Sally1

I use my old employer (from when I was a CNA) as a main reference, and I have an older letter of recommendation from her...perhaps I should get it updated. I'm looking in the Bay Area and also in the Santa Barbara area. I'm not picky at all for positions, so I've been applying for EVERYTHING under the sun. I love nursing homes so I've focused on them, but I'll apply for anything. I have saved some of my "search criteria" for jobs on some hospital websites, so I should be updated when anything comes up. Keeping my fingers crossed! Thanks so much for your advice! :)

Thank you! I will continue to apply like crazy and hopefully something works out. The hospital that I was a CNA for will hire me as soon as a position is open, but that may not be until February. Ugh. Anyway, I appreciate your advice!

Hello! I am a new grad nurse looking for work in California. I heard that it was hard to find work as a new grad (at least in my area) and I'm finding this to be true. I've only been looking/applying for about 3 weeks, but have had little luck. Many of the positions I want to apply for won't even consider me because they want 1-2 years experience at minimum. I do have CNA experience, but I don't think that's getting me very far. Perhaps I just need a little patience, but do you have any advice for me in terms of getting a job as a new grad in such a highly competitive area? I would appreciate any words of wisdom. Thank you!

Hello! I would REALLY appreciate some help from knowledgeable nurses. I am a university graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Communications. I want to eventually become a LVN and/or RN. My "problem" is that I am possibly moving out of my city in the next few months. Therefore, I am not yet committed to any one school or program. My question is, until I find a permanent location (and a school or nursing program that suits me) what can I do to gain the proper experience, or get me in the right step towards attaining beneficial qualifications. I have a good paying job now that I am reluctant to leave, but I would still like to at least put my foot in the door within the medical field for now. Any suggestions? (Ie: Online degrees/certificates? CNA?, etc.) Thanks so much for your help!

Thanks for your reply. I only ask because my local community college requires a CNA certificate in order to enter the LVN program. I wasn't sure if this was just for that particular school or not. Thanks again!

I am interested in becoming a LVN (possibly a RN in the future). Do I have to receive a CNA certificate in order to become a LVN? Is attaining a CNA certificate beneficial to my career no matter what? (Sorry if this is a pretty basic question, I am just beginning my research on this particular career and am trying to find information from many sources. Thank you).