worried

Apply for nurse intern or CNA positions while you're in school. They are usually only a one day or so per week commitment. They are also good practice to see what areas of nursing you like. I got a job as a nurse intern and it's a great foot-in-the-door position. Just don't be late, call in sick, etc.

I could not agree more with the above response. I worked as a CNA and a unit secretary through nursing school, was a great employee, and had a guaranteed job upon graduation. I actually didn't take it because I dreamt of a level 1 trauma center, but it was available to me.

Become a CNA and try to land a job at a hospital, or long term care facility or long term acute care facility while in nursing school, so when a position open, you will be a step ahead of most new grads since you work in the facility and you can become more familiar with the managers. However, its not a guarantee, but for the majority, it should work in your favor. I know a nurse that was an ER tech prior to entering nursing school. shs worked at the hospital in the emergency room, and when she graduated and passed boards, they immediately hired her as an ED nurse.

Try to get a job in a hospital, it really helps to get your foot in the door, plus you get years of service built up, helps with earned time accrual in the future

In todays' economy, every single new grad in every profession needs to worry about graduating and then getting a job.

Everybody's in the same boat when it comes to employment.

If nursing is a job you want, you're probably better off than the business major across the street.

Everyone also needs to be careful with student loans. I cannot stress this enough!

Getting a job as a PCT/tech/CNA/whatever while you're in school will help. I would start by finding the hospital that you want to work at when you graduate and go from there. Look at the positions that they have open. They might not have an opening in the area that you want to work in but if you build up a good reputation for yourself, it would be in your favor to have a good word from your manager if you wanted to transfer to a different area upon graduating.

I worked as a PCT/extern during nursing school which I think helped me tremendously. I was never late, didn't call in...I treated every shift like I was on a working interview. They were flooded with new graduate/ internship applications...I want to say that they received between 700-800. Three of us were hired...myself and two girls who had done their capstone there.

Finding a job is not impossible, just remember that fortune favors the prepared! :)

LTCs often have tuition reimbursement for CNAs to become nurses....you have to promise to work there for a certain number of years, but you have no loans to pay off... Many people prefer hospitals, but there are fewer CNAs there .... either way- the experience as an aide is invaluable- and you get to see if the healthcare field is really for you :)

This is a legitimate concern. Finding a job is very difficult right now. I know many people that have been CNAs and unit secretaries that were not offered any position when they graduated.

If i was to work at LTC after working all those years would a hospital still look at me as a hire on??

Thank you everyone you are very helpful!