What are your plans as a RN?

[gemini_star]

I don't know if it's only me seeing/reading these posts here like "I don't know what to do", "I can't find a job", "looking for work several years with no experience", etc. It is sad to say that dreams of going abroad to the US will be halted for several years. I am not even sure if the 5 years would be enough. It could be even more. As I have been observed here and from my colleagues, taking the NCLEX, CFGNS, IELTS, has been like a mandatory for them to take not knowing the real scenario ahead.

I have been doing some thinking lately that there should be something done or information being spread to BSN graduates. I think with the cooperation of everybody especially Filipino RNs in the US can contribute. If it takes a sticky with bold capital letters saying retrogression is on going. I think it can be done for starters. It is really unfortunate to hear such remarks from fellow colleagues who are losing hope and distracted in their nursing career. Appropriate Nursing diagnosis would be Knowledge Deficient. Anybody feels the same way? Do you have any more ideas?

For those nursing students, newly BSN graduates, RNs with or without experience, please let us know your short term or long term concrete plans. Any plans you have in mind, post it here. I know a lot of people here are willing to give information or guide you in achieving those plans.

[beiamme]

I had a LOT of plans when I was still in nursing school in Cebu.

Some of those plans did happen, some didn't.

I was lucky enough to get in by being a volunteer nurse in a public labor and delivery hospital. Was still waiting for my June 2007 NLE results. Luckily, I passed with just 1 take. Then continued volunteering since it's the only way I could practice nursing. When a vacancy opened at the said hospital, I got hired. And it was the HAPPIEST moment of my life. To do everything that nurses do, get paid Php 450 ($8) per 12 hours of duty and be able to chart interventions at patient's chart. Unfortunately, it was only for 3 months since I was just a contractual staff. I went back to volunteering in the said hospital for another 6 months and had been attending review classes for NCLEX. I quit volunteering to do private nursing. Didn't stayed long since the patient's family are HORRIBLE. I decided to do IV Training instead. Left for the US and took the NCLEX for the 1st time. I failed it.

I was a fresh grad and had the tendency to stay focused and just try to practice nursing with or without pay. It's nice to be able to share knowledge to fellow colleagues and learn at the same time. I wanna know all the techniques that could be helpful for my patients. We tend to be hyper.

Though when I failed the NCLEX, it was HEARTBREAKING. It wasn't a part of my plan. Not being able to work on the profession that I loved the most for almost a year now was horrifying. So, I'm trying my best to be back on track and be focused. I could feel that I'm losing my nursing knowledge day after day.

Don't let your failures hold you back and just give up. Let them be a reason for you to be back on track.

thanks! for sharing and words of encouragement. Are in the US now?

[jm21]

hi! yes i agree with you. Me here, i'm planning to have a uk student visa but still i'm confused about it. My other option is to take the CGFNS exam. But do you know how much we can spend on just the review for that?

[g3stalt]

hi! yes i agree with you. Me here, i'm planning to have a uk student visa but still i'm confused about it. My other option is to take the CGFNS exam. But do you know how much we can spend on just the review for that?

hello!! Just curious on why you want to take the CGFNS exam? Have you taken the NCLEX already, since it's much needed if you want to go to US. As far as I know, CGFNS are not really needed (depending on the state). I think most states asks for CES instead of the CGFNS Exam. The CGFNS Exam will just be a wastes of time and money... Well, goodluck anyway...

[migoi_choi]

I graduated last March and eventually passed on June NLE 2009. The feeling of success when I got the coveted title as RN was unimaginable. I was happy, of course, that at last I did reap what I sow. However worried of what the situation might offer me. Tons of unwell compensated employments available in the country are not as good as I hope, plus the possibility of being exploited by some because of the economic turmoil. I want to go with the exodus but it never is easy. I understand there's a series of exams I have to take lining up with the overwhelming expenses. A very big investment indeed.

So what I consider now is gaining hospital experience at one specialized area with all respect to the Dreyfus Model. Attending seminars and joining workshops and trainings would be merits to my credentials. I believe what I learned is not enough, thus it compels me to always keep abreast with the updates and constant review of concepts. Since I'm applying for NCLEX, I'm expected to be an information junkie and read more than the usual. As a beginner, I tend to be ideal. But as I see the trend and its tempo, I would resort to be practical. Either way, what is important is that I give the quality care that my clients/patients need. I should enjoy this, after all this is where my heart is.

Somehow, I'm thankful to God that amid crisis and the very difficult set up of nursing employment here in my homeland, he keeps me focused to the brighter perspectives.

[twisted189]

I had a LOT of plans when I was still in nursing school in Cebu.

Some of those plans did happen, some didn't.

Don't let your failures hold you back and just give up. Let them be a reason for you to be back on track.

very well said! Goodluck on your endeavors, and to all of us. I admit i sometimes lose hope too, but there are a lot of "success stories" out there, i feel rejuvenated whenever i hear/see them.

God bless our careers. :yeah:

[waglifox]

My heart breaks upon reading your posts. It's definitely a very difficult situation. I'm a Pinoy male nurse working in Neuro Intensive Care Unit here in Florida. I was like you before--dreaming of coming here in the US which for most of the Pinoys is the ultimate dream that can solve so much of their personal and family problems. Just like most of you guys, I use to read the updates here in allnurses.com almost everyday,sometimes several times a day just to have a glimpse of hope. Many times I have been disappointed by the replies of Suzzane, but looking back, she was right. Her advises were realistic and timely. I'm not writing here to blow your bubbles or destroy what little fibers of hope you have left. But as a former nurse staff and professor (yes I have my MAN degree) I would like to share my opinions regarding your plans and the current situation of nursing in the US. There are several points that I want to give emphasis.

1. The problem--over production of nurses in the Philippines.

[waglifox]

cont.

1. The problem- over production of nurses in the Philippines. While I was still in the country I have have already anticipated that this is going to be a big problem. It is a dilemma caused by dreams, rights and greed. The parents dream of bright future for their kids--who wouldnt? The will sell everything and do anything to send their kids to expensive nursing schools most of them can not afford hoping that after few years they can get their returns of investment. It is their right to dream and it is the right of their kids to choose whatever college degree they want and the schools are obligated to accept if the students pass their requirements. It is also the schools obligation to ensure that the business is profitable to make the stockholders happy. Nursing is a caring profession but let us not forget it is also a business and many greedy schools lowered down their standards to guarantee more enrollments. WAS there a demand? Yes definitely. But who will be qualified to fill in the demands? Remember, the US has students too and economy may not always be abundant.

2. Retrogression. Yes, it happened starting last year. It's nothing new. US has many retrogressions recorded in history. Some were not big as the others but just the same people loose jobs. Retired nurses go back to active duty because their partners lost their jobs. Nurses who were scheduled to retire did not retire. Nurses working in other fields went back to active nursing however they detest it, to earn income for their family and many parents encouraged their kids to take nursing because it is supposedly recession proof (stable job). Grown-ups and second degree holders are taking up nursing because of this also. As a result right now there are some newly graduate nurses here who cant find work. Maybe their resumes were not that impressive? or just maybe the hospitals cost cutting measures does not have enough budget to train new nurses. Some people just stop going to hospitals because its costly and they have no money to pay the co-pay. So the census in hospitals also dropped--temporarily. Less patients, less jobs available.

3. Visa H1B or EB3. There are not much nursing jobs available right now and the priority is the US citizens. Visas will take longer time to be approved, (I know, I know, it sucks and it hurts). But what can we do? Will the demand come back? This I know-- the population is aging. But the demand may not be as big as before at first because they have many local graduates now. But (this is a speculation) as the economy bounce back in few more years (many years) many nurses will retire and will change career again to less stressful jobs and the US will need foreign nurses again. It maybe a long wait. Are you willing to wait that long? Is there any guarantee you will get in?

4. What will you do in the meantime? Life is short. I know you want to come here and earn decent income but do not forget that you have your lives too. If it will happen it will happen. Focus on the needs of your family. Prioritize. Your parents are disheartened too after spending so much money for your education. If you need to work in different industries to earn a living for your family, do it. If your family have enough money to continue to support you to have more training in hospitals (volunteer, etc) then do it while applying for jobs in other countries.

5. Some extras. This is just my opinion on some extra education. I mean these things are good to have but NOT necessary as of this time. Masters degree-- not now, unless you are an educator and you need it to maintain your position in the school you are teaching. College educators MUST have their masters degree. IV therapy, if you are not working in the hospital. What is the use? It has expiration date. You may have to wait to get hired before deciding to get one. The hospital will help you to get one. IELTS, again it has expiration date. If you wanna take it just so you can be eligible for application for foreign countries it is your choice. But do not think that because you passed it you will be immediately hired. NCLEX--same as IELTS but no expiration date. All these foreign exams are expensive and there are no guarantees that you will pass it and that you will get hired after passing it. Think first, if you have extra money take it, but if your going to get the money from your families tight budget you may want to think several times.

6. It is what it is. I know you are hurting. As I have mentioned to my students before invest on your education. Now more than ever, your grades in school will fight for you in getting hired not only in hospitals but also in other industries. Prioritize, prioritize, do what is needed to be done. US is hurting too. Live your lives, you have only one life. You may not get what you want right now but hey, you can still be happy in doing nursing or other jobs. As former professor, I can say that we trained you not only to work as nurses. You were taught how to think analytically, have good interpersonal skills, how to work in a team, have discipline, adaptable and resourceful with good knowledge of the different aspects of a person which makes you good candidates for other jobs too. Do not get too fixated on one thing. What you want may not always be given to you. Welcome to real life.

[sephine, LPN]

My plans? work for two years here in the philippines. While on it, gonna start my application for new zealand and work for another 2 years.... hopefully, all these would be done upon reaching 25 years old. Really crossing my fingers.

If fulfilled & satisifed in new zealanf, I'd probaby staYthere for good & be a permanenet resident. If not, gonna try applying to Canada, be an immigrant there, work, & start my family there.. :)

Hoping to remember & update this thread 4 years from now.:wink2:

[griffin_girl]

cont.

1. The problem- over production of nurses in the Philippines. While I was still in the country I have have already anticipated that this is going to be a big problem. It is a dilemma caused by dreams, rights and greed. The parents dream of bright future for their kids--who wouldnt? The will sell everything and do anything to send their kids to expensive nursing schools most of them can not afford hoping that after few years they can get their returns of investment. It is their right to dream and it is the right of their kids to choose whatever college degree they want and the schools are obligated to accept if the students pass their requirements. It is also the schools obligation to ensure that the business is profitable to make the stockholders happy. Nursing is a caring profession but let us not forget it is also a business and many greedy schools lowered down their standards to guarantee more enrollments. WAS there a demand? Yes definitely. But who will be qualified to fill in the demands? Remember, the US has students too and economy may not always be abundant.

2. Retrogression. Yes, it happened starting last year. It's nothing new. US has many retrogressions recorded in history. Some were not big as the others but just the same people loose jobs. Retired nurses go back to active duty because their partners lost their jobs. Nurses who were scheduled to retire did not retire. Nurses working in other fields went back to active nursing however they detest it, to earn income for their family and many parents encouraged their kids to take nursing because it is supposedly recession proof (stable job). Grown-ups and second degree holders are taking up nursing because of this also. As a result right now there are some newly graduate nurses here who cant find work. Maybe their resumes were not that impressive? or just maybe the hospitals cost cutting measures does not have enough budget to train new nurses. Some people just stop going to hospitals because its costly and they have no money to pay the co-pay. So the census in hospitals also dropped--temporarily. Less patients, less jobs available.

3. Visa H1B or EB3. There are not much nursing jobs available right now and the priority is the US citizens. Visas will take longer time to be approved, (I know, I know, it sucks and it hurts). But what can we do? Will the demand come back? This I know-- the population is aging. But the demand may not be as big as before at first because they have many local graduates now. But (this is a speculation) as the economy bounce back in few more years (many years) many nurses will retire and will change career again to less stressful jobs and the US will need foreign nurses again. It maybe a long wait. Are you willing to wait that long? Is there any guarantee you will get in?

4. What will you do in the meantime? Life is short. I know you want to come here and earn decent income but do not forget that you have your lives too. If it will happen it will happen. Focus on the needs of your family. Prioritize. Your parents are disheartened too after spending so much money for your education. If you need to work in different industries to earn a living for your family, do it. If your family have enough money to continue to support you to have more training in hospitals (volunteer, etc) then do it while applying for jobs in other countries.

5. Some extras. This is just my opinion on some extra education. I mean these things are good to have but NOT necessary as of this time. Masters degree-- not now, unless you are an educator and you need it to maintain your position in the school you are teaching. College educators MUST have their masters degree. IV therapy, if you are not working in the hospital. What is the use? It has expiration date. You may have to wait to get hired before deciding to get one. The hospital will help you to get one. IELTS, again it has expiration date. If you wanna take it just so you can be eligible for application for foreign countries it is your choice. But do not think that because you passed it you will be immediately hired. NCLEX--same as IELTS but no expiration date. All these foreign exams are expensive and there are no guarantees that you will pass it and that you will get hired after passing it. Think first, if you have extra money take it, but if your going to get the money from your families tight budget you may want to think several times.

6. It is what it is. I know you are hurting. As I have mentioned to my students before invest on your education. Now more than ever, your grades in school will fight for you in getting hired not only in hospitals but also in other industries. Prioritize, prioritize, do what is needed to be done. US is hurting too. Live your lives, you have only one life. You may not get what you want right now but hey, you can still be happy in doing nursing or other jobs. As former professor, I can say that we trained you not only to work as nurses. You were taught how to think analytically, have good interpersonal skills, how to work in a team, have discipline, adaptable and resourceful with good knowledge of the different aspects of a person which makes you good candidates for other jobs too. Do not get too fixated on one thing. What you want may not always be given to you. Welcome to real life.

THANK YOU FOR THAT THOUGHTS:yeah:

[medic8]

I'm currently a company nurse at SM Mall but my contract will expire in 2 days. Compensation is way higher than in the hospital but very limited skills and knowledge are learned. Passed the IELTS while working. This is my first job as an RN (March '08 grad) and the only job application that got a call from an employer out of the numbers of CVs I passed. I just accepted an eco-tourism job offered to me (I'm a sucker for travelling) and I plan to take the CNRE and NCLEX while on it (I can't afford to do volunteer work) . After I pass those by early 2010, I will apply for Canada or US while I will finally become a real nurse and work at the Phil. Heart Center.

if you don't mind, may i ask the salary range offer for a company nurse in SM? i'm planning to apply to another company coz im already having some health problems because of graveyard shifts. im currently deployed as a company nurse in a call center.

i've seen an online ad posted by SM recently.

[visamaster]

As a nurse who has educated himself about the ins and outs of US and UK nursing opportunities, I can offer these personal strategies:

1. Our primary short-term goal is to earn money, while keeping an eye on any nursing opportunity that appears by the roadside, hehe.

2) While you are earning (as a call center agent, for instance), never forget to earn nursing credentials -- like IELTS, NCLEX, visa screen.

3) If you have the money, go to the UK via NVQ. Enjoy your stay there and make sure that your sights are still trained on the US (or the UK) as a future nurse.

4) If the US remains an impossible dream, explore other destinations. Why not go to "hot" (literally hot, not figuratively, hehe) countries, like Saudi Arabia or Oman or UAE.

5) Enjoy life. Retrogression does not herald the end of the world.

[Dijon]

well honestly my plans would be simple......and i hope it works,

pass the NLE

gain work experience

train for IV nurse

take NCLEX

take MSN degree(in the states)

take the Emergency care specialty( i hope this is possible)