Bay area- jobs while waiting, pre-nursing school

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So..I have turned down the 2 ABSN programs I got into because I REALLY wanted one school that I did not get into this time around (a master's entry, USF). The program starts in January... and I have about 6 months or so until then (if I get in). I have all the pre-reqs done now (still had some in progress when I applied for this summer), so I am trying to get some sort of related job to get experience to help my application and to do something while I wait. I have applied for admin/assistant/secretary jobs in three hospitals around this area. I just applied online this week for about 8 jobs and haven't heard back from any yet (some I didn't apply til the end of the week, some earlier in the week). I hope I can get one of those, but don't know what to do if I can't get one. It's kinda hard because the job would potentially only be for 6 months, but I really want something related to health care to help my application. I graduated from college in 07 but haven't worked, except hospital volunteering, since I was working on my prereq's since i graduated. I don't know if it is enough time to do any sort of training (CNA, MA) before jan because then by the time I did the training, it wouldn't be much time to actually work. Also the cna training around here in the bay area is pretty expensive. I don't know if I will get called for the jobs I applied because it seems like you have to have sooo much hospital experience to even get and admin asst job!

ANYONE have any experience in this area?? Or any advice on what I should do??

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Hospital jobs around here are hard to get, but keep trying. I got one with no hospital experience, but it took about 4 months of constant searching.

Also, CNA training around here might be expensive but it can be worth it. They pay the CNA's at my hospital (in the east bay) 22$ or more per hour, which in my opinion would make up for the 1000$ or so price of the program.

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$22 for a cna? that's alot. A starting rn only makes about 25 in most areas.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

not in the bay area. a new grad RN makes 45$ish or more with full benefits, that's standard in the hospitals around here.

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I wouldn't waste the time and money getting your CNA. I've had mine for a year now and have been unable to find a job in a hospital in the Bay Area, and I've applied to every open CNA position I can find. I'm sure I could find a job at a SNF, but I really want to work in a hospital. Most hospitals want you to have 6 months or more experience before they will hire you as a CNA.

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Hi,

I have the same sort of problem as you. I live in SF and am waiting to apply to ABSN programs that won't start until April '09!

I'm thinking of taking a 4-week phlebotomy certification program. Anyone heard of Phlebotomy Unlimited? (http://www.bama-phleb.com/)

I like the idea of going in SF, and I've heard mixed reviews about the Fast Response certification program in Berkeley.

Good luck in your job hunt!

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