How to obtain a NHA position

I have a 2yr degree in nursing and I am a RN. I have worked in LTC for 10yrs. I took my NHA exam in June 2007 and passed, but I am having problems obtaining a position as an administrator. Everyone requires at least 2 yrs experience. How do I get my foot in the door.

Tammy Carter in Sumter, South Carolina said: I have a 2yr degree in nursing and I am a RN. I have worked in LTC for 10yrs. I took my NHA exam in June 2007 and passed, but I am having problems obtaining a position as an administrator. Everyone requires at least 2 yrs experience. How do I get my foot in the door.

You and me both... I am having a hard time finding a facility that is willing to hire someone who is newly licensed. Pretty disappointing but all I can do is remain positive.

It is not what you know it is whom you know. I am having the same trouble and so is over 3/4th of my class. It seems that our education means nothing.

Tammy Carter in Sumter, South Carolina said: I have a 2yr degree in nursing and I am a RN. I have worked in LTC for 10yrs. I took my NHA exam in June 2007 and passed, but I am having problems obtaining a position as an administrator. Everyone requires at least 2 yrs experience. How do I get my foot in the door.

Would you consider a DON position? I would mentor you as an administrator if you are interested.

I would love for someone to teach me but at this time I am unable to relocate to Texas. I do appreciate the offer very much. Thank-you Again for the offer. I wish they were more people as yourself that would be willing to give such an offer.
Thank-you,
Tammy

Thanks Tammy and good luck to you. Keep trying for the position, I know it is hard, but don't give up. If I can help let me know email me at kmckinneymo@msn.com if you want to talk.
Kathleen

Thank you again. I have entered you into my email address.
I know I will have questions.

Tammy Carter in Sumter, South Carolina said: I have a 2yr degree in nursing and I am a RN. I have worked in LTC for 10yrs. I took my NHA exam in June 2007 and passed, but I am having problems obtaining a position as an administrator. Everyone requires at least 2 yrs experience. How do I get my foot in the door.

First build a network of contacts in nursing that know you are looking for a job as an NHA. When an opening comes up, get as many people as possible to say something to the current administrator at the facility or to the person doing the hiring. By all means, stop by and SEE the person in charge if it is at all feasible. DON'T just leave your resume if they are busy. Stay in the area and come back until you get at least a few minutes of face to face time with either the person doing the hiring, or the current Administrator or DON who will be able to put in a good word for you. Most of the time either one of these people or both will be giving input into who gets the joband if they know you to see you it will help. Also be prepared to work at a dump. Usually these facilities have high turnover and pay lousy but you can get your foot in the door. Then after 6 months or a year begin to watch everyday for an opening elsewhere.

Mr. Jim, thank you for your insight. I will take your advise.

It seems as if the South East region is over saturated with administrators. I too am a newly licensed administrator with over 12 years of nursing home business office and admissions/marketing experience. I wish I had explored employment opportunities for this profession prior to getting licensed.

I have been contacted by several companies looking for administrators but my only problem is they all want someone with a 4 yr degree. Therefore, I do not think I will ever find the position I am looking for. But, I have had so much college but I have not completed the 4 yr degree they are asking for . They are not willing to take a chance on someone who has a 2 yr degree regardless of how many yrs experience in LTC. South Carolina is one of the states that does not require a 4 yr degree but companies are still not willing to take a chance. I do not regret getting my license. I worked really hard studying on my own to pass the same test everyone else did with a 4 yrs degree but companies have their own standards. Maybe one day someone will take a chance and hire me.

I have two masters degrees but am having the same trouble finding work because I'm newly licensed. I'm an older person with a previous occupation as an auditor. I don't think age discrimination but a real stubbornness about minimum experience. The truth is there is probably an over supply of candidates or these employers would not be so demanding.

Pamela in Powder Springs, Georgia said: It seems as if the South East region is over saturated with administrators. I too am a newly licensed administrator with over 12 years of nursing home business office and admissions/marketing experience. I wish I had explored employment opportunities for this profession prior to getting licensed.

I've been an NHA and now a regional and I would advise you to look for a small building in the 60 bed range, be prepared to take on a challenging facility and most of all be flexible on relocation. Also, don't narrow your search to NH's, there are ALFs, CCRC, and independent livings that could also provide options.

I have been fortunate to have wonderful recruiters trying to find me the right facility. I take each interview as a learning experience and I have received great feedback one after another. However, I am starting to feel a bit pessimistic with future interviews. I have interviewed with at least six different companies... and I would think that at least one would give me the opportunity. Unfortunately, I have not heard back.

Funny looking back as an AIT and I hear all these places looking for administrators. Where are those places?

Try to go to the state conventions. That is often a place that people trade information, change jobs, etc.

I am currently in school for nursing(RN),I am wondering what degree does NHA fall under.

Karen said: I am currently in school for nursing(RN),I am wondering what degree does NHA fall under.

I falls under health care administration.
Good luck

I was wondering if anyone knows any New York Recruiters?
Thanks Rob

Don't feel bad; I'm having it hard too in St. Louis, Missouri. I'm newly licensed (August 2007) too and I was not required by the state to complete a A-I-T because I have a BA in Business and a MA in Gerontology (a lot of owners are wanting this). I have the degrees, but lack the experience. So I had to apply for something smaller like a ALF. I have a interview soon, so wish me luck.

Also, I was advised by instructors to stay away from the crappy facilities because if it doesn't turn around in your care, it could cost you your license. From where I am, its the crappy ones that pay the $$$; however, I'm willing to do smaller to get the experience. Wish I would have done the darn AIT anyway.

Tee in Ashland, Kentucky said: It is not what you know it is whom you know. I am having the same trouble and so is over 3/4th of my class. It seems that our education means nothing.

There is a position that was posted in the lexington herald for a licensed Administrator with no experience required, you might want to send in your resume if you are willing to relocate.

I too was fustrated when I just had received my NHA. But as a current nursing home administrator in Michigan, for almost 3 years, I see exactly why they do not take people without any experience. Nor would I leave my building to someone without experience.

There are so many rules and regulations that must be followed--and then the biggest piece is the follow through on all the processes and policies within a facility. And the safety of the residents. It is much more than anything I would have thought--and I did an AIT program for 6 months.

Your best bet is to get an entry level position in a nursing home company, work your way up. Make it known that you are willing to work in another position for a few years... and if something opens up or if you go above and beyond and prove you would be a qualified canidate--you will get the position. And I agree that you will need to go into a challenged facility. As long as you are working with a regional team that will work with you during the challenges you will not have a problem. You will make the challenging building into a much better building.

I did see the comment regarding salary--I would not go into this field about money--only if you really want to care for geriatric population.

Hope this helps

Tammy Carter in Sumter, South Carolina said: I have a 2yr degree in nursing and I am a RN. I have worked in LTC for 10yrs. I took my NHA exam in June 2007 and passed, but I am having problems obtaining a position as an administrator. Everyone requires at least 2 yrs experience. How do I get my foot in the door.

Tammy,
There is good opportunity for you. A larger corporation would be better for you to get started if nothing is available in your home and that is the only home they have available. Have you spoken to your administrator? Are you in a management role currently? I would suggest these things if you are or have not. As well as looking to go to a larger corporation--and be willing to work in nursing management role--for a few years--and then step in when a building in your corp is in need.

I would take a RN with 10 years experience to work in my management team and help them work your way to administrator.

Tammy Carter in Sumter, South Carolina said: I have a 2yr degree in nursing and I am a RN. I have worked in LTC for 10yrs. I took my NHA exam in June 2007 and passed, but I am having problems obtaining a position as an administrator. Everyone requires at least 2 yrs experience. How do I get my foot in the door.

Hi! Tammy, I would like to know how you obtained your NHA liscense. Thank you!

Sean in Windsor, Ontario said: Tammy,
There is good opportunity for you. A larger corporation would be better for you to get started if nothing is available in your home and that is the only home they have available. Have you spoken to your administrator? Are you in a management role currently? I would suggest these things if you are or have not. As well as looking to go to a larger corporation--and be willing to work in nursing management role--for a few years--and then step in when a building in your corp is in need.

I would take a RN with 10 years experience to work in my management team and help them work your way to administrator.[/QUOTE

Quite interesting.

Lawanda Randolph in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania said: Hi! Tammy, I would like to know how you obtained your NHA liscense. Thank you!

Hi Lawanda, if this is Lawanda that graduated from Perry in 98, we are planning the ten year reunion. You can submitt you contact info to perryco1998@yahoo.com and forward us any other people that u are still incontact with.
Thanks

I have 14 years of experience as physical therapist assistant and as a rehab manager in long-term care. I recently got my license as a Nursing Home Administrator in Florida. I have applied to several positions, but I always get the same response,"we need an experienced administrator". I have experienced the good,the bad, and the ugly of nursing homes as a clinician and as a manager. I consider myself to have a pretty good knowledge of the inner workings of a nursing home than some of the "experienced" administrators that I have met through the years. So my question is, how can I get experience if I can't even get a job?. Is my experience as a clinician and manager working against my chances to get a job?

new york administrator looking for work

Kristina in Los Angeles, California said: I have been fortunate to have wonderful recruiters trying to find me the right facility. I take each interview as a learning experience and I have received great feedback one after another. However, I am starting to feel a bit pessimistic with future interviews. I have interviewed with at least six different companies... and I would think that at least one would give me the opportunity. Unfortunately, I have not heard back.

Funny looking back as an AIT and I hear all these places looking for administrators. Where are those places?

Would you be willing to share what recruiters you used that you were helpful? I have not been able to hook up with one. I never get any responses. Thanks.

Sure. Matter of fact, I just received a call from a recruiter at American Recruiters. I'm not looking for an administrator job because I already have one, but he wanted to know if I knew of anyone who would be interest in a 120 bed facility and willing to relocate to Missouri (where I reside).

So if you are anyone reading this is willing to relocate to Joplin, Missouri, the company is willing to pay relocation fees for the "right" person (whomever that may be). Just let me know if you are interested and I'll forward you his information.

Start as an assistant at reputable companies like Kindred, LCCA, Golden Living, and NHCCARE. Good Luck

I have 13 years experience in LTC, 5 yrs as a charge nurse and 7 yrs as an Administrator. I need a job as administrator in Dallas/Fortworth area. Please let me know anybody if there is an openinig

Tammy Carter in Sumter, South Carolina said: I have a 2yr degree in nursing and I am a RN. I have worked in LTC for 10yrs. I took my NHA exam in June 2007 and passed, but I am having problems obtaining a position as an administrator. Everyone requires at least 2 yrs experience. How do I get my foot in the door.

I have been a D.O.N in LTC for over 20 years and have had my NHA license for over a year .I continue to search for an administrator position .I was able to work about 5monthe ,but the facility I was at needed a DON worst.which I switched to.I continue to search . I to am open to any pointers. I wish you the best

It is a challenge to find a NHA position but,I continue to search.It has been about a year and a half since I received my license.I have over twenty years experience as a D.O.N.I am hoping with this much experience in LTC it would be a great asset to some one in need.

Emmanuel Akin-yemi in Forney, Texas said: I have 13 years experience in LTC, 5 yrs as a charge nurse and 7 yrs as an Administrator. I need a job as administrator in Dallas/Fortworth area. Please let me know anybody if there is an openinig[/QUOTECa]

Have you applied with Fundemental Health or Stonegate Senior Care. I recently departed Stonegate Senior Care in North Dallas to relocate to Austin Area but still keep in touch and know that they were looking for Administrators in 3-4 facilities in the metroplex. Some of those I were told were being filled but I believe their Richardson Location is currently looking and possible their Arlington annd Fort Worth buildings. They may still be looking for my vacated position in North Dallas. Call Julie Sisk in HR. Contact info at www.stonegateseniorcare.com. It is a good company that is rapidly growing.

Emmanuel Akin-yemi in Forney, Texas said: I have 13 years experience in LTC, 5 yrs as a charge nurse and 7 yrs as an Administrator. I need a job as administrator in Dallas/Fortworth area. Please let me know anybody if there is an openinig

You might check with Daybreak or Fundimental . They have a lot of homes in Texas.

Tammy Carter in Sumter, South Carolina said: I have a 2yr degree in nursing and I am a RN. I have worked in LTC for 10yrs. I took my NHA exam in June 2007 and passed, but I am having problems obtaining a position as an administrator. Everyone requires at least 2 yrs experience. How do I get my foot in the door.

Interesting! I just happened to come upon this chat room researching schools that offer the 120 hours course work to sit for the NHA exam. I have my MBA-Healthcare Services degree and have worked in SNF for over 15 years in the capacity of Rehab manager. I'm currently managing the rehab department for 1 SNF and a Critical Access Hospital. So, my question to you is, should I go for it or is it a waist of time? I have worked as a manager and have my master's degree. Please advise. Thanks!

Ivan L in Winter Haven, Florida said: I have 14 years of experience as physical therapist assistant and as a rehab manager in long-term care. I recently got my license as a Nursing Home Administrator in Florida. I have applied to several positions, but I always get the same response,"we need an experienced administrator". I have experienced the good,the bad, and the ugly of nursing homes as a clinician and as a manager. I consider myself to have a pretty good knowledge of the inner workings of a nursing home than some of the "experienced" administrators that I have met through the years. So my question is, how can I get experience if I can't even get a job?. Is my experience as a clinician and manager working against my chances to get a job?

I believe what you are missing is the healthcare administration background. Simply working as a rehab manager and without the financial backing does not help.

Thanks for your contribution, I have sent my resume to Julie but I did not get any response from Julie or the RDO. Please let me know if you have net work with anyone there. Emmanuel Akin-yemi

Emmanuel Akin-yemi in Forney, Texas said: Thanks for your contribution, I have sent my resume to Julie but I did not get any response from Julie or the RDO. Please let me know if you have net work with anyone there. Emmanuel Akin-yemi

Have you tried Ltc.com?
also give a call to Spencer Coon 1-800-908-1515
V.brewer of Cooper,Tx

Hi Tammy, Emmanuel & Ivan, networking probably the best way. It is hard to be seen in this industry without any connection to anyone. I have seen 'so so Administrators' move from one Administrator position to another just because they have the connection or the 'inner circle'.

Bigger states probably offer you with some opportunities. Small states like Massachusetts - You need that inner circle or super lucky.

msdarogers in Saint Louis, Missouri said: Sure. Matter of fact, I just received a call from a recruiter at American Recruiters. I'm not looking for an administrator job because I already have one, but he wanted to know if I knew of anyone who would be interest in a 120 bed facility and willing to relocate to Missouri (where I reside).

So if you are anyone reading this is willing to relocate to Joplin, Missouri, the company is willing to pay relocation fees for the "right" person (whomever that may be). Just let me know if you are interested and I'll forward you his information.

Yes! I am currently and administrator in Big Spring and would not mind a relocation to Missouri if the working conditions are suitaable. i am ready for relocation. Please provide me with more information on this possibilty and any others you may have.

Stephanie Osborn in Sayre, Pennsylvania said: I believe what you are missing is the healthcare administration background. Simply working as a rehab manager and without the financial backing does not help.

You definitely are lacking I am finishing my Masters specifically in Long-Term Care Administration and am doing my AIT with an experienced Administrator who was willing to pay me while I train. I am training for a year although I can get licensed in less. This is my third Masters. So why don't you take the time to get some advanced education and maybe someone would be interested. Just because the state licensed you doesn't mean you can do the job.

You definitely are lacking I am finishing my Masters specifically in Long-Term Care Administration and am doing my AIT with an experienced Administrator who was willing to pay me while I train. I am training for a year although I can get licensed in less. This is my third Masters. So why don't you take the time to get some advanced education and maybe someone would be interested. Just because the state licensed you doesn't mean you can do the job.

You received an MBA in Healthcare Aministration. Who was the fool who gave you the degree or probably it's probably from one of those online diploma mills. As you should know that it's waste of time not "waist" of time.

I think they have filled it, but I'm not certain. But here is the information:

Steven Wiener
Executive Healthcare Recruiter
Long Term Care Division
American Recruiters
6400 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 100
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
www.americanrecruiters.com
954-492-4683 (direct)
888-813-5979 (toll free)
954-493-9582 (fax)
swiener@ariteam.com

Mary in Syracuse, New York said: You received an MBA in Healthcare Aministration. Who was the fool who gave you the degree or probably it's probably from one of those online diploma mills. As you should know that it's waste of time not "waist" of time.

Mary, you seem to be very angry. Unfortunately, it was a simple mistake (a typo). No, my degree was not from one of those diploma mills but from a reputable university! Please, in the future, behave professionally when in a dialogue with professionals. Thank you.

Mary in Syracuse, New York said: You definitely are lacking I am finishing my Masters specifically in Long-Term Care Administration and am doing my AIT with an experienced Administrator who was willing to pay me while I train. I am training for a year although I can get licensed in less. This is my third Masters. So why don't you take the time to get some advanced education and maybe someone would be interested. Just because the state licensed you doesn't mean you can do the job.

Mary chill out. You are the one who chose to get 3 masters degrees. Why are you mad that other people can do the same job with a lot less education. I can tell you right now that your temperament will not suffice in the long term care industry. It so highly regulated that a hot head like yourself will get frustrated. I would urge to read a new earth and just take it easy and enjoy the ride. What good has your hot head got you so far. It is a lot easier to be nice in this world.

Catherine in Wichita, Kansas said: Mary chill out. You are the one who chose to get 3 masters degrees. Why are you mad that other people can do the same job with a lot less education. I can tell you right now that your temperament will not suffice in the long term care industry. It so highly regulated that a hot head like yourself will get frustrated. I would urge to read a new earth and just take it easy and enjoy the ride. What good has your hot head got you so far. It is a lot easier to be nice in this world.

You are so right Catherine, There are only two things that are a sure thing in this industry. 1 You will lose the job you have. and 2 You will get another one. Don't mean to be flip, but one truly needs a sense of humor in this job.

I just came across this forum, I might be able to help some of you all out if you are in Texas and/or Louisiana. I am a recruiter based in Louisiana.

Michael OBoyle-Recruiter in Shreveport, Louisiana said: I just came across this forum, I might be able to help some of you all out if you are in Texas and/or Louisiana. I am a recruiter based in Louisiana.

Micheal what are your contacts? I think you forgot to leave your email adress or your phone number.