I can't find a job! Could I work as a CNA?

[New_LPN]

Hello all-

I am a new LPN in a new city desperately trying to find a job. I've had a few interviews that I thought went well but no offers! I've been told by quite a few people that my lack of experience working in the field might be what is keeping me from getting hired. I'm wondering, how the heck can I get experience if no one will hire me without experience??

I really want to work for awhile before I go on and get me RN, but I feel like the longer I am out of school the harder it is going to be to get a job. I had this crazy idea that maybe if I could get someone to hire me as a CNA I could get some experience and show them what a great LPN I could be for them once a position opens up.

I've never had a CNA license, but surely my LPN education is enough to qualify for one, right? Does anyone know if, or how this would work? Do I have to complete a CNA course to get the license?

Or should I give up on the idea of working and just get back into school to complete my RN?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

[caliotter3]

The requirements depend upon your state. You need to contact your state Board and inquire as to whether or not you must get a CNA certificate in order to work as a CNA. In my state RNs and LVNs can work as a CNA without the certificate, but that is my state. Other states may have different policies. But beware that working as a CNA is not a sure fire way to get an LPN job. If you can afford to go to school, I would advise you to bite the bullet and go on to RN school without worrying about getting a job first. Good luck.

[Cuddleswithpuddles]

Hello New_LPN,

Check with your state's board of nursing before working as a CNA. Nurses are often held to the professional standards of their highest license, so it is possible that you could be held accountable as a nurse even if your job title is CNA. It is to your benefit to find out.

Your LVN license could allow you to challenge requirements for the CNA certification but I doubt it will replace formal certification. Yes, it sounds weird but the working world is such that official certificates and licenses are essential even if it is reasonable to expect that your LVN program has covered the skills and knowledge it takes to become a CNA.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

1. Check with your BON to see if it's even possible to work as a CNA.

2. If it is possible, check with your BON to see if you can sit for the CNA exam; some states may let you challenge while others will require you to complete a CNA class. If for whatever reason you can't sit for the CNA exam, remember that you could still apply for caretaker positions that don't require CNA certification.

3. Don't be surprised if employers are resistant to hire you...many employers won't hire nurses as CNA or techs because they know the minute a nursing job comes along the employee is out of there, and they don't want to waste the time and money training you if they know you plan to leave as quickly as you can. That being said, you have nothing to lose by trying!

4. Have you tried looking in nursing homes, LTC/SNFs, doctor's offices, and clinics for nursing jobs? Those places seem to be more LVN-friendly when it comes to hiring nurses.

Good luck!