cna license expiring soon never had a job please help

Ok So I got my CNA at the end of my Jr. year of high school (I went to a tech. school) and I didnt go for a job in my Sr. year cause I wanted to keep up with my schooling. Well I graduated in June and my father had gotten hurt real bad that same month so instead of a nurse comming in I just stayed home and took care of him. He didnt go back to work until mid. October, so I went and looked for a job and no one was really looking to hire because the economy was going down hill. So I figured I didnt really have a summer break so I took a month off. Then after the holidays I went looking again and I applied to the only place in town hiring a assisted living, but I never got a call back. I have never had a job before, and my license is about to run out in May and I really need a job. Is there anything special I can do? Please help. Also I heard that you dont have to be a CNA to work at a assisted living? Is this true? Thank You, if anyone writes back.
Hello!I checked PA + NJ state regs, expect most states are similar:[FONT=AGaramondPro-Regular] In order to be eligible for recertification, you must havebeen employed providing nursing or nursing-related servicesfor pay for at least seven (7) hours within the twentyfour(24) months before the expiration date listed on your