[marciella]

I graduated nursing school almost 7 mos ago. I first failed NCLEX, but I finally passed recently. I didn't take the test right away when I first graduated because I wasn't ready, and had other family issues. I failed, so I wasn't prepared even when I took it.

But now that I passed, I am having problems getting a entry level RN job.
Seems like alot of the new grad programs want recommendation letters from instructors, and I never asked for any when I was in school. I didn't think it was a big deal, since they kept telling us that nurses are in such high need, and it would be easy to find a job. I did good in school, getting about a B+ average, and usually got excellent reviews at clinical.

Should I contact an instructor for a letter?
Also, would hospitals view negatively the fact that I haven't worked in 7 mos?
I am in the northeast, where it seems that jobs are plentiful for RNs, but it doesn't seem easy to get your foot in the door.
Any advice?

[caliotter3]

Certainly go back to your school and get letters of recommendation. As far as answering any questions about what you have been up to for seven months, don't offer any info about failing the first time. State that you were taking care of personal matters that you didn't want in the way of starting a new job. Good luck and don't get discouraged yet. You're just starting. There's a job out there for you.

[BumblebeeRN]

Originally Posted by marciella

I graduated nursing school almost 7 mos ago. I first failed NCLEX, but I finally passed recently. I didn't take the test right away when I first graduated because I wasn't ready, and had other family issues. I failed, so I wasn't prepared even when I took it.

But now that I passed, I am having problems getting a entry level RN job.
Seems like alot of the new grad programs want recommendation letters from instructors, and I never asked for any when I was in school. I didn't think it was a big deal, since they kept telling us that nurses are in such high need, and it would be easy to find a job. I did good in school, getting about a B+ average, and usually got excellent reviews at clinical.

Should I contact an instructor for a letter?
Also, would hospitals view negatively the fact that I haven't worked in 7 mos?
I am in the northeast, where it seems that jobs are plentiful for RNs, but it doesn't seem easy to get your foot in the door.
Any advice?

The same thing happened to one of my friends.

she ended up putting her resume online, then an agency called her and hired her, now she is making good money & has a day job!

but she had ther license and could not find a job for the life of her, so she ended up taking a job as a customer service rep for verizon wireless.
I felt so bad for her at the time. But she persevered! every day she was online looking for a place to work. and finally she got called.

hang in there, you will find a job, and if you need to, I am sure that your instructors will give you letters of recommendation.

put your resume online!

[jjjoy]

While it may not be as easy to land a job as a new grad as many are led to believe (that you'll be 'snapped right up'), if you persist you WILL be hired, despite the time lapse. Contact the HR department in person. Talk to the person who decides who is accepted to the new grad programs you are interested in. If you are not just a name on a piece of paper, you are more likely to be considered and offered a position. Also don't limit yourself to facilities that advertise new grad programs. Inquire at other facilities as well as, they still might offer extended preceptorship and support for new grads. If there's a place you really want to work, follow up regularly asking about open positions. Let them know you are eager to work there. Consider doing some 'informational interviews' with nurse managers on units that you are interested in. Find out what they're looking for in new hires. Besides getting valuable information, you might find yourself offered a job. It might take a bit longer than you'd like (a couple of weeks to a couple of months), you only need to be offered one good job and then you're on to the next step!

Good luck!

[marciella]

Thanks to everyone for their advice and encouragement.
I do think they seem to make students think it's very easy to get an entry level nursing job. I think it may be easy for some students, but not everyone.
I hope I get a job soon.