OK to take time off after graduation?

Nurses New Nurse

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I recently graduated with a BSN and have been relentlessly applying for jobs for months now. I've had a few interviews, but no job offers so far. Since I've just graduated, I'm considering taking a month or two to travel and explore parts of the US that I've always wanted to go to -- national parks, etc.

Just want your opinion... Is it OK to take time off after graduation? Will it look bad to employers if I didn't try to jump into a full time position right away?

I figure that once I start working full time it will be difficult to take time off. Not to mention it will take at least several weeks to (hopefully) pass the NCLEX and get my license. Also, I could definitely use a break from all this job-search stress. What do you think?

Much love to all my new grads!! ~Amistad

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Sure, you can take time off in your job hunt...and anyone who hasn't done that will be in line ahead of you when you get back.

How about considering applying for jobs where you're going to vacation? Kill two birds c one stone, as it were, and national parks tend to be in underserved (and beautiful) areas. Tell them you fell in love with the place and want to stay.

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Thank you for the advice GrnTea! Applying for jobs in my vacation spots is a great idea! Why not live and work where I want to vacation? And of course, I can always do applications online while I'm traveling.

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Specializes in Allergy and Immunology.

Its ok to take time off if you need it. Just tell the potential employers that have a problem with the time gap that you were studying to take NLCEX for those months??

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Thank you for your responses! I just wanted to follow up... Turns out traveling around the US was a good opportunity to apply to many hospitals in person. I was able to get a job in the specialty I'm really passionate about (oncology) and I start next Monday. And I was able to visit some national parks in the process!

Thanks for your support.

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And your new job? Is it in one of you vacation destinations or is it in your home State? Just curious :)

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And your new job? Is it in one of you vacation destinations or is it in your home State? Just curious :)

It's actually in neither, haha. I visited a college friend in Ohio while driving cross country and applied to a hospital there. I wouldn't have chosen it as a vacation destination but I love it so far!!

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It's actually in neither, haha. I visited a college friend in Ohio while driving cross country and applied to a hospital there. I wouldn't have chosen it as a vacation destination but I love it so far!!

Funny how things turn out. I always say there is a reason for everything. :)

Best of luck!

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