new RN..what now?

Nurses New Nurse

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Specializes in Hospice.

Hi, I am a foreign RN just arrived USA last May 2010..

I graduated BSN last March 2009. Since then I have no RN job experience.

I took and passed NCLEX last February 2011

I know RN residency program here in the USA but i am not qualified anymore because they only accept graduates from 2010-2011.

What will I do? Where would i find my first RN job?

Where shall i try my luck? every hospital wants 1-2 yrs RN experience.. :((

I am loosing hope, i don't know really what to do... Please help. any advise?

I do have BLS certification just recently. That's the only thing i have aside from my RN license. I am in Southern California btw (LA county)

Specializes in Family Medicine.

Hey friend!

Are you willing to relocate? If so, start applying to every hospital/LTC you can find.

Specializes in Hospice.

hi friend! it's been awhile..

what's LTC?

Specializes in Family Medicine.

It has been a while. Hope you're hanging in there.

LTC is long term care (nursing home). It's a little easier to get a job there. I know it's not ideal but it would give you some nursing experience. A nurse who started with me at the hospital worked at a LTC for 8 months and then was able to get the job at the hospital.

Specializes in Hospice.

thanks friend.. will include that on my list....

Specializes in Family Medicine.
thanks friend.. will include that on my list....

No prob girl. Try to stay positive and trust in God. Keep me posted and let me know if you need any help (proof reading cover letter, resume, what not). :)

Specializes in Hospice.

sure i will, thank you sooo much...

did u start already with ur job?

Specializes in Family Medicine.

Yes, I'm three weeks into it. So far so good. :)

Hi there!

We have the same dilemma... i graduated 2007 from nursing school. and i migrated in the US and just recently took the nclex and passed it the 1st time. i also have a BLS certification. but unfortunately every hospital i applied to says that im not qualified for the new rn residency program because of the length of time i graduated. but i have no hospital-base experience, so i cannot be also qualified for the other rn positions.

im also from los angeles. if you dont mind me asking, where did you apply? i guess the best would be to apply first on nursing homes? :confused:

please help me.

thanks

Specializes in Hospice.
Hi there!

We have the same dilemma... i graduated 2007 from nursing school. and i migrated in the US and just recently took the nclex and passed it the 1st time. i also have a BLS certification. but unfortunately every hospital i applied to says that im not qualified for the new rn residency program because of the length of time i graduated. but i have no hospital-base experience, so i cannot be also qualified for the other rn positions.

im also from los angeles. if you dont mind me asking, where did you apply? i guess the best would be to apply first on nursing homes? :confused:

please help me.

thanks

consider everything, nursing homes and other...

i applied to CHLA, try their, they don't specify year of graduate...

maybe you consider taking refresher course

thank you for the reply. i just applied with CHLA and they are the ones who told me that they changed the pre-requisites for the program.. they wont consider you if its been more than 2 years since you graduated. good for you, you already got a job. :up:

any ideas where i could get a refresher course? i mean its a bit impractical though to waste more time and money for it. ugh! i really dont know what to do anymore! i was soo happy when i passed my nclex the 1st time after 3-4 years without studying, but here comes this new rules!

best of luck to you! if you have any suggestions please let me know.

Specializes in Hospice.
thank you for the reply. i just applied with CHLA and they are the ones who told me that they changed the pre-requisites for the program.. they wont consider you if its been more than 2 years since you graduated. good for you, you already got a job. :up:

any ideas where i could get a refresher course? i mean its a bit impractical though to waste more time and money for it. ugh! i really dont know what to do anymore! i was soo happy when i passed my nclex the 1st time after 3-4 years without studying, but here comes this new rules!

best of luck to you! if you have any suggestions please let me know.

no, i don't have a job yet, it's been a month since i start searching for RN job but no luck yet, u can inquire in Azusa, or look into the BRN site they have a list on what institution that offers refresher course...

just don't give up hope, try to consider nursing home, or any facilities and areas, just to build up ur experience...

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