RN's working as CNA's or PCT's?

[chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Are there any RN's out there who have been unsuccessful in finding nursing jobs and are now working as CNA's or PCT's?

I'm curious about this because in my part of the world, there are plenty of tech and CNA jobs posted but very few for RN's and even fewer for RN's with limited experience. My state makes it relatively easy for RN's to get registered as CNA's - nurses with active, unencumbered licenses need only request to be put on the certification list. This seems like one way for new grads to get some experience, network and hopefully get a nursing job.

[marshmallowstar, BSN, RN]

Not exactly the same but I kept my PCT job for 5 months after passing boards. I was already a PCT for the last 6 months of nursing school and stayed on till I got an RN position. It was frustrating sometimes staying within the PCT scope of practice, mostly not resetting or d/cing IVs. I was in the ED so the PCTs had a lot more responsibility than the floor PCTs which allowed me to gain experience in EKGs, phlebotomy and IVs which I think helped in applying for RN positions. Most of the nurses I know who have been hired in the past year were a PCT first.

The only problem I foresee is places not wanting to hire you b/c you're overqualified and they anticipate you leaving once you're offered an RN job.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

The only problem I foresee is places not wanting to hire you b/c you're overqualified and they anticipate you leaving once you're offered an RN job.

That's just what one nurse recruiter told me: she said that the hospital doesn't want to spend all time time and money to train someone they know will leave once a RN job opens up. In fact, a lot of hospitals where I used to live won't hire anyone as a CNA/aide/tech if they are graduating nursing school within 6 months for the same reason.

[jesskidding, LPN]

Here in North Carolina, once you have passed the NCLEX and are a licensed nurse you can not work as CNA or PCT. I know lots of new grads that put off taking the NCLEX just so they could continue working as CNA's because they were having no luck finding RN jobs.

[fashionistaRN]

Here in the DC area, after passing boards you can only work as a CNA/PCT for 30 days.

[geekynurseRN]

I am only still working as a CNA because I had my CNA before my RN.

[missmatched]

My last scheduled shift as PCT was 10/14. Finally got word today that I now have a fulltime position in another hospital where I'm finishing up a residency program. Had my RN license since February. It's been tough to find an RN job. I guess it just depends on the facility and the state board.