Do I need STNA classes if I just got my BSN?

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · May 8, 2014

In Ohio, you can take the STNA test after the first semester of nursing school but you have to get an instructor or the school to fill out the form (I forget which). However, I don't know if it will be really beneficial at this point in time as you have already graduated. A lot of STNA positions in Ohio are not actually STNA positions in the hospital and they hire nursing students all the time. My hospital calls the patient care techs, the other two call them nursing assistants (dropping the state-tested bit) or nurse techs (which is kind of confusing). I never took the STNA test when I worked as a PCT during school. However, for actual STNA positions that want STNAs and not people eligible to take the STNA test, then you would have to take the exam. Most positions will consider people eligible to take it though, but I would think a residency or a graduate nurse position would be a more likely road to take after graduation.

My hospital hires graduate nurses into a regular RN role so they can begin orientation early. So to be considered for one, you have to apply for an RN posting.

However, I'd focus on studying your NCLEX. Since you just graduated, most STNA/PCT/NA positions may not be interested in hiring someone they know is going to leave in a few months. It costs a lot to train people in those roles. I graduated in the beginning of December and I was a nurse by the end of January. That's including the winter break and all of the holidays. Even for the people who had to do silly stuff like the virtual ATI study program before the school would send in their stuff, they were all licensed in Feb. or March. 3 months isn't really worth it for most employers when they can hire a nursing student who will be working till they graduate which could be six months to two years.

You would do better applying for nursing jobs and hoping that the hospitals have graduate nurse positions. I was hired into a graduate nurse position before I had graduated although I didn't start right away due to my other job.

A lot of my classmates are just now finding jobs after sending out a lot of applications. I'd begin the job hunt early. A Cincinnati hospital manager at the OSNA convention suggested that students in Ohio start applying the start of the last semester to registered nursing jobs. It differs in the area since my area want the students closer to graduation to ensure they will graduate.

Feel free to apply though but don't be offended if you don't get that many callbacks or they choose to go with other applicants. Plus you also need to add in the time it would take for them to sort applications, interview, do background checks, any health requirements, any possible orientation days, etc. You may get lucky with a nursing assistant position.

psych308 · May 8, 2014

Thanks so much, applesxoranges!

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · May 10, 2014

Also, my hospital could not employ an RN in a CNA role so the ones who graduated but did not secure employment at our hospital system (few and far between) were let go the moment their nurse's license was valid due to insurance and liability reasons. They cannot have an RN work as a PCT role unless it's when they're floating (because then they're really an RN for insurance reasons and could take patients any time).