RN to apply for nursing assistant position? good idea?

[lolale]

I recently received my RN license back in August 2008 but still working on my BSN till February 2009. i've been applying to every single hospital but no one wants to hire me because I don't have experience. My only professional experience I have is being a salon manager since 2004. I've tried looking into SNF's and LTC but they all want at least a year of experience.

I'm thinking of applying to nursing assistant positions, to at least get my foot in the door. Is that a good idea? Is it possible for a licenced RN to become an extern/intern? Please help! BTW i'm in the San Diego Area.

[puresass]

have you applied to new grad programs? i don't think they'll start until at least may or june, but the application period starts in the next couple of months.

[Kevzz]

I had a very difficult time as a new grad 2 years ago. I quickly discovered the nursing shortage propaganda was a hoax. I did finally get hired after applying at 7 different hospitals. You might apply with the VA as well...you never know

[caliotter3]

After a period of time, try going back to some of the places that you previously applied to. Sometimes this leads to a job. Expand your geographical area of looking and get prepared to move away if necessary. Otherwise, you are not doing yourself any good by getting a nursing assistant job unless it is a last ditch effort to keep from living in the street or living in your car. If you get an assistant job at a place that offers you an RN position later on, keep in mind that you will most likely run into problems when you take on a supervisory role over people that you worked with as your peers. That makes your job as an RN that much more difficult. Better to spend your time and effort looking for an RN job instead of using your days working as a CNA or PCT. JMO

[SDMamma]

I am a CNA in the san diego area and I can tell you that 4 years ago when I was working at Grossmont Hospital in La mesa, I worked with a CNA who had just graduated from SDSU with a BSN but continued to work as a CNA until she took the boards and actually received the liscense in the maill. In Cali, it takes about a month or more to recieve the NCLEX-RN test results, and I don't know how much longer til you get the actual liscence.

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

Have you tried Paradise Valley Hospital in National City? They are hiring but do pay less than other hospitals. You will get in the door and get experience, but one year working there and you can go anywhere. They do not have a new grad program. You are precepted by an experienced RN in whatever dept you are hired to. A word of warning. I was told by a department head that it takes them one month sometimes to get the resume from HR so be patient after sending it in. Good luck in your job search whatever you decide and let us know when you land that first job! :)

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

Just wanted to add, have you tried applying at an acute long term care facility? Promise Hospital on University Ave in San Diego has job fairs every 6 months or so and they are always looking to hire and will train. They sometimes advertise in the Union-Tribune. Half of their patients are on vents but I've known new nurses that have asked to follow the Respiratory therapist for a day so they could learn how to trach suction etc. You never have more than 5 patients in long term acute care.

This is a good place for smokers because they allow smoking right outside in a designated area. (that smoke always got to me when I was walking by! cough cough!) :)