First off, I understand the job market is rough right now. However, we have at least 7 hospitals in the area where I live. Not to mention the smaller institutions. I plan to start nursing school this fall; I'm going for my ADN and then doing the bridge program to BSN. I have all of the ADN pre-reqs done, and almost all of the BSN out of the way. I'm trying desperately to get a PCT job. Some of the requirements ask for you to have your first clinical semester completed, so I don't mess with those. I'm applying for the few that say they will train you through their in-house PCT program. I even applied for a few unit secretary jobs out of desperation. I just want a part time weekend job to bring in some much needed money and to get some experience, and I usually apply for 3rd shift because I figured the competition wouldn't be so high. I have seen nurses with their BSN struggle to get jobs just because they have no medical work experience. On my resume, I put that I know medical terminology, finished all my pre-reqs and plan to start nursing school, and was an assistant manager at a drugstore and would tech in the pharmacy from time to time. It didn't help. I've even been able to get some employee references on the last few.
To add insult to injury, I can't even get a call back on VOLUNTEERING. I applied for a summer internsip at a local hospital, and the only requirement is that you are in college. I added to that resume that I'm on the President's list, and I have an employee reference from the unit I applied for. It's been two weeks... I'm not too hopeful.
Should I shell out $750 dollars to take a CNA course this summer when I will be done with my first semester of nursing just a few months later? There's no guarantee it will get me a job either. We can't spend that much unless it REALLY increases the chance of it resulting in a job. Would it make that big of a difference? I'm looking into getting my CPR license renewed also. What can I do to make myself appeal to medical recruiters? Am I just underqualified, even for the one's that say they'll train?
I just graduated last semester and received my ADN. After we finished our 1st semester we all received a CNA certificate. Im not sure if this is done at all schools or not. I didn't even know about it til I got it. We were told that the 1st semester of RN school was equivalent to a CNA certif. So u may get it anyway.
I would say that you may be out of luck for a CNA/ PCT position until you have at least a semester of nursing school under your belt. All of the PCT/UC/CNA HOSPITAL staff I know either have a lot of experience or are currently in nursing school.
It seems that once you are accepted, it opens new doors for you. The hospital can pretty much rely on the fact that you are serious about your career, and a PCT/CNA in nursing school is a well-educated PCT/CNA.
I agree that if you can do the BSN program, go for it. The initial outlay of funds is less than it will cost you to go back as a graduated student; in terms of time AND money. And yes, you will have a BIG advantage, especially with clinical experience as a CNA/PCT.
I've had a similar experience. I have CNA certification but from another state and can not transfer it out right b/c I did not work as a CNA (I had just gotten certified when we moved). I have talked to the two major employers in my area and I can not get a PCT position unless I get CNA certification in the new state or complete my 1st round of NS clinicals. The job postings make it sound like they train you but in reality they want you to already be an experienced CNA. I finally just gave up and will reapply after I get done with my 1st semester of NS.
I had classmates who applied for a nursing assistant job during their first semester of nursing school. You don't have to take a CNA course. What you can do is challenge the exam in order to become an NA.
When I got CNA job after 1st semester of nursing school, I was automatically accepted, never got any CNA certificate or award, no test.. This was in Florida and maybe things have changed now but with Florida I doubt it.. It was just accepted fact there. And after getting 4 mos basic experience, I was offered a "nursing student intern job" in a competing hospital in the "nursery" which gave me experience to go straight into L&D. And it was at $8/hr in 1986.. Longer drive but I was so blessed.
The hospital that said they hire people after they finish their first clinical also has student nurse intern positions...lots of them. I'll talk to someone about it. I also went to a hospital's website, and found an "Ask the Recruiter" section. The recruiter gave me a phone number...I just don't know how to tastefully say "Hey hire me!" LOL. Perhaps I can say something like "does your institution have a policy about hiring nursing students for certain positions?" or "are there any in-house training programs I can take to make my resume more competitive?" I really don't know how to start the conversation. EEK!
Am I just underqualified, even for the one's that say they'll train?
nolamomx2
47 Posts
I just graduated last semester and received my ADN. After we finished our 1st semester we all received a CNA certificate. Im not sure if this is done at all schools or not. I didn't even know about it til I got it. We were told that the 1st semester of RN school was equivalent to a CNA certif. So u may get it anyway.