I am an RN licensed in CA. I am looking for jobs in several states. The applications ask for a license, and I dont have one because I want to make sure I have a few job offers before spending money and time on a license. Can I just say yes to the question??
How do you go about this?
And I know I've been asking this but can someone please give me at least 5 states that are new grad friendly?
I will relocate to the far side of the moon if need be.
A year ago (when I was a new grad) I was told to try Texas and Oklahoma. From what I've been hearing, I think Texas is now pretty oversaturated with new grads. Look in Oklahoma. I don't have any other suggestions except to try networking as much as possible - this is how a lot of people from my class ended up with jobs. Good luck.
One important question is your RN from California one that is reciprocal? Some aren't, I believe there is or was a program where LVNs could take 30 hours and become an RN (recognized ONLY in California) and no other state.
In my area, Syracuse, NY, we have many job openings for new grads. Check out http://www.syracuse.com our local newpaper. Look in the jobs section. I'm sure you'll find something. It is clear across the country, and we have plenty of snow in the winter, but there are new grad jobs.
Another idea..have you tried volunteering while you are searching....health dept, clinic, hospital, Red Cross. Blood bank......I know they will limit what you can do but it does give you a reference as to time management, organizational skills, people skills. All those things do count when it comes to getting actual job.. I know it does not get you the interview. . .
Absolutely right that it doesn't help with interview. I have continued to volunteer with my local fire department (I'm also an EMT) as I have for the past 15 years. While I highlight that aspect of my background on my resume, it has not really helped to get me an interview as an RN (I'm 0 for about 20 at this point). I remain hopeful that the networking from the ambulance calls will help out at some point though. I've also found that some health care services are reluctant to have RNs as volunteers. I phoned 2 places some months back, - a local hospice and a community health clinic - to ask about volunteering. Both were very encouraging until they found out that I was an RN, at which point the conversation was pretty much brought to a close. Though both places took my contact information, neither called back. My guess is that it had to do with liability concerns but I don't know that for sure.
That is a shame...but maybe you need to call more than 2 places. Of course you need to make it very clear regardless of being a RN you could only do non-licensed help.
Your EMT/Fire Dept background can give you experience to pull from when you do get that interview.. Your insightful answers could be just what puts you ahead of the other candidates.
I know you are frustrated and discouraged but 0 for 20 is not not much in the current market.. keep networking..send out cover letter with resumes to place NOT Advertising and not on internet..amazing that sometimes interviews come from very non-traditional places and you need to be pro-active, not just leave contact info,, follow-up, call back. In essence finding a job is your current job! Good luck.
One important question is your RN from California one that is reciprocal? Some aren't, I believe there is or was a program where LVNs could take 30 hours and become an RN (recognized ONLY in California) and no other state.
I was never an LVN. 2 year ADN program and currently in an MSN program.
CranberryMuffin
135 Posts
A year ago (when I was a new grad) I was told to try Texas and Oklahoma. From what I've been hearing, I think Texas is now pretty oversaturated with new grads. Look in Oklahoma. I don't have any other suggestions except to try networking as much as possible - this is how a lot of people from my class ended up with jobs. Good luck.