Pre-Nursing Students Dilema... Getting the RN Job After Graduation

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Love this site and all of the wonderful advice and topics covered! And after reading and researching the RN job situation nationwide (I happen to reside in good ol' California :-/ ), my question is....

Seeing as the jobs are short and scarce, would getting a CNA certification and working as a CNA during nursing school (2 more classes and FINALLY I will be able to apply to my local nursing program at VVC!) qualify as the much needed "nursing experience" after graduating with an ADN and passing the NCLEX?

I know that working at the same time as going through the nursing program could be difficult. But ... if it is what needs to be done in todays economy, then I'm willing to sacrifice a little sleep. ;-)

Thanks all! I'm eager to become a part of & jump into this lovely nursing network!

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

Hey Jen! Welcome to all nurses. Unfortunately, CNA experience is not the same as RN experience. Since a CNA is working in a different role than an RN and has different responsibilities, when you graduate RN school you start as a new grad, with no experience, regardless of being a CNA, EMT, etc before graduation. I am not saying that working as a CNA won't help you network and build better pt care and communication skills though.

Oh, and allnurses is viewed by thousands of people online so it is strongly discouraged to use your real name and picture in your profile. I think that is good advice for anywhere on the internet

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Thanks ChristineN! Good advice all the way around. :yeah:

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