New grad, getting hitched, moving 2,600 miles & job hunting...whew

cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 5, 2012

First of all lets start out with three things...

1. Congratulations on finishing your BSN and your upcoming wedding!

2. Take a deep breath and relax.

3. Pull out your pen and paper or type this onto a word document. You're going to make a checklist.

The first thing you need to worry about is making sure you are well prepared to take the NCLEX which means you should be studying and doing practice questions daily. I'm not sure what your knowledge level is or your studying habits/style so I can presume to tell you how many questions you should be doing a day but I know some people are doing 50 - 75 and then rereading information about topics they didn't do so well on in the practice test. So right now just keep studying and doing your questions and get ready for the NCLEX. My next question related to the NCLEX is are you taking the NCLEX for a Washington license or a Mississippi license? If you are definitely moving to Washington in October I would suggest that you take the test and apply for your Washington license while you still live in Mississippi.

The second issue is the matter of finding a job and this is where you are going to have to do some investigative work on your part. Do you have any idea where in Seattle you will be moving? If you do then that will help with your Job Search but if you don't then that's fine but just keep commute time in mind when searching for a place to live in Seattle. You need to begin by making a list of hospitals in Seattle and the surrounding areas; this should include large, teaching facilities as well as small, community hospitals. You need to then find out the approximate commute time from where you live in Seattle. How much time you are willing to spend to commute is a personal decision but I will say that as a new grad you might want to be flexible and be willing to commute up to 1 hour each way. Once you have narrowed down your list based on approximate commute time then you need to go to each hospitals website and start searching for new grad. programs. If you don't see anything then I would suggest that you find the contact information for the HR Dept. and call to speak with an HR officer to ask if they have a new grad. program or what opportunities are available for new grads. As of right now it is the beginning of August so you probably won't see any open positions for a new grad. that will start in October but you may find information about a new grad. program that may start in the late fall or early winter.

I would try not to worry and focus on accomplishing these tasks first and then come back to us with what research about future potential employers you have compiled. Best of luck!

!Chris :specs:

RNonelove · Aug 5, 2012

I'm also looking for a job as a new graduate. It is def tough.. Some hospitals are not considering me as a new grad and I just graduated 8 months ago . I was told that the rule of thumb is a year. I guess not true . After my couple months of a job hunt I have found some useful information out of also some negative call backs..hahah.. Hey I have to look at the bright side!!!! I can share with you what I have found out and what they told me.

1. Try to get the contact numbers of nursing recruiters and ask what they are looking for and what you can apply to

2. The one year of experience is not ok to apply too.. They won't consider you.. I was also told once before that I could...but it was wrong information.

3. Don't apply as a CNA or other positions when you are an RN already. They know what we are trying to do.. So we can transfer as a RN . It cost apparently 70,000 to train for a position . They don't want to risk it ... and as a CNA they are afraid we will go outside the CNA scope of practice so it's a liability issue. It looks bad to apply in other positions cuz it makes it look like you just want a job and no passion as an RN. What I should have done was got a job in a Hospital while studying for nclex ...and then when I passed apply to transfer. One of those things...i would have done if I knew what I know now.

So options are to volunteer where you want to work. It's what I'm doing now . I hope if they get to know me.. They know my face .. And a face to your resume is always nice . It's a way to network.

My advice to you is to take the test when you move .. I know it's not recommended because its awhile after you graduate and the longer you take to take it .. It hurts your chances of passing... But I bet if you study a bunch of questions everyday you WILL PASS! :) in the mean time get a job as a CNA for experience in a hospital setting so when you move it will be easier to continue and get a job as a CNA while you continue to study when you move. Even if you are working there for a couple of days and pass the boards.. You are an employee already and transfer.

And also check out new grad positions .. some need IP or no license at all to apply but ask for a deadline .

This is just what I have learned from the job hunt. I'm in Cali and I will tell you it's tough right now ...and it's easy to get discouraged... But we have to hang in there . I hope my advice helps .. It's stuff that I wish I would have known and somebody would have told me.. I was so focused in nursing school and passing nclex .. And wasn't aware of how hard it was going to be to get a job after ! But I love being a RN and wouldn't change this career for anything! I

You will do great on NCLEX . Studying is the hard part and the pressure of the whole concept of having to pass! It really wasn't that bad! Just practice alternate questions and a bunch of questions and remember its book world not real world . Don't confuse it with clinicals !

I truly wish you the best!!!!!!!!!