Job hunting tough as new grad. Med surg certification?

[hamburgers911]

I just moved to CA about a month ago and I have been calling hospitals and filling out applications constantly. Everyday I get an email or two, politely rejecting me. Getting a job as a new grad is proving to be no small feat for alot of people who graduated in 2011, 2010, and 2009! (This nursing shortage is a scam.) I'm wondering if I should pursue a Med Surg certification to give myself a leg up. Thoughts?? Discuss.

[dienne]

I think you need to have 1 or 2 years of work experience before you can take any kind of certification. I just started on a telemetry unit 2 months ago as a new grad and they told me that I can take the certification in about 2 years. My understanding is that the test is based on clinical experience that's why you need to be a working RN.....

[slowrunner]

I agree with dienne. how can one be certified in something that they have no experience in? Keep you head up and be persistent. I was applying for 1 1/2 years before I got an offer for a new grad position.

[0402]

Medical-Surgical Nursing Eligibility Criteria

This is a Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Credential Awarded: RN-BC (Registered Nurse—Board Certified)

Eligibility Criteria

All requirements must be completed prior to application for the examination.

Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or the professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country

Have practiced the equivalent of two years full time as a registered nurse

Have a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in the specialty area of medical-surgical nursing within the last three years

Have completed 30 hours of continuing education in medical-surgical nursing within the last three years

This is from http://www.nursecredentialing.org/MedSurg-Eligibility.aspx.

You're not eligible.