RN to CNA (Need a job and want experience)

Akeos · Feb 23, 2011

I know a lot of people who worked as CNA's during nursing school kept their jobs until they found an RN position. When I talked to a couple nursing recruiters about it they said that the hospitals most likely wouldn't hire RN's as CNA's because they know you'll leave as soon as a RN position opens. But if you can get hired I would say go for it. It can't hurt to get some experience even if its not as a nurse

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Feb 23, 2011

I can't tell you how sad it makes me to hear of all our new grads who are having trouble landing their first nursing job. However, this is really not the answer. In addition to the very valid reason stated by the PP, if an RN is working in a lesser role, it does not affect his/her level of professional accountability. Even if you are working as an aide, you would still have a professional obligation to intervene on a patient's behalf - within your scope of licensure. Can you imagine what a tangled situation this could be??? You (working as an unlicensed person) having to correct a licensed nurse? I wouldn't want to go there, would you?

Is relocation an option? Despite the ongoing gloomy outlook in some areas of the country, I have noticed an upsurge in recruitment advertising activity. Granted, everyone wants experienced nurses but if a facility is stressed enough to pay (big bucks) to a national recruiting agency, I can't help but think that a 'trickle down' is imminent & positions for new grads will also open up.