An RN who took up CNA , PCT and PharmaTech program without a job. :(

[Kristy13RN]

I am a 24 year old foreign BSN graduate(year 2009). When I moved here in the US, I had trouble finding a job at the hospital or facilities. So I took up CNA program and started working at a home Health Agency. I regret not taking the ARC certification exam after completing the course. I just thought that it would be better for me to take the NCLEX first. So I did and I passed. Unfortunately, I still had trouble getting an RN position for a reason that I took the exam for California and not the Hawaii exam. I, however, applied for my reciprocity and finally got my Hawaii license after a year for some reason. I had applied almost all the hospitals and LTCs I know but I did not have any luck getting the position because I do not have experience working in a hospital or any long term care facilities. I mean, how am I going to gain an experience if no employer would want to give someone like me a chance to have one, right?, I do understand it's for patient's safety and some liabilities if they hire an inexperience employee but I just wish there is some type of training or refresher course they offer. I did not give up and still hoped I could get a job into a place where I can actually feel like a nurse, where I can learn everyday. Working at a home based is a great experience but I really prefer to work in a fast paced environment, where I can really learn new skills everyday.

Anyway, I took up another class, PCT. They teach a more advance skills than CNA course, I took that up for a reason that it has been 2 years since I have been away from nursing school and I wanted to refresh my clinical skills about some basic procedures. I even took Pharmacy Tech course online and now I am planning to take the board exam to be a CPht. Maybe it will serve as my stepping stone to work in those facilities I have always wanted to work to. Hopefully.

Now I moved to Fort Knox, KY and is now unemployed. I tried to apply as a Nurse Aide to a rehabilitation center and some hospitals and clinic near me but they want me to take the CNA certification exam before they can hire me. Now I'm in big trouble because I have taken my CNA class last 2009 and I am sure that KY BON will tell me to take the class again to get certified. Yey! another money wasted. But I guess if that is what I need to do to get a job then I have to take it.

I am so confused and frustrated on what I want to do. Anybody here in my situation or it's just me?, Are there any refresher course for someone like me?. If only I could go back to nursing school for 4 years again, I would. Here in the US this time and of course if I have the money for it... ugh... I need suggestions, advice or some motivation.

[St_Claire, ADN, RN]

Apply to long term facilities and interview with confidence. I'm not sure why you keep going backwards instead of forwards. Instead of taking another class for a position that would work under a nurse take an advanced CPR class. Add to your skill set.