Should I apply?

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Aug 5, 2015

Welcome to AN

I say it doesn't hurt to apply! What's the worst that can happen: someone else gets the job? Ok...but you DEFINITELY won't get the job if you don't put in the application. Who knows, maybe you will still be the best candidate. And if not....as the saying goes, "nothing ventured, nothing gained" :)

Good luck!

BTW, if you're using your real name as a UserID, you really should change it. There are nuts everywhere, including this forum. Besides, you don't want someone to see something you've posted and have it cause problems for you in the future (we all need to vent, LOL).

Nienna Celebrindal · Aug 5, 2015

You can try but in my experience they want you in a nursing program and completed the first semester. But it could be different where you are.

if not why not get your CNA? it doesn't take that long and working as a PCT would give you great experience and an in at a hospital which will be invaluable when you do get your RN license. Good luck!

mirandaaa · Aug 5, 2015

You can try but in my experience they want you in a nursing program and completed the first semester. But it could be different where you are.
if not why not get your CNA? it doesn't take that long and working as a PCT would give you great experience and an in at a hospital which will be invaluable when you do get your RN license. Good luck!

Agreed. Most states require you to finish fundamentals (usually in your first semester) and pass and then you can sit for the CNA test.

I don't think they'll consider you if you don't have a CNA certification at all.

As for what Nienna Celebrindal says, I wouldn't bother taking the CNA course if you're for sure going to start nursing school. CNA courses are usually pricey and take some time to complete. It would be a little pointless IMO to pay the money and take the time to complete the course when you can just sit for the exam after your first semester.

If you'd like to get your foot in the door at a hospital prior to getting your CNA license, maybe you can apply for environmental services or dietary positions. Then when you get your CNA you can change positions within your hospital.

Good luck!

loriangel14, RN · Aug 5, 2015

Go for it. Good luck!

mrsboots87 · Aug 5, 2015

When they say preferred, it really means they will hire people who have that preferred qualification over anyone else. Also, have you met any of those requirements? What it is saying is that you have to have your BLS or get it once hired (always better to have it before applying) and that you have to have one of the following: your CNA, completed an LPN program, or in a nursing program and passing. It doesn't mean you can apply without any of those qualifications. You have to meet at least one. Most online applications have bots that sort applications before they go to the recruiter. I you somehow get passed those bots or if that facility doesnt use filters, the recrutier will immediatly throw your app away for not meeting any of the qualifications. This is because a hospital does not want to have to completely train you on basic patient care. Basic patient care is taught through all of the 3 listed qualifications.

I dont say this to be rude or discouraging. Just don't get your hopes up. If you are looking to get a hospital job while in pre-nursing, then take a CNA course. Depending on where you are, they are anywhere from a couple weeks to a semester long and your school may even offer it through their nursing department. Then once you are certified, you will have a lot mroe doors open to you.

Seattlemamalama · Aug 6, 2015

You don't meet any of those qualifications from what I read. You don't even have your CNA completed yet. And a "pre-nursing" program is NOT equivalent to a nursing program. Just because I took English 101 it wouldn't be accurate to be telling others I'm in pre-med would it?

I would talk to someone who is currently in a nursing program near you and have them orient you to the nursing school process.

Seattlemamalama · Aug 6, 2015

Sorry I don't want to sound harsh or anything :/ but I think a lot of previous posters are giving you false hope and are misguiding you. They should be directing you towards understanding the different tiers in nursing and the scope of practice within each.

you can try to apply, if no one has any of those 'preferred' qualifications they can eventually end up picking you. But then again there could be issues with the state since your not qualified to practice in certain areas.

Valcorie34, BSN, MSN, RN · Aug 7, 2015

Get your CNA cert. it will get you the job, plus help on nursing school applications. If you are doing prereqs that is very different from what they are asking. If you are in a nursing program then they are assuming you have training equivalent with a CNA.

LJR89 · Aug 7, 2015

I say just apply. You probably won't get it to be honest. But why not give it a shot?! I can't see it hurting to try. If anything you get to practice making a resume!

Like someone mentioned, your chances also depend on what state you're in. My state/hospital was pretty flexible and got hired as a nurse aid without my cna and nothing but a BLS.

it helped that I volunteered in that department first. So I knew some of the staff and it probably helped excuse some of the areas where I didn't meet the "preferred" qualifications.

Good luck!