Why many new grads don't find jobs....

aea_11 · May 25, 2012

There are a lot of young women in my classes right now that say that they do not want to work as a CNA because the work is "too hard, too dirty, not enough pay, has nothing to do with being a nurse, beneath them, etc". .

I would completely disgree. Being a nurse is providing holistic, and patient centered care. Providing care is not just administering medications, hanging ivs, but also it means to turn them, assisting them to the bathroom, etc.

NOT all hospitals have CNAs. and if you are a nurse, and you think getting your hands dirty is beyond your scope, think again, because you cant always delegate tasks to the CNA, how are you supposed to assess their bodily fluids or skin if you aren't the ones changing them atleast once on your shift.

That's why I believe its an asset to become a CNA prior to getting your license, it truly shows someone's ability to care for the patient.. even if it may seem "dirty". Because someone has to do it.

Furthermore, Nurse directors and nurse managers want a new grad who is the "whole package". I have gone to 3 interviews and each have asked me my experience in the hospital setting besides clinicals. They want someone who can balance both school and work, this shows commitment and someone who can multitask, prioritize and organize. Being a CNA or a healthcare worker proves you went above and beyond-- and provides some sort of experience. As a CNA you are interacting with patients, improving communication skills, as well as being team player. Most importantly, it shows you can work independently, unlike in clinicals where you are supervised by your clinical instructor or another nurse.

grownuprosie · May 25, 2012

my wife just started on her CNA first job still in first week training and there was this patient who wanted to use the bathroom, she told the nurse who was right there at the time and the nurse went running around trying to find a CNA...finally she came upon mywife and another trainee CNA and by the time they got there the lady had already pooped and ****** on herself. The DON showed up and told the 2 trainees, my wife and the other girl, to clean it up. Now all logic would say the nurse could have helped the lady to the bathroom and all that would have been avoided, but like I told my wife, some nurses will just be a..."that not my job" nurse and she has all rights to say no, while others will just do what best for the patient. We can even argue as to why the floor CNA was not at their post. Needless to say the lady started to cry due to the shame and embarrasment. I feel sorry for new nursing students who think a certain job is "beneath them"...if that was their mom or their sister how would they want them to be treated?

Logic would say that your wife should have taken the woman to the bathroom or at the least gotten a bed pan if for whatever reason she was not allowed to ambulate pt's yet. She went to CNA school. She knows how to help, but refused? Yeah,the nurse could have helped. However, if two able bodied, available, certified nursing assistants were available to... well, I don't know... assist me, the nurse (Student ATM), I would probably expect them to do it. Why does it sound like you are surprised that they were asked to clean up afterwards? Sorry, dude, but this is not the nurses fault.

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · May 25, 2012

:no:nope u misunderstand me,the problem is not whose job it is, and my wife was no where close by to there and did not refuse anything the CNA trainess was on a totally different floors getting first days work orientation,on what is where, rule of the place etc etc. that's where the NURSE who refued to help a lady used the bathroom, left the patient, and found the trainee CNAs. my wife is a new CNA grad just getting her first job after looking for over 2 years. So if a new CNA could jump out of class and know everything without being oriented, kudos to you, but even that is not the problem...The problem is how the patient was treated, you missing the bigger picture...here. Anyways, When I am that nurse my choice would be to just take the lady to the bathroom,and be done with it, not refuse and run around like a fool calling out for a CNA. Being nice for 2 minutes isnt going to ruin ones status as a nurse...anyways thats just me.

brandy1017, ASN, RN · May 25, 2012

You know what made me sad about this thread? How the lady in the post lamented about the "poor" folks at the nursing home with no socks, and how that is what made her NOT want to work in a nursing home, and go somewhere else that was less sad, easier work, more money, etc.,etc. What saddens me is that she didn't want to go into the trenches and be the person who made a difference. The people who are truly happy, truly effective in nursing are the ones who go in each day, determined to make a difference.

A patient told me that Salvation Army came to the nursing home at Christmas and gave everyone gifts including slipper socks among the small practical gifts. I was surprised and didn't know Salvation Army helped in nursing homes too. That is beautiful! Has anyone else heard of this or other organizations volunteering in nursing homes?

DarkLotus · May 26, 2012

This has been an interesting thread! I have been a CNA for 1.5 years and have worked in LTC and Home Health. However I do not plan on working as one when I start a BSN program this fall. I simply can not afford to put my kids in daycare for a full time school and a part time job! I will only have two days a week without school with five hours of time that my kids will be in daycare. Any daycare above the states definition of full time hours I have to pay for out of pocket instead of with a grant. I'm not even sure I will be able to afford the BSN program I have been accepted into so I might wind up working as a CNA for yet another year. If I do get enough grants and scholarships to afford to not work and go to school, I hope to volunteer one day a week at a hospital my first term which I dream will lead to a flexible shift as a nurse tech the next them. I do plan on working full time as a CNA or a tech over the summer even if it is in LTC. Although I dream of eventually working in L&D or Trauma, I'll be happy anywhere that I can obtain professional socialization and learn the non academic side of nursing.

jennifer.ellerbach · May 28, 2012

I nodded, "Yes, it can be hard, but you really do learn a lot. I wouldn't have my med surg job today if I hadn't started in a nursing home."
"Yeah....but that's kind of like winning the 'CNA with no experience' lottery,"Students, get to work. I know other jobs pay more, but if you really liked those jobs, you would not be going to nursing school.

I am a junior in nursing school right now. I am a nursing psychology double major. Being a double major means I am super busy all the time and am in school year around. As much as I know that I should try to get a job as a CNA, I just don't have the time if I want to continue making good grades.

allnurses Guide · May 28, 2012

You nailed it. Absolutely agree. With BSN from good uni its the clinical references that count. If I wanted to do CNAs work I wouldnt have applied to BSN program

Don't you have to do "CNA work" in your clinical?

The "CNA's work" is your work.

I don't know, but I wonder if you haven't already been slapped in a bun with a side of fries, because with an attitude like that, somebody's going to chew you up.

mgp6 · May 28, 2012

It is definitely helpful to get some experience outside of clinicals while in nursing school. I did a summer nursing internship at a camp facility for kids and adults w/ physical and developmental disabilities and I also worked as a nurse extern on a medsurg unit at a local hospital for more than a year. This nurse externship program was very competitive. I did not know anyone at the hospital, so I believe that my GPA, summer internship, letters of recommendation from my clinical instructors, and my performance during the job interview helped me land the job.

I just graduated last week with my BSN and got offered a job a few days before my graduation at a magnet hospital where I did not have any connections. I believe that my experiences and my GPA helped a lot to make me stand out among other applicants. I also did almost 200 hours of senior preceptorship in the ICU, participated at a leadership program, volunteered for medical reserve corps, and obtained ACLS certification. Having great letters of recommendation from your instructors, preceptor, supervisors also greatly add to your chances of getting a job.

loveoutloud · May 28, 2012

There is a huge overflow of CNA's where I live and I am unable to get a job. I really hope all my volunteer experiance in LTC will help me get a job when I graduate1

PatMac10,RN, RN · May 29, 2012

I became certified as a Nursing Assistant the month after I graduated from high school. I was 17 and proud. The same day I turned 18, later that fall, I started my first day of paid orientation as a CNA in the float pool at my local hospital! I was even more proud and making money! I have worked there since and am just starting my 3rd semester if nursing school. I have benefitted do much from working as a CNA a year before Nursing school. I learned so much! Since starting nursing school this past fall (2011) I still work when I can which is about 15 hours a week normally. It keeps me reminded of the need to be humble and to be a team playing nurse. I am 19 now and don't regret it and have an offer from my current manager for employment.

My future employment is, of course, dependent on availability and my continued satisfactory performance at work. My school actually does the majority if our clnicals at the hospital I work at. I had a smoother clinical transition than some of my fellow students because I was familiar with the setting and how charting and etc worked. There are 5 people in my nursing class that are employed by this same hospital. Since we're in the float pool, PRN, we make our own schedule day by day and hour by hour, no that's hitting the CNA lottery! Networking is def a benefit! My department director actually wrote one of my LOR's to get into nursing school.

PatMac10,RN, RN · May 29, 2012

I was given the same advice by my mentor and DON. I asked about taking the CNA course during the summer before nursing school started and she told me NO! For many of the same reasons you mentioned. Also she told me to spend the summer with my family because the next two years would be tough to negotiate with a family and a 70 mile drive. We learn CNA skills - patient care skills - the first semester. So I'm not paying $1000 for a CNA course. And I am a huge fan of and advocate for the CNA's and HHA's I work with. Being a team player comes from your own value system and not necessarily being a CNA first.I have no problem if people want to be a CNA first and won't discount that it helps some folks. But you do not have to do it to be a good nurse. I think the woman in the OP's first post makes a good point - she realizes what she wants to do and is going to do it. Many of the folks I graduated with went on to go almost straight into NICU or ER or surgery centers without being a CNA first. In fact, surgery centers are great for family life - no holidays or weekend and usually more of a 9-5 schedule.[/quote']In my program CNA is required before entry Into the program. Niw that means you myst be listed by the first day of class, you dint have ro have ant clinical hours. I attend an ADN program. I took my CNA class during HS and difnt gave to pay for it, except the testing fees for the state exam. After our first year we can list as CNA-II (NC) which allows us to do procedures involving sterile technique etc..... Start foley catheters and do wound care and dressings OB wounds over 48 hours old. After our professional managemet and delegation class class in our fourth semester our school actually helps students find PRN work at local hospitals as a way to help them network and use some if the skills we are learning. I don't think not being a CNA before or during school or working as one means you won't be a good nurse, buy I do feel that it can only make you a better one by Being one, if you let it work for you that way, at least.

ImKosher · May 29, 2012

Canadiandude, like others said, your going to reap what you sow with that mentality of yours. Here in NC, it's required to go through the CNA program so you understand the foundation of patient care. This is a popular method being picked up by many states.