Can a no-job RN work as a CNA??

greenbaby · Feb 24, 2010

I know in NJ you have to work to the level of your license so by the boards rules you couldn't do CNA work while licensed as an RN.

LuvScrubs2, BSN, RN · Feb 24, 2010

I understand your pain & frustration:(... I am a new Rn Grad in philly... I graduated Dec 09 and I recently took boards and passed... Applied to every hosp in Philly and still not even 1 phone call from any Nurse Recruiter or HR person. As far as working as a CNA without a license... I am not sure in your state... I wish you luck;)

I wish they will give new grads a chance...

Canggih1 · Feb 25, 2010

There should be a CNA registry in Colorado. Give them a call. Some states allow you to work as a CNA ( still need the license though). If you can, why don't you move to another area? I heard Colorado is really bad right now. I had to move to another state. I worked as a CNA at first but I got a nursing job after 3 weeks in my new location. Before I moved, I had applied for RN jobs in other states and no responses. So I don't know if it was because I was physically in this new place that I finally got some responses. I moved to Wisconsin. I heard Texas and Arizona has more jobs. You might try there.

Please try not to get depressed. It's the economy that is affecting the lack of jobs. I know of people from May 09 who still have not found work. They keep reapplying again and again to the same places. To me, that is a waste of time. And you don't have alot of time. It sounds like you might have more options than students who own a house or have family and can't move. Try the southern states - you may even get hired someplace before you even move - that would be great.

I just took a chance and decided to try Wisconsin even though the market isn't that great here either. I planned to work as a CNA and if I couldn't get a nursing job in 6 months I was going to go south- luckily it worked out for me. I love it here.

caliotter3 · Feb 25, 2010

Some people say that this is not allowed in their state, so you should contact the Board in your state and find out. In my state RNs frequently work as CNAs, if they can find an employer that will hire them in that capacity.

candcase · Feb 25, 2010

We need good members of the profession, don't give up. You mention needing to meet a time line and that you like places with snow. I have 2 thoughts: Smaller rural areas have problems attracting folks and some facilities will host you to help you get started( win/win for both). In my part of WNY I think you could be employed quickly after you obtain a NYS lis. OR If you want, here you can work in a CNA position if you meet the requirements BUT you must not work and use your nurse skills at your level of preparation. Hard to do if you have the knowledge.

RN_stucky621 · Feb 25, 2010

I have heard jobs are plentiful in Alaska if you REALLY want an RN job

freeflowchi · Feb 25, 2010

Call or check your state's nursing board website. In California, I challenged the CNA exam while in nursing school and just paid to get a certificate. Most jobs want you to have a CNA license. Maybe search for a CNA position after getting a license and let them know you have an RN license after being employed. It might get you in the door.

Best of luck!

greenbaby · Feb 25, 2010

I lived and worked in Alaska and unless you got a good hospital opportunity and planned on just doing a year or two at most it wouldn't be worth it. Alaska is a place you visit in the summer then you get out of there. Actually though if you had your heart set on that experience I would highly suggest southeast Alaska like Sitka or close proximity. Southest is prettier and warmer. I flew all over Alaska in the Coast Guard, saw and experienced it all and even after four years I wanted out of there. It's a rough environment to live in.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 25, 2010

Another vote for "check with your BON" to see if you are able to do it and what your scope of practice would be.

Also, keep in mind that a lot of hospitals/facilities won't hire RNs as CNAs because they know the minute a RN job opens up, they'll leave the CNA job for it. I know because in my own job hunt, that's what more than a few HR departments told me when I asked about applying as an aide.

LuvScrubs2, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2010

Another vote for "check with your BON" to see if you are able to do it and what your scope of practice would be.
Also, keep in mind that a lot of hospitals/facilities won't hire RNs as CNAs because they know the minute a RN job opens up, they'll leave the CNA job for it. I know because in my own job hunt, that's what more than a few HR departments told me when I asked about applying as an aide.

Wow... I didn't know this could happen... I am a new BSN - RN and i also have my CNA certification.... It seems like "you can't win for loosing"... It's so tough to try and find a BSN - RN position out here; esp where I live in philly where their are plenty of hospitals... BUT at the same time; I have applied for CNA positions as well thinking I could at least get my foot in the door and do some networking.... I will keep trying.... :uhoh3:

BowRN · Mar 1, 2010

I am a new grad, graduated on Dec '09 and just passed my nclex few weeks ago. I have had no luck with the job search, so much so that I haven't even got a call back from 50 places (close to, I guess) I had applied. Now, I am thinking of working as a CNA (although I don't have a certificate), and was wondering whether an RN can work as a CNA in the state of colorado? Is it me or the tough market?? This is really making me depressed and being an inernational student, I was granted a year of work authorization but I guess half the year is gone looking for a job. I don't know how to explain to my parents, this is just the lowest point in my life right now.

Wow! I am in Columbus, Ohio and I'm thinking of doing the same thing today. Somebody offer me a CNA job, and I've been trying to find an RN jobs for 3 months now. I'm thinking of just taking CNA tomorrow.

Well this is my quote, "Nursing shortage is a myth, just like Santa Claus!"