RN with an ADN degree only

[candi33]

Hello I am having a hard time finding a job with an ADN only..I only have 14 yrs of CNA peds Oncology experience..any advice besides going for BSN which I have applied already..but in the mean time I wanted to work and gain experience. I work in Los Angeles.

[Sour Lemon]

Move? Apply for jobs that aren't your top choices? Apply at smaller hospitals that may not have formal new graduate programs?
An ADN in LA is no problem if you don't have a specific, ultra-competitive, "dream job" in mind. It's the lack of experience that makes things very hard.

[SeasonedOne, RN]

Remember than although your CNA experience is valuable, the "establishment" is hung up on titles rather than looking at your overall experience. A friend of mine had a similar problem and I recommended she look for a position in rehab to get a year of experience to make the "title seekers" happy.

For my friend this course proved to be a successful course which then led to working in a smaller hospital to agency nursing to after five years comfortable floating to a variety of floors.

In rehab you will deal with post-op/post-medical patients that can be very ill. You will work on your time management that will make you look like a rock-star when you get to the hospital setting. IVs, medications, disease management, feeding tubes, pain management. new cancer patients, getting orders, transferring patients, recognizing changes...all come into play. And most Rehab facilities are willing to train new nurses in hopes they will stay. You may find your experience will let you shine in this environment.

Also please know that if you know your stuff, people will notice you not your degree. Opportunities will present themselves depending on your knowledge, willingness to learn and enthusiasm. You understand what good basic care means. You will look for things that a BSN nurse may miss simply because they never had to manage 10-15 patients a shift. Bottom line, be the best nurse you can be and enjoy yourself. Open your mind! Nursing is your new oyster!

[la.enfermera, ADN, RN]

I know this is a somewhat old post, but have you tried PrimeHealth Care or Southern California Hospital? I got offers from both hospitals with an ADN "only"..