Advice for San Diego,CA

[JofAllTrades, BSN, RN]

Hello All!

I was wondering if there was anyone out there with actual examples (not just general suggestions) for part time employment for a full time nursing student?

I'll be scheduled to start a AcBSN in January of 2017- and my current employer has already confirmed they will not be able to covert my current Salary FT job into an Hourly PT position... I mourned this heavily as I'm very well paid and love my job - but it just doesn't fit within their business model or needs at this time....

I'm trying to research possible PT employment so I can start applying about a month or so before school starts. I know the usual suggestions are Patient Care Tech, Transporter, Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Tech, CNA etc...

Here is my current issue ... I'm a certified case manager for a health plan and has a Masters in Healthcare Admin... BUT - I DO NOT HAVE ANY OF THESE CERTIFICATIONS!

I really don't want to spend extra money to get a certification to get a PT job with low pay - It seems counter intuitive to me...

Certainly there must be SOMETHING I can do, or some facilities in San Diego hiring that doesn't absolutely require additional training and certifications... ?

Does any one have any insider info on the actual Titles or Facilities in the area I can maybe look into??

I greatly appreciate any insight ?

[JofAllTrades, BSN, RN]

Just bumping this thread in case anyone has any advice :)

[OliverElio87, BSN, RN]

You can be certified to be a CNA relatively quickly. It is hard to do something in healthcare without certification or license. Some CNA programs only last about a month.

[ZoeFrecn]

I'm sorry, I don't know of any healthcare positions (aside from admin) that don't require some type of licensure/training. If you are going to nursing school you'll probably want to lean towards healthcare experience and that involves becoming a CNA. There are programs where you can get it done in 3-4 weeks- its pretty full on though.

It is a low paying job compared to what you might have been earning but most do it for the experience, and to increase their chances of getting hired into their ideal RN position straight out of school.

[CPMSD]

Can't you challenge the CNA test for certification if you've completed an accredited nursing program's fundamentals coursework?

Anyhow I do know local hospital systems will hire current RN students as Patient Care Techs without a cert. As stated above the pay isn't great, but it's a good way to become an internal candidate (and network) come RN job hunting time.

[JofAllTrades, BSN, RN]

You can be certified to be a CNA relatively quickly. It is hard to do something in healthcare without certification or license. Some CNA programs only last about a month.

The time itself to get the CNA isn't what bugs me its the 1200+ tuition rate for all the local programs to get certified... Some are even 2k! That isn't even including exam fees etc...

[JofAllTrades, BSN, RN]

Can't you challenge the CNA test for certification if you've completed an accredited nursing program's fundamentals coursework?

Anyhow I do know local hospital systems will hire current RN students as Patient Care Techs without a cert. As stated above the pay isn't great, but it's a good way to become an internal candidate (and network) come RN job hunting time.

Thanks I will look into PCTs and yes - i do believe the test can be challenged - However I'll start the first semester with only GE courses, so I won't be done with fundamentals until almost 6 months after the program start date... So hopefully I can find a PCT job during that time before I can challenge the CNA exam Thanks!

[OliverElio87, BSN, RN]

I did a quick search and found this program:

Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)/Continuing Education Units (CEUs for CNAs) - Health Occupations Center

It says it is only $400. However, you'll be starting your program I wouldnt even bother trying to get your CNA cert. In my state, once you finish fundamentals you can apply to CNA positions maybe CA is the same?