Denver nursing

[HeyYogaGirl]

I just found out I'm moving to denver, as soon as possible. But I just graduated from nursing school in CA in August and I'm terrified about the job market in Denver. I was thinking I should get a nurse assistant job to start making some connections and income but my well qualified and thought out application to be a tech was just denied in less than 24 hours...what are they looking for? Any advice?

I have bls, acls, a bsn, >3.8 gpa, an RN license, held leadership positions in nursing school and have an EXTENSIVE volunteer list of experience.

I want to apply to the new grad program at uch that starts in February but I'm worried about putting all my eggs into one basket and come February being really panicked if that doesn't work out.

Thanks for your help in advance!!

[Nonetheless]

Personally, I do not think it is a good idea to work below your license. It may be a huge liability issue -- imagine you are working as a CNA and something happens to the patient's IV, the nurse won't come, and you have a dilemma where you know how to fix it but cannot since you are hired to work as a CNA and not an RN. And imagine if the patient gets an infection. That is a HUGE liability issue and safety hazard and a risk I would not willing to take. If CNA work is something you REALLY want to do, check with the BRN for Colorado and make sure it is legal and see what their policy is.

EDIT: If you really want to work in a hospital look for a secretary or front desk job where the risk of getting into a legal mess is not as high.

I think a better bet would be to get into contact with non-hospital jobs where you can put your RN license in action. Look at clinics, doctors offices, and other "less desirable" places to hold you off and provide an income as well as RN experience. Find these jobs everywhere you can.

Meanwhile, start applying for Denver hospital jobs NOW. And not just to RN residencies or new grad programs.

Now is not the time to be insecure and unassertive. You need a job. Apply to the RN residency program you want and go after it.

Finally, the job market is brutal EVERYWHERE. I know that it is brutal in California, too, and you are probably used to this now. It's the same level of difficulty to get a job there, too. It sucks for everyone.

[HeyYogaGirl]

Thank you so much for your advice!

I really hadn't thought about the liability/license issues, that's a great point. I am starting to apply heavily in Denver. The good news is that I do see posts that say new grads are considered which is a step up from what I see in California. I'm applying as much as I can.

I'll start looking for clerical positions. Any way I can get my foot in the door!

[Nonetheless]

Thank you so much for your advice!

I really hadn't thought about the liability/license issues, that's a great point. I am starting to apply heavily in Denver. The good news is that I do see posts that say new grads are considered which is a step up from what I see in California. I'm applying as much as I can.

I'll start looking for clerical positions. Any way I can get my foot in the door!

Just keep persevering and do not give up! 100% of people who give up in the face of trial will fail. 99% of people who persevere during trial will succeed and overcome.