KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Felicia Branchaud is an unemployed Certified Nursing Assistant, and even in the high demand medical field, Felicia isn't having much luck finding work.

"With the economy being as bad as it is it's just hard to find a job anywhere," Felicia told WVLT.

Anywhere for Felicia is hospitals and doctors offices. So far, daily trips to the Career Center have not been positive.

"I've been looking on the internet and pulling up for CNA and there's nothing that keeps on popping up. There's nothing available."

Numbers released today by the state show some improvement in East Tennessee from August to September. At 8 point 1 percent, Knox County has the lowest unemployment rate of any major metro area in Tennessee. Rates are down in five other counties as well. But in Jefferson County, it's still at close to 12 percent.

"A lot of new faces showed up first thing Monday morning."

Furniture maker BJS in Dandridge will eventually hire 150 new workers. And as of today, more than 300 people have applied for a handful of new jobs.

"In the immediate future I wouldn't say more than 20-50 people over the next 6-12 months," said Lisha Bell, CFO/HR with BJS North America

"How hopeful are you that you get that you land something here,?" was asked to unemployed worker Tammy Mauchet. "I'm pretty hopeful cause I've been in manufacturing for about 10-years and this is my experience so I'd really like to get back into it."

Felicia is hopeful as well, and tries not to get discouraged in her daily search for a new job.

"It is frustrating but there's nothing i can do just keep putting my name out there and putting my applications in."