CNA job in nursing school - more likely to get into new grad pgm after grad?

[Ivanam]

Hi,

I am just starting in nursing school. I was wondering if it makes a difference when you are trying to get into a new grad pgm or trying to get a job, if you work as a CNA, while in nursing school, at the hospital you are trying to apply to. I was thinking of applying to the jobs that say that you need to complete first semester of a nursing program, which are basically CNA jobs. I am in So. Cal. if that makes a difference.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

[CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Hi,

I am just starting in nursing school. I was wondering if it makes a difference when you are trying to get into a new grad pgm or trying to get a job, if you work as a CNA, while in nursing school, at the hospital you are trying to apply to. I was thinking of applying to the jobs that say that you need to complete first semester of a nursing program, which are basically CNA jobs. I am in So. Cal. if that makes a difference.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

It probably depends on the hospital and unit, but in general, I think that working as a CNA gives you an "in" when trying to get hired as a RN by that hospital. It gives the hospital real feedback (rather than trying to get a "feel" for you from a short interview) on your performance as an employee, and how you get along with your coworkers.

If nothing else, it gives you something medical-related to put on your resume.

[Larry77, RN]

In our hospital it makes a HUGE difference. We have 7 hospitals so it's really easy to get lost in a stack of applications. If you know the manager and if they like your work-ethic they can look for your application. It seems lately the ONLY new grads that are hired either worked there as a CNA/Tech or know someone who works there. When I applied as a CNA years ago it took me 3 months to get hired and that was with someone asking the manager about when I would be hired etc.

I do think it depends on your area and how big the cooperation is that you are applying to. Some parts of the country are really desperate for RN's others, like mine, are inundated.

[Ivanam]

Thank you for posting your replies. Your opinion is really appreciated. If anyone else has opinions on this I would really love to hear them.

Thank you

[nurseg09]

If I could go back, I would have worked as a CNA when I was in nursing school. It definitely helps get your foot in the door. Either way, just like whats been said, it also helps your resume look better since and it helps you build your skills as well.

In California, after you complete your medical/surgical course, you are eligible to challenge the CNA boards and just take the certification exam rather than go through the training. But of course, always double check with the BRN. :]

[stephenfnielsen]

I've seen people not be hired because they worked as a CNA first. It depends on how you present yourself. That being said, I think it helped me. If nothing else it gives you an inside track. I was able to attend staff meetings and volunteer for different tasks and get a feel for what type of things they would want to here in the interview.

[kimima01]

In my case, upon graduation in May 2009, only the students who worked as student nurse techs secured employment in their facilities immediately after graduation. Sad but true. For the rest, it took months to find work. There are still a few who have not found work yet..