hard to get first job with no experience beyond nursing school?

LV3677 · Jul 14, 2015

I suppose it just depends. Can you handle working and going to school while maintaining good grades? If so, go for it.

In my [limited] experience, having CNA experience is a good thing to have on your resume. However, it won't do you any good if you don't get through nursing school.

If you feel like that might be too stressful then perhaps volunteering/continuing education can be something you can add to your resume. Some students in my class participated in summer medical camps which were pretty neat and great for the experience.

Assess your situation; can you handle working along with school? How are your time management skills?

Students in my nursing class who had never been CNA's had no problem finding a job. However, we graduated in a rural area that needed nurses.

FarrarSanchez · Jul 14, 2015

I have 4 kids and a husband who works nights, as it is the only study time I get is after the last kiddo gets tucked in, so working a shift or two wouldn't take much from that. Finding childcare for 4 would be a pretty big issue, though, no more than I would make as a CNA. That's why I haven't worked in 10 years-it would literally cost me money to do so.

Newbie_RN17 · Jul 14, 2015

Depends on where you live. I hadn't had a job since 2008 and had no problem landing a nursing job at a local hospital that started the week after graduation. I'd research the job market in your area for new grads, talk to your program's director, they're a great resource, and go by that. Good luck to you!

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jul 16, 2015

I'm sure you are just sick of getting that "it depends" response, right?? But it really does (depend, that is) on where you are & the nature of the employment situation in your area. If there are tons of new grads commpeting for the same few jobs, employers will be more selective and probably choose the ones with more qualifications. But if not, that CNA/PCA job is unlikely to make a difference.

Employers who hire new grads will also be prepared to provide the training and support needed for the transition from school to work.

OneHappyRN · Jul 18, 2015

I could have written your post...except, I'm older. lol I was a SAHM for 20 yrs, went to nursing school, graduated having not worked in 20+ yrs and was hired right out of nursing school. :) How did I do it? I made sure I got to know the managers on the floors where I did my clinicals and then my Preceptorship. I was hired where I did my Preceptorship (Capstone). My floor hires students who stick out. That would be my advice to you.

Some people can handle working and doing nursing school - I was not one of those people. I wanted to focus on my studies - not for everyone, but it worked for me. :)

GeminiNurse29 · Jul 19, 2015

I'm a longtime lurker, first time poster. I graduated this spring 2015 from a private school program. I wasn't a CNA but had worked briefly as a PCA (personal care attendant) and also worked with special needs kids as well as tutored students at school, all part time. Did I mention I also had a baby? I passed my boards at the end of May and finally, received three offers at the beginning of July. I had done 5 interviews in the span of about 5-6 weeks. One offer was for a state position that pays very well (Rotating shifts), one was a part-time LTC position, and one is a business hour, M-F position for a memory care unit/senior living. I will be starting the M-F position this coming week.

In my humble opinion, working as CNA or EMT/paramedic like some of my classmates did, will give you a step up if you want to work for that particular company or area after graduation. I know 4 EMT classmates that are ER nurses now. I also know two classmates who were CNAs for a hospice and are now hospice nurses for that company. But it doesn't necessarily mean that you won't get a job if you don't have work experience at all. My question would be, how long ago was your last employment and what have you been doing since?

Good luck!