Can't get job...help!

Nurses Job Hunt

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Hello all,

I'm an inexperienced RN looking for a job and I'm finding it increasinglydifficult. Here's some background: I graduated with a BSN is December 2010.Approximately one month after graduating I received a call from TexasChildren's Hospital (my #1 pick) for an interview. After interviewing, Ireceived an offer...contingent upon passing the boards. Unfortunately, I failedmy exam so I lost the job offer. I went through that exact same process onceagain that following hiring period in March at the same hospital. I felt soincredibly lucky that I had been offered a job by TCH twice and then to havefailed my boards each time was devastating beyond belief. Going through allthat was a huge blow and made life really hard. I found it so difficult tostudy and retest even though I knew that's what I HAD to do. I failed two moretimes and then FINALLY in September 2012 I passed!! Since then I applied againto TCH in December 2012 and never received a call for an interview. I contactedHR and found out they've filled all the positions. I've interviewed withMethodist twice...they haven't made any decisions yet....and have applied to everyGN position I can find. I guess it's hard for me to understand why it's so hardto get a job now having my license. I'm hoping someone can offer some advice onother job options or what I should do. Having no experience makes it difficultand limited. I also know it may look bad that I graduated 2 years ago but I didwork during that time....unrelated to nursing though. I just don't know what todo. Any advice??

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

So you have been out of school about 2 years? I think that is why. They are probably afraid you have forgotten a lot. And with a glut of graduate nurses being churned out in most places in TX why would they take a chance?

Do you have anything that could make you stand out from more recent new grads? If so I would emphasize that when trying for jobs.

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Specializes in School Nursing, Public Health Nurse.

After 2 years, I would take an RN refresher course. I know some new grad programs won't let you apply if you've been out of school more than 12-18 months but if you take an RN refresher course you're in the same boat as the new grads which will make you competitive again!

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After 2 years, I would take an RN refresher course. I know some new grad programs won't let you apply if you've been out of school more than 12-18 months but if you take an RN refresher course you're in the same boat as the new grads which will make you competitive again!

Curious if others have found this to be true?

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Which TX nursing school did u graduate from?

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So after taking the refresher course, do I state that on my resume?? I've never seen or heard of anyone doing that.

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I graduated from UHV

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I'm in the same boat. I graduated May 2010. Took me 4 tries and I used Kaplan, Hurst, and eventually Excell which helped me pass the last time December 2011. I have my BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP. I'm trilingual and I cannot get interviewed!!! I've been volunteering as a part of this internship called Prep Step RN at a hospital in Covina. It's essentially a wait list for employment for those of us who are inexperienced. Because I've been doing this for 6 months now, I feel adequately prepared and acquainted with the staff, the floor, and the procedures. Finally this Wednesday I got a call while I was on the floor from the director that she would like to interview with me next week. All I can say is... It's tough for everyone out there no matter what field/industry... You should do some volunteer work to refresh your skills and knowledge base.

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I didn't go to a career college either. I went to a well known and accredited private college called Mount St. Mary's. I got my BSN and my PHN as well.

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I'm in the same boat. I graduated May 2010. Took me 4 tries and I used Kaplan Hurst, and eventually Excell which helped me pass the last time December 2011. I have my BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP. I'm trilingual and I cannot get interviewed!!! I've been volunteering as a part of this internship called Prep Step RN at a hospital in Covina. It's essentially a wait list for employment for those of us who are inexperienced. Because I've been doing this for 6 months now, I feel adequately prepared and acquainted with the staff, the floor, and the procedures. Finally this Wednesday I got a call while I was on the floor from the director that she would like to interview with me next week. All I can say is... It's tough for everyone out there no matter what field/industry... You should do some volunteer work to refresh your skills and knowledge base.[/quote']

Thanks for sharing that. Sounds like you're on the right track! Good luck with your interview next week. I'm glad you mentioned the certifications you have. I definitely need to get my PALS certification. Thanks for your advice!

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Those certs definitely are a perk... That way the hospital sees that is less money they have to invest in your preparation. I'm also considering taking a critical care course.. Not cheap but will give you a leg up... Especially if you want to work in an acute care setting. Just keep applying. This past year has been an intense roller coaster with pressure from my mom, myself, co-workers, and classmates.. It's not easy but nothing worth doing in life ever is. :)

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