Resume/cover letter help for a "lower" position

[StarryEyed, RN]

So I've been on the hunt for an RN position for so long now and it's getting frustrating. I want to be back on the floor with patients, helping them. In the meantime, my bank account is getting smaller and I need a job. I used to be a unit secretary for 3 years (i had to quit because my nursing school was 8 hours away) and am thinking about applying to another unit secretary position at that same hospital which is the hospital I most want to work at.

Do any of you have experience applying for a position other than RN at a hospital you really want to be an RN at? Such as unit secretary, CNA, anything. I don't want to seem like I'm being sneaky. I want to work at the hospital and think if I were on their payroll already, it might give me a leg up as well as being able to talk to more managers. But I know when ppl hire someone, they want to know that person will stick around. Obviously if I landed an RN position (ideally at their hospital) I would take it immediately.

How do I write my cover letter & resume??

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I don't have suggestions for your cover letter. I do have two important suggestions though.

First, before you even begin applying to "lower" positions, check with your state's BON because in many states, you may not be eligible to work as a CNA as you are already a licensed nurse. Of course, you may be able to work in unlicensed/uncertified positions...

Second, many hospitals won't hire an RN for a CNA, aide or other non-nursing positions because they know the minute a RN spot opens up you're out of there, and they don't want to waste the time and money training you if they know you're going to bolt the first chance you get. I know because when I was job hunting, I asked about applying for CNA jobs and was told this by the recruiters.

To be honest, whatever you tell them when you apply for the lesser jobs, I think HR is going to see your license and realize that ultimately your goal is a RN position, not to stay long-term as the CNA/aide/whatever.

Good luck in your job search.