Working as Nurse Assistant while you are an RN

[ClarissaLRN]

I have been working as a nurse assistant since my second semester as a nursing student. I graduated in January of 2011 and haven't been able to get a job at my facility. Working as NA when you are an RN is extremely hard, I felt like I wasn't learning anymore and wasn't growing anymore at my job. My manager went on to hire 6 new grads and not me. I finally quit which was a painful decision, but I can't take it anymore. I am a good CNA and do work that is comparable to any one else, but I don't suck up to manager. I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience?

[netglow, ASN, RN]

I knew of several people who had done this. They didn't get hired either. However no matter who in admin or nursing staff they talked to, they were always led to believe that when a position opened once they became RNs, they would be given an interview, and were told in all reviews that they were excellent employees.

I don't keep in touch with classmates anymore, but, right at the beginning 6 months or so after licensure, I heard this was happening to nearly all of them who worked.

Cheap and dirty trick, that is. Who wouldn't want a RN student who works harder, and strives to make a great impression in hopes of an RN job over someone else for that thankless job.

[Cuddleswithpuddles]

I am so sorry . I can only imagine how disappointed you must have felt.

How come your manager hired the new grads? Was it a hiring requirement dictated from above? Maybe your manager had no choice in the matter, or that the company wanted to hire new grads because they were desperate and could be lowballed in their pay. Unfortunate situation, it happens, and it certainly makes the situation less of a reflection your value as a RN and more about the cold reality of this job market.

But if your company respected outsiders more than their own employees... Ohh man.

Either way, you hit a dead end. You moved on. I think that was the best thing to do.

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

I was sort of in that same position. I graduated, passed my NCLEX and still worked as a tech for a couple of months afterwards. I did not get licensed in that same state and my employer let me keep my job. Everyone knew I was relocating. It was very hard being an RN and working as a tech...especially when classmates would be precepting on that floor as a student and they would be delegating to me...I got over it, though.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Unfortunately, working as a CNA/PCT/aide is no longer the "in" to a nursing job that it used to be. A few of my classmates went that route only to find themselves not picked up as nurses after graduation.

Good for you on moving on! It's clear they weren't going to pick you up as a nurse so it's better to start looking elsewhere instead of being stuck.

[caliotter3]

You made the best move unless you are desperate for income. Now you can focus on doing what is right for you, now that you are not being taken for granted.