Can an RN be be an nursing assistant?

[lilnurseling]

I was jsut wondering as a new grad would a hospital be willing to hire a RN as a unit assistant or nursing assistant? Or would they be afraid that the RN would do something our of their scope of practice as a nursing assistant? I can not find a job as a RN anywhere so I figured I would apply as a OB unit assistant. I do not care about how much I make or anything like that. I just want the experience and to show the hospital I am a great asset so a few years down the road I might be able to get in as a RN. I currently decided I am going back for my BSN degree since I cant find a job and my husband bearly makes enough to cover bills as is (not to mention my school loans comming up). So whats your opinion do you think a hospital will hire a new grad RN for any other hospital position?

[caliotter3]

Some hospitals will not hire RNs for CNA positions. You first need to insure that this is allowed in your state.

[allietrin61]

Hi Lilnurseling,

Why not try some nursing agencies, you've worked too hard to settle for less also I read somewhere on this site where some new nurses volunteer as a way of getting in. Good Luck :) I start an LPN Program on Tuesday and hope to be an RN one day:)

Allie

[janee214]

I tried this when I graduated last year and couldnt find a job. No one would allow it. Keep hope alive though, I didnt find my job until October!

[spongebob6286, BSN, RN]

that was my plan too when i cant find a job. just keep on trying and praying.

[vlomankill]

you've already started a thread with this topic. why another thread????

[GreyGull]

It will depend on your state and hospital.

We do have employees who worked as CNAs, Transporters and Phlebotomists during nursing school and are still working in those positions after being licensed while waiting for an RN position to open up.

However, it is doubtful if a hospital will hire an RN off the street for a CNA job knowing you will be gone, possibly to another hospital, as soon as you get an RN job. There are too many good CNAs also looking for permanent jobs with benefits right now.

[kae2010]

It really depends on the state and the hospital, but most do not allow it. I graduated in May and had to resign from my job as a NA once my NCLEX results were in. The hospital and the BON said it caused too many gray areas when it came to legal scope of practice. Good luck but don't give up on RN positions.

[chloecatrn]

If this is allowed in your state and your facility, know that you may be held to your highest license. For example, if you are the NA caring for a patient who is going bad and dies, you may be held responsible, even though you weren't able to do anything according to your job description. This is because, according to your highest professional license (RN), you had the knowledge and the professionally licensed scope of practice to fix the situation. This is a double edged sword, and one that I would be very careful before wielding.