Unique situation as an upcoming grad.

Nurses Job Hunt

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Specializes in Surgical Intensive Care.

So I know this might be a little bit personal, but I'm going to throw it out there to the world wide web and get some opinions on this situation... so here it goes.

I'm currently attending a BSN program and I'm set to graduate Spring 2014! (woohoo!) I'm attending a university here in Jacksonville, FL which means I've done all of my clinical experience here in the local hospitals. Here's where things are going to get a little bit sticky.. My family is from the panhandle of Florida, Pensacola to be exact, and they(mom in particular) want me to return home there and take my boards and find a job within the area ie/ Destin, Fort Walton, Gulf Breeze, etc. Two problems with this that I've stumbled across:

1) You don't take boards in Pensacola, the closest place to take them is Mobile.

2) You have about a snowball's chance in Hades for getting a job in a hospital that you have not previously done clinical or precept-ed in as a new grad.

^#2 I could be completely wrong about so I guess that is why I'm throwing this out for discussion to see what others think about this situation.

Oh and the other little detail I need to mention, my BF lives in Jacksonville and is a big advocate of me staying here. Oh and I'm an only child which doesn't help my cause on independence. :p

So my question is "Should I stay or should I go?" and also "How can I get my parents to accept my decision as a grown 24 year old adult?"

Thanks in advance for the advice. :)

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

Honestly, youre an adult. This decision is up to you and not your parents. If you want to stay then stay, if you want to move back then move back, your parents opinion is irrelevant.

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Try and explain it to them in financial terms. You've spent x amount if dollars on an education and with the job market being how it is, you can afford moving back and not working. Are they willing to support their 24 year old daughter? I doubt it.

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A BF isn't a reason to stay but if you can get a job there then why not? Remember to look outside your state too...

Sorry about your football team...

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If your parents are supporting you financially, then yes their opinion deserves much merit. A drive to take the boards isn't a big deal. You can always look for a job in the Panhandle and if it doesn't work out then try Jacksonville.

If you are 100% independent from your folks then do what you want. But if they are paying your bills then you need to be mature and realize that their opinion is more than your BF's opinion.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

The Panhandle is Florida....If you pass in Florida you are Licensed for anywhere in Florida...You could take it in the Keys...and work in Orlando...it's all one state.

As muchas it pains me, for my daughter is starting college next fall, you need to experience your life right now. While your Mom might be upset...she will love you just the same.

My only caution....boyfriends come and go...your family remains the ones who will love you forever.

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Specializes in Surgical Intensive Care.

lol yah I'm a Saints fan anyways so it's all good lol although my Gators aren't doing so hot this season either :p

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Specializes in Surgical Intensive Care.

Thank you all for the responses. I appreciate the feedback. :)

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Just a little detail....I don't think it matters where you take your NCLEX. You could take the test in Alaska, but request the results go to the Florida BON for licensure. I tested in OR, but got licensed in WA....and later in OR.

Good luck! Do what YOU want to do. Not your parents...not your boyfriend....YOU!

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Specializes in ER.

BF is best friend or boyfriend? Anyway, I would consider keeping your options open and casting a wide net throughout Florida.

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I currently live in Destin and am looking for jobs. None to be found! several of my classmates are having a hard time as well. If you already have a job lined up in Jax then stay. You will make enough money to support yourself when you start work as an RN. Your parents need to learn to let go and you need to stand up for yourself if you do really want to stay in Jax. You don't need to take your nclex in florida to be licensed in florida. you can take it anywhere in the world and still be a florida nurse.

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Specializes in Surgical Intensive Care.

Thanks again for all of the helpful comments. :) I did speak to one of my instructors and they did say that it doesn't matter where you test, but where you apply/pay for your license to be active.

@fsuao2006: That's what I kind of figured might be the situation over there right now.. Really there are only 4-5 hospitals in the Pensacola area and quite a few nursing schools in the area as well that are all competing for spaces and have done clinical in those hospitals as well.. :( I hope you find something soon. :nurse:

It's an all around tough situation. I'm not a conflict type of person so situations like this make me cringe.

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