I am confused. I need advice.

[Ticklelicious]

I am a new graduate RN. I graduated over a year ago. I was hired as a superuser to work for UCLA for only 3 months. After that position ended, I got an interview at UCLA because it was for internals only. However i did not land an RN job. Now there is another superuser position that will last until april 2014. I don't know if I should go for that position or just go look for an RN position at any place including skilled nursing facility. I really want RN work experience. I don't want it to be two years later and I still can't get experience as an RN. I need advice. Please help. My boyfriend said I should give up on chasing after UCLA and go get RN work experience otherwise it would look bad to other companies that I am only chasing after UCLA. I don't want my RN career to go down the drain. What do you think?

[rumwynnieRN]

Do what your boyfriend said. I'm working at a hospital I'm not very fond of, but I love my coworkers, and I've landed really awesome references. My immediate coworkers, save for my manager and director, are aware I'm looking for another position at a hospital where I can grow. Your application and resume are stronger when you have coworker RN references and some RN position, even if it's at a nursing home or something along those lines.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Agree with PP.

Your resume is stronger if it reflects varied work experience rather than only one employer. Hiring managers are always interested in your ability to adapt to new environments, and many are also interested in people who can bring in fresh ideas and perspectives.

I know it's very challenging when you are just getting started, but your nursing career will likely span many decades and many different work settings. No matter what the setting or job, you will bring your own "professionalism" to the job and this will only grow stronger over time.