New Grad - 8 months - no job. How to keep sharp?

lavenderskies, BSN · Dec 28, 2015

Now that you have your license the best way would be to just get a job.

Momma1RN, MSN, RN, APRN · Dec 28, 2015

Yup get a job. Start in an area that might not be your dream job. Do it until you can find something else.

guest937351 · Dec 28, 2015

Yes, I completely agree finding a job is my first priority and I'm tackling the hurdles of being new and no facility wanting a new nurse, but in the mean time I don't know exactly what to do to stay competent?

How much longer do I have as a new nurse with no experience before I wont ever get hired because too much time has passed?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2015

Your profile indicates you are located in the Bay Area, which is problematic for finding employment. I'm going to be blunt: you will probably need to relocate to Central CA or far rural Northern CA to secure your first job.

The Bay Area is one of the worst areas in the country for finding a nursing job due to over-saturation. As far as keeping your skills sharp, the only way to accomplish that is to obtain paid work experience as a nurse. Good luck to you.

guest937351 · Feb 11, 2016

Finally landed a job!! Just in time haha I was about out of my savings and hope lol living in this expensive area that only wants experienced nurses! I've probably applied to over 450 jobs and various hospitals in the area!!!!!! I'm so excited :)

I even get to work in a healthcare setting and department that I'm actually really passionate about :) That's like unheard of in the area!! This department never hires new grads!!! :)

I'm so lucky that I won't have to take a job that I didn't really want and that I would be leaving as soon as I gained enough experience, so lucky!!!

Finally I get to work as NURSE! Haha look out world we got a new nurse with a license!

jemerald · Feb 11, 2016

Finally landed a job!! Just in time haha I was about out of my savings and hope lol living in this expensive area that only wants experienced nurses! I've probably applied to over 450 jobs and various hospitals in the area!!!!!! I'm so excited :)
I even get to work in a healthcare setting and department that I'm actually really passionate about :) That's like unheard of in the area!! This department never hires new grads!!! :)
I'm so lucky that I won't have to take a job that I didn't really want and that I would be leaving as soon as I gained enough experience, so lucky!!!
Finally I get to work as NURSE! Haha look out world we got a new nurse with a license!

Congratulations

guest937351 · Feb 11, 2016

Thank you Thank you!! :)

steffimiesha, ADN, RN · Feb 13, 2016

Congrats! I read your other posts. We live in Wyoming now, I am waiting to get in the program hopefully for fall, I find out in April ish.. But we moved from Bay Area , ca.. That's where all of our family is and hopefully moving back ( maybe) when I am done with nursing school :)

guest937351 · Feb 13, 2016

Oh that's so exciting! How are you liking Wyoming? You'll have to let me know if you get into the program! :) Are you doing the LCCC nursing school or university program? I went to school in Laramie but we do almost all of our clinical experiences in Cheyenne. That I-80 drive at 0530 to clinicals was pretty sketchy sometimes! I absolutely love the Bay Area and after growing up in Wyoming my whole life the weather out here is just amazing. I'm so thankful I got a job and get to stay out here.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2016

Finally landed a job!!

Congratulations to you! Thank you for returning to post an update that included this great news!

guest937351 · Feb 13, 2016

Thank you :)