New Grad BSN, RN, PHN, EMT and can’t find work. Legality of working as a CNA?

[oceanhugger]

Hi all,

I graduated with my BSN in December 2018, got my RN and PHN in April 2019, and six months out and have only had one interview offer and (I WISH that I were exaggerating) over 80 rejection emails. I also have my BLS, ACLS, and PALS... with NRP on the way. It has become apparent to me that I’m not qualified for the competitive new grad job market in San Diego and possibly California.

I’ve been rejected from SNFs and Home Health agencies because I don’t have at least a year of experience. I’ve applied to prisons, schools, camps, amusement parks, and more. I’ve applied all over the state of california at even smaller non-hospital facilities for both RN 1 positions and new grad positions. I need to make ends meet. Yes, I’m depressed about it but I’m still working hard at it - filling out at least one new app every other day and studying for further certifications in the mean time. I’m filling out each job app and writing new cover letters that are very customized to the facility and city that I’m applying to.

Bills are stacking up and my student loans have gone into repayment... and not all of them can be deferred or reduced income based repayment.

So, now I’m on to plan B. It has been over six months out from graduation. Except for one hospital that I haven’t given up on, there are no more new grad cohorts for me to apply to in my city (San Diego) that would start within one year of me graduating. I don’t have the experience to apply to any local facilities for non-new grad RN 1 positions. So, I’m hoping that I wouldn’t be considered as someone looking to just get into internal hiring for new grad considerations. As of today, I’m going to apply everywhere LOCALLY for CNA/LVN/EDTech spots. I’m placing emphasis on local because I would relocate anywhere in the state of CA for an RN position, but I wouldn’t relocate for a CNA/LVN/EDTech position.

Does anybody know of any San Diego facilities will hire an RN in a CNA/LVN/EDTech role? I’m also applying to work in EMT positions on local ambulances. What is the legality of working in those roles as an RN? I just want to know what I’m getting myself into here and what I need to do to protect my RN license. Thanks!

- Broker than broke, BSN, RN, PHN, EMT (useless nominals at this point)

[VegGal, BSN, RN]

On 6/27/2019 at 1:28 PM, oceanhugger said:

Hi all,

I graduated with my BSN in December 2018, got my RN and PHN in April 2019, and six months out and have only had one interview offer and (I WISH that I were exaggerating) over 80 rejection emails. I also have my BLS, ACLS, and PALS... with NRP on the way. It has become apparent to me that I’m not qualified for the competitive new grad job market in San Diego and possibly California. .........

- Broker than broke, BSN, RN, PHN, EMT (useless nominals at this point)

I'm a California RN who started work as an RN and got my BSN soon after that. I KNOW for sure that you CANNOT work as a CNA in California if you have an RN or LVN license. In fact, I think you may not even be allowed to work as an LVN if you have an RN license (and I mean even with an LVN license), but I'm not positive on that one. The best thing for you to do is to call the RN Board in CA (and you will be put on hold for at least an hour and usually 2 hours most days) but ask them the question yourself. That's the best way to get the answers you need, along with the reasons as to why you can't work as a CNA once you have an RN license.

What I'd really like to tell you though is that I don't believe you've looked in all the right places. There is such a shortage of RNs in CA and I know for a fact that there are facilities that state right in the ads that they're willing to train new RNs. If you're looking at home health, then you will never get a job as an RN in HH in CA until you have at least 1 year of work experience as an RN, but look for small nursing homes in your area, and walk in and apply in person. Also check out the popular job sites and apply that way too. I did find in my search that it's better to tailor your resume for the job, meaning if they're only looking for an RN, don't state that you have a BSN and anything else. No one wants to hire an RN who will leave after 6 months, and your resume with all those additional qualifications will not help you at the small, independent nursing homes. Again, look for jobs that state "Will train new grads" or similar.

I hope this info helps. All the best to you.

[tinyRN72, BSN]

I can't speak from a legal point, but when I graduated I could not get a hospital job. I was offered two home health jobs. The first was the most horrible company you can imagine! The second was great.

I got lucky, one if my patients was the mom to a director in a local hospital. I asked him for advice and was told ,"You have to know someone.. but now you know me."

So I suggest networking to find a job. Can you get in contact with anyone who precepted you or the manager of any unit that were on as a student? Do you know any working nurses who would recommend you to their boss?

Maybe see if you can find any local nurse groups on MeetUp and join the group.

Another thought... Maybe you can get your foot in the door as an EMT at a hospital, or work as an EMT so that you can get to know people in hospitals.

One more suggestion.. look for hospitals out of your area who are offering large sign on bonuses. Those places need help. You might not get the bonus, but they may be more inclined to hire a new grad.

Best of luck and hang in there!

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

14 hours ago, klone said:

Why would you think you would get hate?

I agree. I worked with an NP who picked up ICU RN shifts on the weekends. I thought to myself, "Good for her!"

It's probably an advantage for advanced practice nurses to "work the floor" once in a while...

[SpookyRN764]

I’m sure it’s been said, the only issue I would have is that you are held ACCOUNTABLE to the highest level of license you possess. CNAs don’t have as much to risk as you do liability-wise. Good luck. And relocate. The east coast has plenty of RN positions available

[dream'n, BSN, RN]

About 8 years ago I spoke directly with my state's BON (not California) and was told that I could not work in a CNA position, without the CNA certification. Even though I had an RN license.

[car48]

On 6/27/2019 at 5:19 PM, Oldmahubbard said:

In my state, you cannot just work in any role, even if it a lower level of education.

I am only an NP, and an RN. I can't work as an LPN, or a CNA. I never had the training.

I think you should give up the idea that someone will hire you in these roles. They won't.

I have never heard that. A CNA or LPN does not have a different skill set than us. We should be able to our job in addition to their job. I don't do their job on a regular basis, but a doctor doesn't do mine either - although going up the educational ladder you need to know the lower stuff. That is not to be disrespectful to LPN's CNA's or RN's. Being good at your job is an awesome thing at whatever educational level you are at. I would much rather have a paramedic start an IV on me than Ben Carson. While Ben is probably one of the smartest people on the planet, when was the last time he started an IV? However, Dr. Carson should know how to do it.

My opinion is if the job market is saturated than you should move. Nurses are in demand overall. If they aren't in your area, than move to an area where they are. I make nowhere near what a San Diego nurse makes, but I also don't pay 3k a month for a 2 bedroom apartment.

Where I live nurses are in demand. After I graduated I had little problem finding a job. However the market here is flooded with NPs. I may go after my NP some day, but I know if I do I will have to move to where the work is.

[Lrling]

Your may have to expand your search area. Look into AHMC hospitals (ahmchealth.com) Some of their hospitals are hiring new grads.

[CharleeFoxtrot, BSN, RN]

On 6/28/2019 at 11:17 AM, HotSauce77 said:

Have you had your resume reviewed or redone by a professional? I used to work in an office with a cubicle next to a recruiter. The things that make them toss applications to the side are numerous...

Great advice! Also, make sure your references are in order.

[car48]

Just wanted to add, California's regulations are really dumb.

If you have an RN license, and they won't let you take a job as a CNA that is like saying "Sorry, you don't have a bike license. I know in your day to day life you drive a semi. But it would be way too dangerous for us to allow you to ride that bike".

Stupid is as stupid does, and California is really stupid.

[Oldmahubbard]

The truth is, if you are an RN, lower levels of employment do not want you. You might be disruptive, and at the very least, you won't stay long .

[myoglobin, ASN, BSN, MSN]

I believe that based upon travel assignment needs (which can be seen as a proxy for overall RN demand) that you will find the greatest need in San Jose, Bakersfield, Fresno, San Francisco and Sacramento.

[VegGal, BSN, RN]

5 hours ago, dream'n said:

About 8 years ago I spoke directly with my state's BON (not California) and was told that I could not work in a CNA position, without the CNA certification. Even though I had an RN license.

In California, even if you have a CNA license, as long as you have an RN license you just can't work as a CNA. It's not allowed. It didn't make sense to me, but that's what the CA BRN states.