in August. Not so much as an interview. Almost every job wants atleast 1 year of experience. Well how am I supposed to get 1 year of experience if no one is hiring without it?

I'm trying to get into the nursing program and am on my last prereq's for applying to the program and I see the million nursing jobs out there but am now thinking that hey....what if it turns out to be just like getting a CNA job? Paying for school and everything else is pretty challanging when you have *no* income.:sad:

stay with this!! healthcare is one of the fields that is NOT gonna be laying people off!! seriously! there are not enough nurses out there. If you can see if you can get in to some home health care you can get the experience you need. But i suspect yo uwill have NO issues getting a job once you have your nursing degree.

[BostonRed]

It's even hit the once very untouchable RN field, so it's a new and different marketplace for talent:

Nursing Jobs, Once Plentiful, Now Drying Up (WBUR)

[BostonRed]

It's even hit the once very untouchable RN field, so it's a new and different marketplace for talent:

Nursing Jobs, Once Plentiful, Now Drying Up (WBUR)

Here's a better link: Nursing Jobs, Once Plentiful, Now Drying Up - wbur.org: The Bottom Line (Economy News And Analysis From WBUR Boston And NPR)

[MaryMary]

Unfortunately I have to confirm BostonRed findings: nursing jobs are not as easy to find as it used to. 3 mo ago my friend graduated from the program in top ten, but cannot find the job even with staffing agencies, even when they keep running ad in the paper for certain language speaking nurses and aids.