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

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Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN

4 Articles; 7,907 Posts

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Another reason that you would not be able to work as a CNA-- even if the BRN allowed it--is that hospitals know that the minute an RN job opens up, you will be out of there. And hospitals don't want to invest time and money training someone for a position that they know they won't stay in. That's something to keep in mind if you try to apply to hospitals in a non-clinical capacity (e.g., clerk, admin, etc.), hoping to get your foot in the door that way.

If you want to stay in the San Diego area, you may need to broaden your job search and consider specialties/facilities/shifts that you weren't willing to look at before. Otherwise, you may have to consider relocating out of San Diego or even out of CA to get your year or two of experience.

Specializes in ICU, trauma, neuro.
4 hours ago, Meriwhen said:

Another reason that you would not be able to work as a CNA-- even if the BRN allowed it--is that hospitals know that the minute an RN job opens up, you will be out of there. And hospitals don't want to invest time and money training someone for a position that they know they won't stay in. That's something to keep in mind if you try to apply to hospitals in a non-clinical capacity (e.g., clerk, admin, etc.), hoping to get your foot in the door that way.

If you want to stay in the San Diego area, you may need to broaden your job search and consider specialties/facilities/shifts that you weren't willing to look at before. Otherwise, you may have to consider relocating out of San Diego or even out of CA to get your year or two of experience.

It should go without saying that you should probably express being open if not an out right preference for night shift in your cover letters since this is the shift that usually has the highest demand. Especially, (I believe) in higher pay/higher cost of living markets since the meager differential is less of an incentive (as a percent of pay) in most cases. I believe that is why some facilities mandate rotating shifts, the extra pay for nights isn't enough to motivate enough employees to work nights. Thus, someone who prefers nights may have a slight advantage.

allnurses Guide

Nurse SMS, MSN, RN

6,843 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I have not read all the replies, but I just wanted to wish you well. Start applying out of state. Most places will hire you contingent on getting your license in that state within a certain amount of time.

Cherry Aims

8 Posts

Hi. I live in San Diego also. Some of the new grads I know have been willing to drive to El Centro to get their 1 year experience. You might want to try an area like that or try going north to the Temecula area, even Riverside. Have you thought of school nursing?

JadedCPN, BSN, RN

1,476 Posts

Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.
37 minutes ago, Cherry Aims said:

Hi. I live in San Diego also. Some of the new grads I know have been willing to drive to El Centro to get their 1 year experience. You might want to try an area like that or try going north to the Temecula area, even Riverside. Have you thought of school nursing?

School nursing would not be good for a new nurse with no experience. They often work by themselves, have administration and teachers trying to get them to do things that shouldn’t happen, and have to make critical thinking calls that could be life or death on their own. They do and are responsible for a lot more than the average person or nurse gives them credit for.

RNNPICU, BSN, RN

1,267 Posts

Specializes in PICU.

So, working as a CNA will not provide you with any benefit to obtaining an RN job. You will need to look farther out and think about different possibilities.

NPs can work as RNs because they are an RN. NPs need to keep their RN license and an NP license.

Great news everybody! I was offered a new grad spot in the ICU last week! Thank you all so much for all of your suggestions and feedback! Is there a way to close a topic to further replies?

RNNPICU, BSN, RN

1,267 Posts

Specializes in PICU.
36 minutes ago, oceanhugger said:

Great news everybody! I was offered a new grad spot in the ICU last week! Thank you all so much for all of your suggestions and feedback! Is there a way to close a topic to further replies?

Congratulations!!!!!

caliotter3

38,333 Posts

Good for you! It is so pleasant to read something positive around here. Good luck in your new career!

13 hours ago, RNNPICU said:

Congratulations!!!!!

12 hours ago, caliotter3 said:

Good for you! It is so pleasant to read something positive around here. Good luck in your new career!

Thaaaaank yooooouuuuu!!!

panurse9999

1 Article; 199 Posts

Finding work is a major problem, I can promise you that much, at least here in PA. Does anyone know of any decent travel companies?

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