How to Get a Job as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in 2014

Joe Weinlick
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If you're looking for a certified nursing assistant (CNA) job, here's good news! The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the number of employment opportunities for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) will increase 21 percent between 2012 and 2022. CNA job seekers will find that using social media tools will help supplement traditional job-hunting efforts. Engaging in professional networking is also a good way to find a CNA job in your area. Use these tips to find the best certified nursing assistant jobs available.

Janet Moore, a writer for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, says the Affordable Care Act will change the way hospitals are used. Clinics and outpatient facilities are also positioned to become more prominent in the healthcare industry. One of the best ways to find CNA job opportunities is to visit the website of your local hospital, outpatient clinic, or nursing home. Read each job posting to find out if you qualify for the position. If you do, submit an application. If you know someone who works for one of these facilities, ask for a recommendation. When you fill out the job application, let the hiring manager know you were referred by a current employee.

Keep in mind that as the Affordable Care Act progresses and Baby Boomers age, CNAs will see a lot of traffic and be given quite a bit of responsibility. Additionally, since these jobs typically exist in prolonged-care settings, you will likely develop long-term relationships with patients as well as interact with their friends and family. If you have an outgoing personality and high levels of patience and work ethic, you'll likely succeed in a certified nursing assistant job. 

If you completed a CNA training program at an accredited school, it's likely your school has a career counselor who will help you find CNA job opportunities in your area. Make the effort to schedule a meeting with the counselor to discuss your career goals and come up with a list of potential employers. The career counselor can also assist you with writing your resume or filling out job applications. If you need help practicing for CNA interviews, ask if there are any mock interview workshops available on campus. Personal presentation will play a key role in your success at finding work, so attending similar workshops can really help your chances of getting a CNA job.

Maintaining a strong professional network is another great way to make sure you learn about CNA job openings as soon as they become available. Set up accounts on sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook. It's also helpful to connect with classmates before your training program ends, so you don't miss opportunities for referrals and recommendations later. What you say on social media reflects on you as a professional, even if you are using a personal account, so don't post any questionable content. Reach out to classmates regularly to find out if they are aware of any CNA job openings in your area.

If you are looking for a new CNA job, you'll likely face some competition for jobs as they become available. To give yourself a good chance at finding work, make a constant, conscious effort to stay up to date on job opportunities in your area. For example, you may want to contact medical facilities directly to find out if they have any certified nursing assistant jobs available, or to submit your resume for later consideration. You should also take advantage of career resources offered by your school, such as the opportunity to meet with counselors or use the school's job-search center. Of course, you can also search Nexxt for open positions, or you can set up job alerts to keep you up to date on job openings. Good luck!

 

(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)

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