RN to CNA or HHA? Please HELP!

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I'm an RN in my home country and that's it. No work experience in health care field ever since I graduated and got my license. I'm a Permanent resident here the US with SS#. I've been stuck at home for marriage and small kids for years now. Now, I want to pursue my career but I'm not sure where and how to start. I need an advice. Do I have to be certified to be a home health aide to start with? Or do I have start all over to get certified to be able to apply a CNA position? Or go right straight to my NCLEX exam since my application has been approved to take the test. But the thing is.. I need the experience or the position that will prepare me to the next step. Please give your advice. I'd like to hear from you. Thank you.

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Specializes in ICU,Critical Care.

Hello!

In all honesty, I would just prepare to take my boards if you're already approved to take the NCLEX. In my experience, it really doesn't matter if you have prior health care experience when applying for a nursing position if it isn't an actual licensed "Nurse" position. You will still be considered a novice nurse with or without prior health care experience. Also, while you're preparing to take the NCLEX you should start looking into graduate nurse residency positions in your area. I'm sure you'll make the best decision for yourself and for your family, but give it some thought! Good luck with everything :) BTW I had 4 years experience as a CNA and 3 years experience as a lead medical assistant and employers still looked at me as a brand new grad nurse because I lacked "nursing" experience.Thankfully I was hired into a graduate nurse position!

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Thank you for your honest input. I really appreciate it. Thank you for your precious time and your advice really counts. BTW, you are beautiful :)

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Agree with the first post. You would be wasting your time by concentrating on working below your education level at this point. Furthermore, some states do not permit nurses to work below their license (when you get it). Put your efforts into getting your RN license at this time. It will be more beneficial to you in the long run.

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Specializes in ICU,Critical Care.

You're very welcome! And I can't credit for Mary J. Blige's beautiful avatar, thank her lol! Best of luck to you :)

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