Happy, Confused, Upset... I don't even know how to feel. Please help me.

U.S.A. California

Published

I have been in the United States for eight years and I had both nursing & physician's education from Russia. I have had experience working as a phlebotomist and lab assistant here in the United States. Recently, however, I have decided to complete the Nursing Board requirements to become an RN in California. I had a defficiency in two classes, Mental Health and Maternity. I took these classes at a community college. After this, the Nursing Board gave me permission to take the NCLEX. I passed on my first try and got my licence. Now, I still don't have any calls or interviews from the employer, despite applying at multiple places. Do you think that this has to do with my history of being a physician on my resume? The jobs all say that they want experience, but where can I possibly get Nursing experience in the United States if I'm not being hired for any jobs? What can I do? Please help me! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, I was a surgeon in Russia. It seems like I'm forced into a corner. I have two kids and I have to work. A few New Grads programs have told me that I am not eligible for their programs because I got a degree in nursing in Russia in 1990. Then in 1996, I graduated from medical university. What else can I try since all places require one year of acute experience, and none will accept my experience in Russia.

0 Votes
Specializes in med surg.

Hello again! I think, it's either you look for a nursing job elsewhere or start getting an experience in LTC/SNF. Or you can apply in a home-health nursing agency.Later on, when you have enough experience,you can go and apply as a home-health nurse in an acute care hospital.It's one way of getting into the system.After that,you can become an internal candidate for any of the staff nurse positions that they'll soon have.Just a suggestion...:)

0 Votes

Home Health and it is more important to have current work experience first in the US.

Where exactly in Ca are you?

0 Votes

I'm in the San Joaquin County, but I don't mind moving as long as I can get a job.

0 Votes

Hi, I have an off-topic question if you dont mind... I am a nursing grad from Russia too and have applied with CA BON. They told me that their processing time is 24 weeks... how long it took them to approve you for NCLEX?

Spasibo:)

0 Votes
Hi, I have an off-topic question if you dont mind... I am a nursing grad from Russia too and have applied with CA BON. They told me that their processing time is 24 weeks... how long it took them to approve you for NCLEX?

Spasibo:)

5 mouns
0 Votes

I also have to wonder about your resume. Is there a adult school or community college with a job center that can help you polish your resume & fill out forms? what kind of wages are you asking for? It should be comparable to a new grad rates or as someone suggested maybe a travel agency can help you get a bit more. Many nurses from other countries have advanced training and simply do not get paid according to experience. Another idea (& I can appreciate that you may have limited funds) is to attend a professional organization journal club or of course a job fair by one of the nursing magazines. That would help you make some contacts. Good Luck.

0 Votes

Without having work experience as an RN in the US, there is no travel company that will even consider hiring someone.

The best suggestion that I can make to you is to take a refresher program at one of the community colleges; as long as you have a license in the US, then you can sit for this program. It will also help you get your foot in the door at different facilities.

But otherwise, without having any nursing experience in years, it is going to be impossible to get hired in a hospital, and even going to the LTC, wthout current skills, it could jeapordize your license.

The poster graduated as an RN in 1990, and without experience as an RN in more than ten years it is going to be quite difficult to get a position without taking a refresher program first.

0 Votes
Specializes in ER.
I agree with badminton. Lots of people get their first jobs in skilled nursing facilities when they can't get hired on at acute care hospitals. This is a good alternative if you can't find a new grad program. After you have some experience at a snf, you can do so home health shifts to add income and experience. While you are gaining experience, you can continue to watch for openings at hospitals. You also can prepare to challenge the MD exams like the other person did. It is true that a job is harder to come by in northern CA. If you are willing to relocate, you might have better luck around the LA area. There is a large Russian population there so your language skills might help you land a job. Congratulations on getting an RN license and good luck in your job search.

no, not SNF or LTC - no no no, go for a med/surg floor, as many new grad RN's do

0 Votes
+ Add a Comment