Published Jan 10, 2015
happyinmyheart
493 Posts
Hello all :)
Now that summer is approaching I'm sure many people are looking at summer jobs and summer classes!
I know that I myself have decided to take microbiology as well as volunteer at a hospital.
However, I also need to seek a part-time job. I do have my CNA certification, however I am not so sure if I want to work as one due to stress and poor job hours.
There are many other part time jobs available such as working the front desk at the pool, being a college orientation leader, or a camp counselor that pay well and have good hours.
Will not having CNA experience ruin my chances for ever getting a job??? I would love to hear some advice :)
Frotastic
15 Posts
Of course having some CNA experience on your resume will look attractive to HR and Nurse Managers. However, other jobs, such as the ones you mentioned have transferable skills that relate back to nursing. For example, during undergrad I was also a orientation team leader. During some interviews I have had, I was able to demonstrated that I had leadership experience, which nursing managers love!! I personally did not have ANY CNA experience, but have tons of volunteer experience. I have been asked to interview at 2 very well-known hospitals for their new grad programs. So... to answer your question, no, not having CNA experience will not ruin your chances of getting a job :)
AspiringNurseMW
1 Article; 942 Posts
I'm a similar boat in the sense that I can't afford to work as a CNA. I have 2 young kids and I currently work from home doing as an insurance billing assistant making $15/hr plus I can't afford to take CNA training class while I wait for school to start. I do also have 5 years of retail and office management, hope all those jobs skills will transfer favorably when it comes time to get a nursing job.
Wow, that's awesome!!! Thank you for the insight :) Being an orientation leader is honestly one of my dream jobs. Now that you say it, I can definitely see how the leadership skills would carry over to being a nurse!
I'm glad to hear about someone in a similar situation :) It's definitely a tough decision to make- Especially since the job market is tough and I need all the transferable skills I can get!
I think you should definitely pursue it! Besides leadership, you also get to meet sooooo many people, which will come in handy for letters of recommendation and networking.
I think I'm going to apply!! I have been told by many people to go for it- and I know I would just love it! I will always regret not doing it if I skip it- also, the money will help a lot with my upcoming tuition bills. Thank you so much :)