Advise please: New grad w/ young child

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Hi,

I graduated May 06 from an ADN program in TX and have a current VA license. I have not worked yet since I'm lucky to be able to stay at home w/ my 2 year old daughter. I don't know where to begin looking for childcare or what to even expect in cost for that vs. any potential salary in this area (NOVA) as a new RN.

I've learned that CEU and work experience are not needed for license renewal in VA. Is this true? Also, some of you mention looking for work in DC but I assume you need a DC license since it's not a "compact state"... in this case do you relinquish your VA license?

I believe employers will require a refresher course if I wait too long before working. How long do you think is too long to wait? It's already been a year. Will anywhere hire me in another year... or two? without taking a refresher course? Where's the best place to take this and how much do they cost? My tuition for the ADN was less than $2000.

What can I do to get some experience (a part time or prn job would be ideal--do they exist for new RNs?) and not give up being w/ my daughter most of the time? How long would be too long to wait before I begin working? Thanks for any advice or info you can offer! I have not even figured out what specialty I'd like to go into. I like oncology, OR, women's health, public health, mental health... help!

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