14 Most Effective Tips to Land Your Dream CNA Job

The demand for certified nursing assistants is increasing day by day across the US. But not all certified nursing assistant jobs are perfect for everyone. These healthcare professionals work in a variety of environments. Sometimes job duties of CNAs also vary. Some nursing assistant jobs and working environments will be more favorable for you than others.

You can take some methods and steps to maximize your chances of getting an ideal CNA job on the first attempt. Please familiarize them now to confirm long-term success in this healthcare field. To land your dream CNA job more efficiently, remember the following tips.

14 Tips to Land Your Dream CNA Job

Getting the ideal CNA job is a daunting task. You can land your dream job by considering a few things from the start of your school and training program. Here are the things you should do to get the ideal CNA job.

1. Begin in High School

While in high school, you should take classes related to nursing and healthcare. By doing so, you’ll get familiar with basic terminologies and concepts. This knowledge will be more beneficial for you later when you will complete the educational requirements as a CNA.

Read Also: How to Become a CNA While in Nursing School? (The Complete Guide)

2. Success in Your Program

During your training program, give your 100 percent. Spend more time studying books and practicing skills. This knowledge and skills will help you to gain proficiency as a nursing assistant before applying for a job. Plus-point is that this hard work will pay you off when prospective company directors pull your transcripts.

3. Be Self-Assured About Your Strengths & Limitations 

Knowing your weak points and strengths is crucial, and it’s essential, to be honest about them. During the CNA job interview, your hiring manager will ask you about them.

When stating your limitations and areas you require improvement, don’t be sorry or make excuses for them. You should have the guts to accept those limitations & be self-assured that you can easily make improvements in your weak areas with the aid of your employer.

Knowing your strengths is also essential, as mentioning them will help your employer learn about the advantage of hiring you.

4. Have A Optimistic Mindset Towards Your Career as A CNA

Have faith in your skills. You must apply for all the job opportunities, even if you’re inexperienced. You don’t know how handy these opportunities can be, so don’t be shy. Getting a job as CNA before obtaining a CNA license is very hard. But in healthcare facilities, there are other posts you can apply for.

Gain relevant experience in the field; it’ll make you more distinguished while applying for CNA jobs. The more experience, the more-better position you’ll get. So you have to have an optimistic mindset toward your career and work hard from the start to secure a perfect CNA job.

5. Volunteer Your Services to Gain Experience

Working as voluntarily is another excellent way of gaining relevant experience in the field. Check with local nursing homes, hospitals, and other facilities for working voluntarily. This experience will not glorify your resume but also ensure that being a CNA is respectable for you.

6. Have Confidence in Your Skills

As a certified nursing assistant, you must believe in your skills (communication skills) to secure a job. Hone your skills through practice and working voluntarily at different facilities. These will help you be confident about your ability, ensuring you secure the best CNA job.

7. Know CDC Regulations, Federal & State Rules

It’s essential for all CNAs to know the CDC regulations & federal and state rules. The regulatory body that oversees healthcare workers like CNAs is the centers for disease control & prevention (CDC). The primary objective of this organization is to stop, detect and prevent infectious diseases outbreak.

• This agency has stringent rules for all healthcare workers regarding their hygiene, clothing, & hand washing techniques. CDC also observes adherence to these policies through routine audits by its team members at different hospitals and facilities around the country.
• CDC regulations are distinct from state laws or other rules laid down by your school administration or employer regarding hygiene practices, dress codes, etc.

CNAs should know and obey both sets of rules. Failure to follow these rules can cause fines or, in some cases, job loss.

8. Must Know the Dos & Don’ts of Certified Nursing Assistant

As a CNA, knowing the activities & duties prohibited by your state is also essential. For instance, some states prohibit CNAs from changing suction machines/catheters or administering medications. At the same time, some states allow CNAs to administer medication. Furthermore, some states ask CNAs to put on a uniform with a badge or name tag.

So whatever the case is, you must have to obey the rules. Knowing your scope of practice will help you avoid assignments that don’t fall within your scope during the job.

9. Remain Up to Date with The Latest Information

All CNAs must keep modernized with the latest news in the health care field. The more you learn about the newest information in the healthcare field, the more promising your chances of landing your ideal job as a CNA. Here’s how to stay updated:

• Read books concerning the latest methods and techniques.
• Read information regarding the newest procedures and techniques.
• Attend workshops on how to utilize recent technologies in health care settings effectively.
• Attend symposia & conferences concerning the latest strategies and techniques.

10. Research Properly

It’s smarter to thoroughly analyze each organization and post before applying. It will save you a lot of energy & time in the long run. Thoroughly read the job posting to comprehend the potential job’s environment, hours and duties. Perform an online search of the facility to get views of former employees about the job & company.

Look for any news article offering insight into the prospective employer’s values. All this information will give you a complete understanding of whether or not this is your dream job. It will also appear you are knowledgeable about the facility before the interviewer.

11. Network with Other CNAs and Healthcare Professionals

Networking is a crucial component for anyone trying to get an ideal job. A quick assessment of the people (medical staff) you know working in the healthcare industry can aid you in seeing that there are individuals you can call out to immediately. If they are not appropriate to talk with, you can also ask them to get you in contact with someone else they know.

The facility where you’ve completed your clinical experience may have a CNA vacancy. Talk with your instructor for more information. Making it more comfortable to reach the model job.

12. Craft an Outstanding Resume & Cover Letter

Most hiring managers may not ask for a resume, but you’d create an effective, professional resume. Adding a cover letter will also impress your hiring managers. Offering both along with your application will show your resolve & seriousness about your job.

13. Apply at Your Preferred Facilities

Apply for jobs at the facilities you prefer. For instance,

• If you want to work only in hospitals, you should only apply to hospitals for the job.
• If you don’t like night shifts, you’d only apply at facilities that remain closed during the night or to private practices.

14. Interview with Confidence for Your Dream Job

To secure your ideal post, be self-assured about your knowledge & skills. Only a confident candidate can assure an employer that only he is the perfect match for the job & can easily describe his strengths & limitations. Don’t jump to any CNA job after getting your license. By making the proper preparations and being more discerning, you’ll be able to secure a perfect CNA job. Make sure to:

• Practice answering frequently asked interview questions.
• Practice interviews with your colleague.
• Sleep appropriately before the interview and remain relaxed.

Landing an ideal CNA job is challenging, but following these methods early in your high school and CNA training program can help you get the first CNA job of your dreams.