Wife is an RN, Can't find job in Las Vegas

U.S.A. Nevada

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My wife passed her NCLEX in February and has submitted countless applications to every hospital/medical center/urgent care facility/whatever else is in Las Vegas with absolutely no luck at all. It kills me to have seen her work so hard to earn her degree and pass her NCLEX, only to get "denied" emails, if she's lucky enough to even get a response. I've read plenty of threads on here of RNs looking for jobs in Las Vegas and it almost seems hopeless. I feel guilty because I'm active duty air force and she moved to what seems to be the hardest place in the country to get an RN job because of me. Does anyone have any advice or recommendations? Is there any way she can do some sort of internship to at least get some experience? Right now, I honestly think she'd work for free. She needs experience so she can build a stronger resume. Does hand delivering a resume to the HR department do any good? Any information will be helpful. For all the other nurses in Las Vegas that are in the same situation, I truly feel for you and wish you the best of luck. It's so sad to know you've all worked so hard to earn that degree, which I know from reading some of my wife's study material is no easy task. I couldn't even study with her because I couldn't read half of the words! I promise if I find anything out I will post it under this thread, even after my wife lands a job. Thank you all for what you do/will do. Underpaid and underappreciated sometimes but you're all lifesavers and have one of the most important jobs in the world. God bless and good luck to you all!

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Specializes in ED.

If you were married before she moved here try Usajobs for all rn positions even if they ask for experience but exercise spouse preference for hiring.

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Specializes in OB, Postpartum, Nursery.

There is a place in Northern California where you can pay for post hospital training. It is expensive, but you learn the skills and hands on relating to the ER. It really sucks that we have to pay to learn and then pay more to train for a job.

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The good news is... this is not one of the hardest places to find an RN job. Although its hard, it's very possible. Where I'm from, there are RNs working as aides/techs for 1-2yr and counting with no luck getting an RN job. It just takes a lot of time, and A LOT OF PATIENCE!

I feel for you and your wife because I was in the same boat, but an opportunity finally came my way. I have heard it takes at least 6 months. It took me about 2 months of actively looking and applying, and believe me it was the longest 2 months of my life. I don't wish it upon anyone, it can be tough.

My advice would be to network as much as possible. Spread the word that you are looking for work. Join the ANA/NNA, get involved. During this free time, it would be good to get your ACLS, PALS, etc. I would also recommend physically going in there and handing in resumes. Another thing I did was volunteer, preferably at a hospital she wants to work at. Keep a look out for new grad programs as well.

Just be patient and persistent, something will come up very soon! I know it. Good luck, and I will keep you both in my prayers. Let me know if you have any other questions :) Take care.

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Specializes in Public Health.

Two months of looking is no time at all, perspective is everything. Its actually not that bad of a market here. I know centennial hills stroke center is hiring.

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Thanks for the encouragement guys. I guess a few months isn't that bad, but before she moved out here she was offered a job at almost every hospital she applied to back home within a couple of weeks of submitting her resumes, but I convinced her that Vegas has way more hospitals so she should be able to get a job no problem. I think we'll take your advice LVHI_RN and get her some additional certifications. She's going to attend the NNA event on May 6th too so hopefully that can open some doors for her. When you say you volunteered, what exactly did you do? I wouldn't think you could volunteer as an RN because of liability concerns. We'll look into Centennial Hills Slinkyhead...thanks for the heads up! Well we'll keep at it and start to get a little more aggressive. Thanks everyone for your advice! You all rock

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Just tell her to keep applying! it took me almost 8 months to land my first job. She can volunteer with the red cross!

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Yeah, you can't use any skills while volunteering. BUT it looks really good on your resume. Employers like to see that you are active while unemployed. Its a good way to show you a determined. Once I added the volunteering onto my resume, I got more calls for interviews. Btw, St. Rose has a new grad program coming up. You should look into that.

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There is a place in Northern California where you can pay for post hospital training. It is expensive, but you learn the skills and hands on relating to the ER. It really sucks that we have to pay to learn and then pay more to train for a job.

What place is this?

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Working for free as an RN is a great way to network. Check American Red Cross...

Nurses and the American Red Cross

Nurses have always been a cornerstone of the American Red Cross. Since the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1888 and the Johnstown floods in 1889, Red Cross nurses have provided assistance during times of disaster and conflict. The Heritage Newsletter, Nursing Matters: Past and Present, is chock-full of stories about the extraordinary service of Red Cross nurses.

The Red Cross Nursing Service was formally established by Jane Delano in 1909. Red Cross nursing has also had a major role in the historical evolution of nursing and nursing leadership in the United States. Red Cross nurses like Jane Delano, Clara Noyes and Julia Stimson have played pivotal roles in American nursing.

Nurse Involvement Today

More than 15,000 nurses continue to be involved in paid and volunteer capacities at all levels throughout the American Red Cross. These activities consist of:

Providing direct services: e.g. local Disaster Action Teams (DAT), Health Fairs, volunteer in military clinics and hospitals, promoting blood collection team, first aid stations

Teaching and developing courses: CPR/First Aid, Automatic emergency Defibrillator(AED), Disaster Health Services, Nurse Assistant Training, Babysitting, Family Caregiving

Acting in management and supervisory roles including: Chapter and Blood Services region executives

Functioning in leadership roles: local board member and the national Board of Governors

Red Cross Programs that Engage Nurse Volunteers

Protecting Life, Promoting Health: Nurses/Student Nurses for Blood Donations is a public education program to encourage first-time and repeat blood donors, and to decrease donor stress. The program is delivered in a community by American Red Cross volunteer nurses and student nurses.

More Opportunities for Nurse Involvement

The Chief Nurse is responsible for supporting and strengthening paid and volunteer nurse involvement throughout the American Red Cross, maintaining liaison with all business lines. The National Chair of Nursing, the National Nursing Committee, and the State Nurse Liaison field infrastructure make up the current infrastructure to support and guide nursing across the organization. In addition, the Chief Nurse represents Red Cross nursing with external professional organizations, educational institutions, and health focused groups.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

She could also volunteer for a free clinic as an RN. That would be a good way to gain experience. Is she limiting herself to hospitals? There are a lot of outside-the-box RN positions in the world. She has to be creative and network network network. What about on the base- is there a clinic or hospital there? I know many had civilian contractors these days (or were shifting in that direction when I was on active duty).

If she hasn't already, she ought to check out LinkedIn and Craigslist. Post on Facebook that she's looking for RN work, practically wear a sandwich board. The more people she can talk to about it, the better. You never know who knows someone who knows a manager.

Good luck!!

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Just came across this post and seems to be upsetting that people have spent a lot to educate themselves yet they can't find a job. It has been four months since this post, I wonder is your wife already found a job somewhere. I hope she already did. I am starting to worry for myself as well considering I might be subjected to the same problem soon.

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