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  1. This is a discussion on New RN, graduated 2 years ago. in Nursing Job Search Assistance, part of Nursing Career Advice ... As my title states, I am a newly licensed RN (end of last year) but I graduated with my BSN two...

    by Jun 19, '12
    As my title states, I am a newly licensed RN (end of last year) but I graduated with my BSN two years ago. I acknowledge the fact that I will have an extra hard time getting hired as I am no longer considered a new grad and will not qualify for the new grad programs or residency programs. I have no experience. I had my CNA license six years ago but I never worked as one and it is now expired. I also volunteered at the local hospital for a few months, but this was before I started nursing school.

    What advice/suggestions do any of you have for someone in my position? I would like to start at a hospital and get some experience on a med/surg unit, but I have seen many openings require experienced RNs. Should I take classes and get certified (ACLS, PALS, etc.)? Take any job that is willing to hire me? Volunteer? What can I do to better my chances of getting hired?

    Any and all help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I just feel overwhelmed and lost and I have no idea where I should begin. Thank you.
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    by j.katerina Jun 19, '12 4:31 pm
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  3. 5 Comments so far...

  4. Jun 19, '12 by
    I volunteered at a hospital that I wanted to work at. I think that really helped. It is easier to get a job when people know your face. I would also suggest taking ACLS or a tele course if you can find it. That is what I had to do. I feel your pain.
  5. Jun 19, '12 by
    Don't get so down! I was also in the same situation. I was out of school for a year and half before I secured my nursing license. I obtained my license at the end of January and started looking for jobs mid February. I was recently offered my first nursing position at my top choice facility!

    My advice would be to get as much face to face time with people as you possibly can. My resume caught a few nibbles.. a telephone interview here or there.. The usual clinics contacting new grad (or newly licensed) nurses.. But not much more than that.

    The facility I was interested in hosted open house interviews every so often. They would often email me the night before. I would drop any and all plans I had for the day and go. After doing this twice, I was able to impress someone with my brains and personality in person. I did explain why there was a gap in my nursing history, which helped. And if you have an associates, like I do, I would express an interest in going back for a BSN. (This is what really landed me my job.)

    Also, google career fair for nurses and the area you will be in. I did this and it was tricky to find, but I finally found one. If anything, it taught me what facilities I did and did not want to work for. Some of them treated me horribly upon hearing I was a "new grad." Others were very welcoming!

    I would still apply to new grad positions. Technically, you're still new. It couldn't hurt. And when I was looking, plenty of people told me to post for positions that require experience. You never know!!

    Last but not least, don't be picky! Apply EVERYWHERE! And if one of those clinics calls you for a job? Take it! Get whatever experience you can. Best of luck and keep us posted!!
    j.katerina likes this.
  6. Jun 23, '12 by
    You should try volunteering to gain more experience. & apply this to ur resume
  7. Jul 6, '12 by
    Thank you

    I have been considering on taking an ACLS course. What should I review prior to taking it? I've found online that some suggest EKG rhythyms, physiology of the cardiovascular system, electrical conductivity of the heart, and pharmacology (which ones do you suggest?)
  8. Jul 6, '12 by
    I would love to get into the new grad programs, they sound awesome. I've found a few in San Diego that are a year long and takes you to 3-4 units. That would be great experience, however, it states that applicants should have graduated no more than 18 months ago, or at least by the time they start the program. I'm past that

    But I will remember your advice, thank you!