Enrolled in RN-BSN program and not working

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Hi, I'm a RN that is enrolled in the RN-BSN program. I have less than a year experience in a long term care facility. I'm currently not working because I'm pregnant and have a two year old. I feel worried when I start to look for a job they will not hire me because of a long gap of not working. What should I do? Should I get a part time job while in school?

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Specializes in OB.

I think that at least in your last semester look for a patient care tech job. I have 3 kids and have been a stay at home mom for 10 years. I am in the same boat as you. I have no previous medical experience.

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You can't work lower than your license. I would try to work one day a week at your old LTC.

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Thank you for your comments and advice.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
You can't work lower than your license. I would try to work one day a week at your old LTC.

It totally depends on the facility and what your state says. I know many people who work "lower than their license" including RNs who work as CNAs, and nurse midwives who work as floor RNs.

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Specializes in ER.

Well, the midwife is an RN still. There are many NPs and CNMs who work RN positions because they are still registered nurses. However, most facilities do not allow RNs to work as CNAs because of insurance reasons. We are allowed to float an RN as a patient care tech though because that RN is viewed as an RN as the hospital.

I would begin applying per diem if possible.

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You can't work lower than your license. I would try to work one day a week at your old LTC.

depends on where you are working, it's not quite as black and white as you portray it. My friend has been a PCT at a hospital but got a job as an RN at an LTC but kept her job as a PCT at the hospital to keep her foot in the door while she completes her RN-BSN program. They have no problem with that and there are quite a few people that do that.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
Well, the midwife is an RN still. .

She is still working "lower than her license" of a CNM. Like I said, it totally depends on the individual state as well as the facility. It is not an across the board rule.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I'm worried about that too because when I graduate from nursing school my current baby will be 2. Around that time I'll want to start trying for our second. But with how sick I've been this pregnancy I didn't want to get a job I had to quit. So I'm torn between getting a job after I graduate or postponing it until after I have baby number two & work on my BSN. Maybe I can just work PRN at a hospital, but I doubt it.

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I'm worried about that too because when I graduate from nursing school my current baby will be 2. Around that time I'll want to start trying for our second. But with how sick I've been this pregnancy I didn't want to get a job I had to quit. So I'm torn between getting a job after I graduate or postponing it until after I have baby number two & work on my BSN. Maybe I can just work PRN at a hospital, but I doubt it.

I have been wondering about how pregnancy/planning for children would work around nursing jobs too.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I have been wondering about how pregnancy/planning for children would work around nursing jobs too.

I'm an LVN & I had to quit my last job when I found out. So I'm nervous as to how my next pregnant will go.

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