Sign of the economy...grossly overqualified for the position...

Altra, BSN, RN · May 12, 2012

While I do appreciate CNAs, this isn't for a CNA position. This is for a healthcare tech, more like a lab tech (this is in research nursing), and actually requires a 4-year degree (preferably something in the biology sciences). Which makes it all the more sad that it only pays $12/hour. Most of the people who work in this role simply use it for a stepping stone to get lab experience before applying to med school.

Then it sounds like the applicant pool you described isn't necessarily "overqualified" ... but a fairly typical "pre-med" pool of applicants.

nursetabitha · May 12, 2012

Yes, I do know the difference between a CNA and a tech... *rolls eyes*

Pachinko · May 12, 2012

Law is particularly bad right now--many, many new lawyers graduate with enormous debt and few to no job prospects. Law is not the cash cow profession that it once was (if it ever was).

klone, MSN, RN · May 12, 2012

Yes, I do know the difference between a CNA and a tech... *rolls eyes*

I'm sorry, did I say something to offend you? Why are you rolling your eyes?

klone, MSN, RN · May 12, 2012

Then it sounds like the applicant pool you described isn't necessarily "overqualified" ... but a fairly typical "pre-med" pool of applicants.

Do pre-med students generally graduate with master's degrees in biology? I've not heard of that before, so that's definitely new, and would certainly be indicative of the changing economy/culture.

Altra, BSN, RN · May 12, 2012

Career-changing has become a part of life for many -- it's no longer unusual to find that those pursuing medicine have already worked in some other field. Our current group of 2nd & 3rd year residents includes a former nurse, a former Army MP, and a former metallurgical engineer.

Stephalump · May 12, 2012

Do pre-med students generally graduate with master's degrees in biology? I've not heard of that before, so that's definitely new, and would certainly be indicative of the changing economy/culture.

Actually, yes. Pretty common in the non-traditional sector, ie. partied too much in undergrad and now I need to prove myself and create a whole new gpa.

Then of course, you could get your Bachelors or Masters in ANYTHING and then decide to go to medical school. My best friend has her Masters in Psychology and is currently begging for Medical Assistant jobs for experience to get into PA school. .

IEDave, ASN, CNA, LVN · May 12, 2012

We're interviewing for a tech position in our small department, and I've been amazed at the education of the applicants we've received. For this lab tech position (which pays about $12/hour), the applicants have Master's degrees in Microbiology, MBAs, one even had a JD! Holy heck! Is this truly how bad our economy is, that someone with a JD can't even find a job, that they're actually applying for a $12/hour lab tech position? Man, that sucks.

Nope - doesn't surprise me a bit. Prior to taking a CNA position (yep - know the difference between techs & CNA's as well ) I was employed as a Sr. Programmer/Analyst. Had 23 years exp. in IT, but didn't have all the current certs, etc. to get past HR. Ex-co-worker of my acquaintance DID have the certs, and ended up taking a 30% pay cut to stay employed. Very sad, but mid-career folks REALLY took it on the chin with this recession. Just brutal out there - thankfully, it's slowly getting better.

Far as me being overqualified? Not really - some of my people skills made it intact from IT, but floor nursing's a very different animal than bird-dogging computers. Other than being able to use some of my past college credit to work on an LVN/ADN/BSN, I'm slugging it out in an LTC just like anyone else - and grateful that I've finally got an opportunity I can sink my teeth into.

----- Dave

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 12, 2012

We're interviewing for a tech position in our small department, and I've been amazed at the education of the applicants we've received. For this lab tech position (which pays about $12/hour), the applicants have Master's degrees in Microbiology, MBAs, one even had a JD! Holy heck! Is this truly how bad our economy is, that someone with a JD can't even find a job, that they're actually applying for a $12/hour lab tech position? Man, that sucks.

Doesn't suprise me at all. I pay no attention to the lip cervice from the goivernment about the ecomony getting better....... :no:

Mama_Cashew, ASN, RN · May 12, 2012

We're interviewing for a tech position in our small department, and I've been amazed at the education of the applicants we've received. For this lab tech position (which pays about $12/hour), the applicants have Master's degrees in Microbiology, MBAs, one even had a JD! Holy heck! Is this truly how bad our economy is, that someone with a JD can't even find a job, that they're actually applying for a $12/hour lab tech position? Man, that sucks.

I don't think it's a sign of the economy at all. Many people are switching careers. It makes sense that if the description asks for a 4 year degree and someone is looking to gain experience in the medical field that they would apply.

kcmylorn · May 12, 2012

Waiting tables would be a better alternative. Really low base rate but tips can bring in $200 a night. The bosses are easier to work with also.

leenak · May 12, 2012

I'm not surprised by the JD at all. I know a few newer law grads and it's rough unless you went into a niche area. Law firms seem to not be hiring lawyers anymore because they figured they can use them on a case by case basis on fairly little pay. If you are persistent, after a few years of working law part time, it seems that you might get offered a position in a law firm. Many JDs aren't sticking around and waiting though. This has been going on for a while too so it's not really the economy, more that law schools are in full swing.