Published Aug 30, 2015
sdgdude
15 Posts
Can you apply as a PCA with a BSN degree, but hasn't taken NCLEX yet?
I am so confused if I can apply for this kind of job as of the moment before taking the NCLEX. Can I still apply for this PCA job even if I haven't taken any specific "class" for it? But I have my BSN Degree? I have been doing research and I still don't understand if what is?
anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP
1 Article; 769 Posts
I assume PCA is like a patient care aide?? If you have your BSN you should apply for RN positions. Many places will put you on orientation as a RN long as you plan on taking NCLEX soon (I started my RN orientation in May but couldn't take my NCLEX until July....I had a temporary license though...).
Why would you take an aide position if you will leave it in the next couple of months for a RN position?
Unless you aren't planning on taking NCLEX...???
Thats what I was thinking about too. I think it would be waste.
Planning to take NCLEX on Nov. 2015.
The thing is if I apply for that (especially now a days applying is ONLINE) I don't think they would bother to accept the application due to NO RN LICENSE or somewhat certification or etc. So I was confused... cause I thought having a BSN degree is higher than those of medical assistants or PCA's... or should I just study hard and focus into pushing for the Exam? The great turn.
RNsRWe, ASN, RN
3 Articles; 10,428 Posts
Thats what I was thinking about too. I think it would be waste. Planning to take NCLEX on Nov. 2015.The thing is if I apply for that (especially now a days applying is ONLINE) I don't think they would bother to accept the application due to NO RN LICENSE or somewhat certification or etc. So I was confused... cause I thought having a BSN degree is higher than those of medical assistants or PCA's... or should I just study hard and focus into pushing for the Exam? The great turn.
You graduated with a BSN and are not 100% certain that your degree is higher than those of an MA or PCA (who have NO degree)? How is this?
At any rate, I can't imagine anyone actually HIRING you; the moment you say you just completed a BSN the assumption is you will be taking the NCLEX shortly and will leave that job. NO ONE wants to hire someone who will work for them for about fifteen minutes before looking for a better one!
If you want to work on resume/applications/interviewing skills, start applying for RN jobs. I suspect you will have a license long before you will have a firm job offer, unless you are in a rare region of the country where new grads are finding jobs quickly. Most of the time, it takes time. You're right, you might not find a job so easily until you have a license in hand. Or, you might get through the background check, interviewing process about the time you take the exam.
Study. Pass the exam. Get a nursing job. Good luck :)