CNA Interested in enhancing résumé

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Good morning, I am thrilled to be apart of this community and glad to see so much advice and informative information. I am working part time at John Muir as a security officer and going to school for my CNA because I realized my desire to be a registered nurse. I'm seeking to become a registered nurse in the mental health department because I enjoy counseling friends, family and comforting people in general through life's adversities. Plus I myself can relate. Anyway enough about myself I'm thrilled and excited to be going towards to career choice and I want to know how I could stand out and be selected into hospitals. Other than volunteering what other ways would help enhance my opportunities?

I appreciate all support and information!

Blessings ~

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing, Pediatrics.

Dare I say...going through nursing school will greatly enhance your chance of getting hired at a hospital.

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First, I suggest you not use your real pic or real name (in login) or the name of your employer - it could come back to haunt you.

I too changed jobs when I decided to go for nursing (ultimate goal ER RN). I got my CNA and worked in LTC for a little over 1.5 years before I was hired as a PCT at a hospital - but, within that time I started an LPN program (in 2nd semester when hired), and before the LPN program I took an EKG Tech short course (2 months), though I never used EKG skills.

There were haters (fellow CNAs) at the LTC facility when I told them I was leaving to go to a hospital, because they had applied to the hospital several times over several years and were never invited for interview.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Mental health RNs rarely do counseling that's left to masters level LPC's, LCSW, and doctorate level psychologists PhD, PsyD, EdD.

Mental health RNs do care planning, medication administration, discharge planning, teaching, coordinate the unit. Counseling is left to those with a license to counsel.

Your first step is to get into nursing school, graduate, pass the NCLEX and become a licensed nurse.

Many psych facilities use psychiatric techs (often a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, human services) instead of CNAs. Depending on the structure there may be both RNs and LPNs.

Psych nurse practitioners are often screeners/evaluators and medication management though some states permit certified psych APN to do counseling.

The biggest enhancement will be to graduate nursing school and gain a license. Making a positive impact during clinical rotations will help with potential references

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Thank you moretonel, CNA I will do like you and work 6 months to a year at a LTC facility. ;) I know I have a nurturing and compassionate personality so I should do fine and stand out. I will take my real picture and name off because your right! Thank you again!

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Thank you JustBeachyNurse. I appreciate your feedback and bless your heart. I will consider your advice.

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