Very discouraged...I regret not becoming a CNA during RN school.

[Cynnie24]

Now that graduation is approaching (May 2014), I am starting to realize how hard it is going to be to find a job. I have heard that Seattle is a bad place to be for new grads anyways, let alone someone with no healthcare experience. I am very discouraged when I should be excited and proud of my accomplishments, as this is my dream. I worked as a waitress all through school as it was extremely flexible with my schedule and payed enough to pay the bills. I regret not working as a CNA because not only does it get your foot in the door, but it really helps with confidence. Two people in my class are getting jobs on their units as RNs because they are CNAs. It is very discouraging. I am only 21 and feel that my resume will be lacking with only one job for 5 years (still working there). I will also have 100 hours of volunteer hours at a hospital, and will be doing the RN-BSN program next fall, and am getting ACLS soon. I just got my CNA license after 4 months of processing! But at this point, what facility will want to hire me for only 4 months? I want to work LTC right out of school as an RN but I am starting to notice on here that people cant even get hired there out of the gate, and that there are very little postings of LTC RNs around here.

Anyone else feel the same way? Thank you all for this vent. I really needed to express myself to someone.

[Palliative Care, DNP]

There are jobs to be had across the U.S. If you are willing to relocate. That is the reality. How badly do you want that first job and are you willing to move to get it?

[caliotter3]

No matter how disappointed you are, you can't change what is already done. Don't waste mental energy wondering "What if". Instead invest your energy on your next move based on your present reality. Best wishes.

[ArtClassRN, ADN, RN]

Thank you all for this vent. I really needed to express myself to someone.

Head on over to the Student section so prospective nursing students might learn a little.

Having CNA experience is extremely helpful; I personally think it is vital. However, not having CNA experience is not a career death sentence. You simply start out behind a lot of others. You can catch up - it happens all the time.

I recently precepted a student with no healthcare experience and a rotten med surg clinical on a rehab unit. She had a very, very, very steep learning curve, but by the end of her preceptorship she had advanced to doing many tasks independently - and been offered a new grad residency at a Children's hospital.

[VANurse2010]

I think becoming a CNA is more important for the job connections it provides. As far as the actual work - it certainly helps but I was never a CNA and manage just fine.

[Nonetheless]

If it makes you feel any better I know some cnas through nursing school who graduated in June '13 who are still cnas 6 months later.

EDIT: it's very competitive for everyone and from personal anecdotal experience I see that being a CNA can help, but I don't think it's the guarantee for a job in that unit/ hospital that it used to be. About 60-70% of my schools class who graduated in June '13 are employed and the three people who were employed right before graduation were not cnas. One had paid internship experience in a hospital and the others had no paid work experience in healthcare. The rest who were employed within 6 months had an diverse mix.

[Amistad, RN]

I think working at the same job for 5 years looks really good on a résumé actually. Shows commitment. If a hospital is going to train you as a new grad (which is very expensive) they're going to want you to stick around.

I wasn't a CNA in school and I've done just fine as a RN. I was hired at the same time as a girl who was a CNA at the hospital and I feel like we had the same steep learning curve. You're going to learn ALOT in your first year no matter what previous experience you've had.

I will say I did have to move across the country for my job, but it was worth it. I love my job and my new home.

[ADeks]

Don't lose hope! When I was in nursing school I was a tech at a hospital where they were going to transition me to nurse once I passed NCLEX. About 4-5 months before graduation my manager was asking if I knew any nursing students who were interested. I told her I only knew those who were graduating and she hired 2 of them as well and we all transitioned to a nursing position once we passed NCLEX.

[iPink, BSN, RN]

Whether you were a CNA, Unit Secretary, or a Tech, being an RN is a whole other ball game. As far as getting a job, you may have to hustle like everyone else. Apply out of state and get licensed in multiple states. I was in the process of getting my WA license too last year due to family being there but got a job in the state I am in now. However, you never know you'll get a job right there in WA, just apply.

Good luck.

[chelbelle]

No matter how disappointed you are, you can't change what is already done. Don't waste mental energy wondering "What if". Instead invest your energy on your next move based on your present reality. Best wishes.

I am in the same position as the OP and this advice really helped! Graduating in May 2014 with four years of experience in an office & teaching dance at a local dance studio. Can't change it now!

[sunshyne17]

I agree with caliotter. Deep breath and move on.

I got into LTC right after graduating - make that resume impeccable and let your personality shine. Then just apply to other places while you are already gainfully employed.

GL!

[Scarlettz, BSN, RN]

I wished that I had PCT experience, too. I tried to find a position while in nursing school but couldn't get anything. I graduated nursing school in May 2012. But, I did not get my first nursing job until August 2013. I went straight into the RN to BSN program once I graduated in May. I have no medical/health experience. I babysat and then worked retail for six years. It looks good to have a solid work history. So, turn your experience into something extraordinary. A lot of hospitals are customer service driven nowadays, so definitely highlight how you went above and beyond for your customers.

Like your home place, it was hard to find jobs in the area. I was fed up of looking and getting rejection emails for over a year. So, I looked into other states, received my nursing license in a few prospective states, and then found something on the other coast. I am grateful that I found something and was willing to move. So, if you feel like you can do that, look outside your state.

You are going back to school, working on ACLS, volunteered, etc., you are doing great things. Don't give up.