Getting job at a hospital, ommitting RN license?

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Situation: Socal spring 2012 ADN graduate w/RN license already in a RN-BSN program. Due to this, I'm unable to move from this area. The job market here is already tough, so as an ADN competing with thousands of BSN grads, I feel like I have no chance in landing an acute care position. The only ADN grads I know that have landed jobs in hospitals are those that were internal hires.

Question: I was thinking of getting a position (any position: CNA, EVS, Nutrition aka kitchen, etc) in a hospital and ommitting the fact that I'm a RN, so that when the next round of new grad applications are open, I can apply as a RN. I'm not planning on lying if I'm asked if I'm licensed (I don't think the question will arise), I was just planning on not disclosing it. Thoughts?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

That's an interesting approach - haven't really heard of it before.

So, would you just leave the pertinent information off of your job application? What happens when they run the background check and discover that you are an RN? Maybe you didn't know, but health care providers have to run background checks on ALL employees - not just professional staff.

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Yea, I was thinking of just putting the projected graduation date of my BSN and leaving it at that. I know that background checks will be performed (I'm working in healthcare right now, but the position has no room for advancement), BUT I was under the impression that background checks show criminal past, verify employment history, etc; I wasn't aware that my RN license would show up. Can anyone verify this?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Most healthcare applications ask for all current licenses, regardless of position applied for. I know all my local healthcare systems do. Acts of omission (leaving out the fact that you are already a licensed registered nurse)are just as deceptive and fraudulent as acts of commission (saying that you have a nursing license when you don't) .

Are you going to just not put that you attended an ASN program and thus have a degree? If you are attending an RN-BSN program then it would be clear that you are in fact a licensed RN. Remember the nursing world is small, you'll likely not get away with this. Plus when you submit your transfer application when you complete your BSN program, don't you think they just might notice that your initial date of RN license was prior to your start date with the facility?

Good luck with whatever you decide.

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Specializes in Pedi.

I agree with JustBeachy. Even IF you get away with the initial act of deception, when you apply for the next new grad round (presumably in a few months), they're going to notice that you were licensed prior to your initial date of hire and you will be exposed as a liar. This could lead to not only termination of the position you do have (especially if you're working as a CNA, many places do not allow RNs to work below their license) but loss of any chance you have for an RN position in that institution. If you are fired for lying, you'll likely be marked "not eligible for rehire."

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I would include it but just say you are concentrating on school for now and can't do 12 hr shifts or something to that matter.

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Situation: Socal spring 2012 ADN graduate w/RN license already in a RN-BSN program. Due to this, I'm unable to move from this area. The job market here is already tough, so as an ADN competing with thousands of BSN grads, I feel like I have no chance in landing an acute care position. The only ADN grads I know that have landed jobs in hospitals are those that were internal hires.

Question: I was thinking of getting a position (any position: CNA, EVS, Nutrition aka kitchen, etc) in a hospital and ommitting the fact that I'm a RN, so that when the next round of new grad applications are open, I can apply as a RN. I'm not planning on lying if I'm asked if I'm licensed (I don't think the question will arise), I was just planning on not disclosing it. Thoughts?

I understand your concern and I feel like I would want to do the same if I were in your situation. Unfortunately, our struggling economy makes the job market more competitive. It's tough enough for many nurses who have BSN to find jobs how much more for those who have ASN.

It is expected that you would disclose all your information to your employer (certifications & licenses); otherwise, it is considered lying by omission and you will likely get fired for that eventually no matter what your personal reason is.

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.

You're asking for trouble, don't do it.

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I would disclose all info in your application but still apply for those various jobs you mentioned. And If they ask why you want those jobs instead of a nursing job then tell them the truth. You might just get a nursing job by Being honest and showing them that you are willing to do whatever you need to do. Many ppl will not take those jobs when they already have an RN degree.

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