Graduating in 3 months, should I find work as a CNA

ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 4, 2014

At this stage of the game, you should be looking at RN postings, not CNA jobs. If you wanted to work as a tech, you should've have applied a year or two ago, but what's done is done. At my employer, PCAs have 90 days after passing the NCLEX and then their position is terminated.

mookster · Oct 4, 2014

It depends on the institution! I worked as a CNA at a hospital while in school, and as soon as I got my bachelors, my position was terminated. I moved after graduation, and then applied to some assisted living facilities while I was waiting for my ATT, as well as studying for NCLEX.

Don't be discouraged, if you need the work, you might as well at least try to find something in the field while you wait! Bear in mind, employers may not want to hire you if you plan on leaving so soon. It all will depend on the employers needs at the time!

Hope I've helped! Good luck! :)

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · Oct 4, 2014

That is about the same time I waited to get a job as a PCT...essentially a CNA...and now studying for my nclex.

Looking back at my decision I'd say do it, ONLY if you absolutely have to..for me having a family of 4 and being the only bread winner and no more student loans available, I had no choice. But I would highly discourage it if this was not your situation.

The reason is because of the hospital environment, as soon as they hear you in nursing school I find some of my co-workers to be very jealous and vindictive especially when they hear I have my BSN. Not all of them, but in addition the constant asking of " when you going to be a nurse" happens daily. I was also told great things about a RN job waiting for me during my interview, now they changed the story so I am not guaranteed a RN job after the nclex even though I'm still hopeful.

I also find that my employer could make judgments about my possible performance as a nurse based on my performance as an overworked PCT...something I clearly did not train for. I personally also find it difficult to keep the nursing part of me out of the PCT job and get frustrated because I know I have the knowledge to do more. Not to mention some nurses treat you like crap.

The better route would be graduating first and then apply to new grad RN positions when your get your ATT, if such an option is available at your area hospitals. This is just my honest opinion but there are certainly some nurses who are very nice do give me tips and that is a plus.

Of course the final reason is it really takes away from your study time and I had to delay my nclex test when many of my classmates are already nurses and getting jobs.

As for how long can your work as CNA once you pass the NCLEX...I'm gaging this based on someone I saw who went from CNA to RN orientation in 2 days. I don't want to do CNA for more than a day after passing. I'll move to anywhere to get an RN job. Its what I worked for.

caliotter3 · Oct 4, 2014

You might be able to find an employer willing to start you as a CNA until you pass NCLEX, then move you into a nursing position, but at this point you really should be looking for the places where you want to apply for RN positions. Many hiring managers would tilt their head and wonder why you are seeking a CNA position when you are only weeks away from an RN license and refuse to seriously consider your candidacy. I would not chance it. Wait until you have gone a couple of years with no RN job before you start looking at alternatives.

ComeTogether, LPN · Oct 5, 2014

Actually, I think its a great idea because you'll already have your foot in the door. A lot of hospitals will pay you as a nurse tech. My hospital pays 5th semester nurse techs only a little less than RNs.

OneHappyRN · Oct 7, 2014

Something to think about is how long you have to stay in your current position before transferring to an RN position. Some hospitals say you have to be there 6 mos, some 1 year...

There are pros and cons to both getting a job now and hodling of. It would have been easier for me if I were a NA, but I chose to focus on my schooling. My friends who were NA got jobs rather quickly b/c they had their foot in the door. I didn't have the experience, but I was hired by a nurse manager who saw me work as a student and liked me. At the end of the semester she told me to give me her resume.

Another thing is...in my hospital, lets say you're a NA on post-partum...they won't hire you as an RN on post-partum. They said that it's hard for coworkers to make the switch you will (most likely) always be seen as a NA.

I agree w/ the poster who said to just do it if you HAVE to. At this point, you're almost done - if you had a year before graduation, I would say go for it...but I'd focus on graduating and the NCLEX (which is what I did...and it worked out great. :) )

Mandy0728 · Nov 2, 2014

I almost feel like at this point, there's no point in looking for an NA job. My program is 4 semesters with a break semester in between, which happens to be this semester. I started as an NA in August & plan to work through my last 2 semesters until I get a nursing job. Not sure how it is at your school, but after graduation, it usually takes a few months to receive your ATT and sign up for the Nclex. The students I've talked to that graduated August 6th, still haven't taken their Nclex yet.