Is it easy to get a job right after graduating from an ABSN in the ICU for CRNA school? Will I probably have to move or should I be able to find a ICU RN job near where I currently live?
Are there particular ICU jobs that are easier to get with no experience as an RN? Which ICU jobs should I apply for?
Yeah. If you want a job as a CNA you need a CNA license. You can take a class for a few to several weeks for usually less than $1000 to obtain.
Or if you finished a certain length of a nursing program many hospitals will hire you in to the same role without actually having the title of CNA.
As it stands now, no, you can’t just walk into a hospital and show them your bachelors degree in whatever and get a job as a CNA.
But yes, working as a CNA, PCA, or PCT in an ICU is certainly a great way to make it “easy” to get an ICU job right after you graduate. It’s what I did as well as plenty others on my floor.
Yeah. If you want a job as a CNA you need a CNA license. You can take a class for a few to several weeks for usually less than $1000 to obtain.
Or if you finished a certain length of a nursing program many hospitals will hire you in to the same role without actually having the title of CNA.
As it stands now, no, you can’t just walk into a hospital and show them your bachelors degree in whatever and get a job as a CNA.
But yes, working as a CNA, PCA, or PCT in an ICU is certainly a great way to make it “easy” to get an ICU job right after you graduate. It’s what I did as well as plenty others on my floor.
Okay, can I get a job as a nursing tech with just a Bachelor's degree? Are there any good nursing assistant positions with someone with just a Bachelor's degree and nothing else?
Okay, can I get a job as a nursing tech with just a Bachelor's degree? Are there any good nursing assistant positions with someone with just a Bachelor's degree and nothing else?
You have to get your CNA. Mine was a 1 week condensed course. Just google cna classes in your area.
Okay, can I get a job as a nursing tech with just a Bachelor's degree? Are there any good nursing assistant positions with someone with just a Bachelor's degree and nothing else?
Nope. As others have said, you need to get your CNA certification, which you complete by doing coursework and then taking an exam.
I kind of disagree that becoming a CNA is an "easy" way to ensure an ICU job. Yes, CNAs in the ICU are more likely than others to get hired into that ICU. However, getting a CNA job in the ICU can be pretty tough. Most of the CNAs I've known in desirable specialties (ICU, OB, peds, NICU) had to start in less desirable settings (med-surg, rehab, etc.) and then transfer into ICU. ICUs tend to utilize CNAs less than other floors, and therefore there aren't a ton of CNA jobs in the ICU. This occurs because a) there are far more med-surg beds/patients than ICU beds/patients, and b) RNs in ICU settings tend to perform more tasks instead of delegating them to CNAs because the patients are more unstable.
Yes, being a CNA in the ICU makes it "easy" to get hired as a nurse in that unit. However, it's pretty arduous to earn your CNA certification, work for a few years as a med-surg CNA, then hope for an ICU CNA opening just to get your foot in the door. In addition, the CNA role is arguably even more physically-demanding than the RN role. I know you brought up concerns about your back; would it be feasible for you to work for several years during nursing school in a physically-demanding CNA role, then to work in a physically-demanding ICU RN role for 2-3 years? Only you know the answer.
Honestly, the 'easiest' way to get an ICU job right out of school is to cast a very wide net, especially if you're looking for high-acuity ICUs like CTICUs or units at large academic facilities (compared to small lower-acuity ICUs at rural community hospitals). Apply to as many ICU jobs as you can, and be willing to relocate for a good job offer, even if it means moving to a less desirable location.
PVCCHoo
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Yeah. If you want a job as a CNA you need a CNA license. You can take a class for a few to several weeks for usually less than $1000 to obtain.
Or if you finished a certain length of a nursing program many hospitals will hire you in to the same role without actually having the title of CNA.
As it stands now, no, you can’t just walk into a hospital and show them your bachelors degree in whatever and get a job as a CNA.
But yes, working as a CNA, PCA, or PCT in an ICU is certainly a great way to make it “easy” to get an ICU job right after you graduate. It’s what I did as well as plenty others on my floor.