Foreign BSN, no work experience. Employable in CA?

[mpgj83]

Let me preface by saying that reading through some of the posts on here about a lot of new local grads and even experienced nurses looking for jobs in CA kind of makes me hesitant and ashamed to ask, but for the sake of just courageously putting myself out there, I'm going to try anyway...

So I'm a recent Philippine BSN graduate and am looking to apply for CA licensure by examination. The application is still pending and it will be a longgg wait. I'm still in the Philippines, but if I decide to relocate to CA within this year or early next year, I'm wondering how likely it will be for me to land any job in health care? I wouldn't mind being a CNA for a while, for example. I really need to get my feet in the door. What are my options?

For what it's worth, I am a US citizen with a previous physiology degree from UCLA. (I was raised in California.) Unfortunately, I have zero work experience. So how employable am I? My only other pertinent information is that I was once licensed as a CNA in California, but I never worked as a CNA because I only used that certification to apply to certain California nursing schools. I was accepted to one but had to drop out after 2 days because of a family tragedy. And for this and other reasons beyond my control, I would end up finishing my BSN in the Philippines.

Thanks for the advice!

[mgp6]

First of all, do you know if you are able to take NCLEX here in CA? A lot of those who graduated in the Philippines recently cannot take NCLEX for a California RN license due to BRN requirements.

[mpgj83]

Yeah, I'm aware that even getting that ATT will be very difficult. I guess I'm not anticipating to get my ATT any time soon, much less work as an RN, but I'd really like to start working even as a CNA or any job that will put me in contact with patients.

[mgp6]

I'm pretty sure you can do that but you'll have to do the CNA certification again. It will be a lot more helpful if you know someone who can help you get a CNA job since most of the job openings for CNA also require experience.

[mpgj83]

I hope so! Thank you :)

[zzbxdo]

Check the world nursing forum, sounds like getting a bsn from the phils is not equivalent according the CA brn and specific nursing courses are required. I'd check there, sounds like it won't be an easy task as the OP isn't helping out a whole lot by not sharing where she went to fill the gaps. Good luck homie.