Please Help! New grad and don't know what to do!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi everyone,

I just graduated in Ohio with my ADN and am really looking for a job now. I have been a STNA for over 2 years and I really thought that would help me in becoming an RN but so far no luck. I have applied everywhere from large hospital systems, to long term care, and hospice facilities. Even the jobs that say they don't necessarily require previous nursing experience are telling me no.

My fiance and I are getting married in September and I would like to have a job under my belt before marriage. Am I being denied because I do not have my RN license for Ohio yet? I know someone who applied for a job in Alabama who a month before she graduated had a position offer in hand. We are willing to move anywhere in the country (except Alaska). If anyone has any advice for me it would be greatly appreciated! :)

From reading on here the only states that are popping up as hiring new grads are Texas, North Carolina, and Florida. Any advice that anyone can give will be greatly appreciated!

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Whoa there!

You're dealing with three separate issues? 1) waiting to take NCLEX 2) looking for a job and 3) getting married in September... is that right? Rather than throw another major stressor into the mix, I suggest you focus on #1 first. Employers are faced with a huge surplus of new grads so they aren't going to take you seriously unless you are good to go with your license. You may also have a challenge without a BSN, but that may not be the case in your area.

(putting my 'Mom' hat now) What type of work does your fiance do? This is a very important consideration if you are looking relocation. You don't want to start out your married life with the enormous stress of a protracted period of unemployment for him. Even with the best of intentions, this is just about the worst thing that could happen.

As for moving to Texas.... there may be opportunities for new grad ADNs in rural areas, but they would have a grim outlook for your new hubby's employment situation.

Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

They will take your application more seriously once you have RN behind your name.. Until then network, study for the NCLEX.. Try to focus on one thing at a time..hard I know but don't go jumping the gun with moving just yet :)

You can take the NCLEX anywhere, anytime. Do it now, get a license where you are, in Ohio. When you decide where you want to live, then you apply to employers in State 2 and tell them you have applied to the State 2 BoN to give you State 2 license by reciprocity.

We don't consider anyone for a position for which they are not yet qualified. If you applied at our hospital without a license, we wouldn't bother even looking at your application.

Get your license, stat.

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Texas is a very tough market for new grads.

Texas is a very tough market for new grads.

I disagree. Every new grad I've known has found employment within a month after graduation. Most of them have jobs lined up before they even finish.

I graduated last weekend and i a m relocating to dayton oh in a few months..I am also nervous about finding work as a new grad in OH. Have you looked into any internship programs? someone posted one about kettering.

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