Student applying to positions that state "experience preferred"

Published

Hi there. Long story short - leaving a 9 year career in pr/marketing and going into nursing. Finishing up my last prereqs now and will have my CNA certificate by June. Start a direct-entry MEPN program in the fall. I've started looking at potential CNA positions that might work with my school schedule in the fall and I've come across several patient care aide/tech positions, even a few "CNA" in which under experience, they'll have: experience preferred or CNA certification preferred; but that's it. Do you all think they will consider someone like me - a student with no real experience other than my CNA clinicals?

I really want to start applying to positions now as I know the market is tight and it can take a while to find something.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Utilization Management.

It couldn't hurt to apply. I applied to a major teaching hospital in my area right out of CNA school and was hired as a PCT with no experience other than clinicals. To say I learned a lot is an understatement. Good luck :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That's exactly what I'm thinking, Boog'sGirl! The main reason I'm taking the CNA program is because I feel it could only help me during nursing school! Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It never hurts to try! CNA's in my area have a fairly decent turnover, and there is a lot of new people graduating, so I can't imagine all places - especially long term care - require experience. It's a different matter when the position asks 5 years experience or something - but "preferred" you should be fine!

And your CNA work will help you in nursing school - you'll already be ahead of the game in many of the basics, and by the time you graduate as a full nurse, you'll already hae work experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

in this economy, that's (exp preferred) generally gonna mean some exp req. however, in the economy a few years back, that meant, any warm body will do, ha.

apply anyways, you just never know.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

LOL @ warm body!

This economy sucks right now! I was in a scrubs store over the weekend looking for all white shoes, by the way, they are all hideous - I'm someone who wears stilettos to work, so I know my feet will thank me, but the fashionista in me is dreading it.......anywho, I struck up a convo with a young lady. She got a BA a few years back, decided on nursing and just finished a year long accelerated BSN program in Chicago. She said she really wanted to stay in Chicago, but after months of applying to over 30 positions, she decided to come back home (Los Angeles) and got into a new grad rn program at a pretty good hospital here.

I hope things improve over the next few years - I can only live on ramon noodles and lemon water for so long!! LOL

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'd go ahead and apply. What's the harm? The worst they can do is say "No thanks" but you'll never know unless you submit an application. Some places would be thrilled to see that you're pursuing nursing education. I say go for it! :up:

Oh, and nursing shoes. Yeah a lot of them are ugly but my fave shoes are my Dansko clogs. They're ugly, and pricey but the look of them has actually grown on me and they are oh so comfortable during a 12 hour shift! They help align your knees, hips and pelvis when on your feet for long periods of time. No more low back pain! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When the word "preferred" is used, that is the green light. Even when the word "required" is used, persistent job seekers may apply and attempt to sell themselves to the employer if they believe they have transferrable skills. You have to be proactive to make progress.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion