Did I take too long to job hunt?

NurseforPreggers · Aug 31, 2005

I don't see why it should matter to the hospitals how long you took to apply. I would think they would be more interested in hiring someone who has already passed NCLEX than someone that hasn't taken it yet. It definitely saves them from wasting their resources from training someone who may not pass. It is very expensive for a hospital to put a new grad through orientation, so they should be glad that you already have RN or LPN whichever the case may be, behind your name.

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 31, 2005

Probably not ... everything will probably be OK ... but there might be a few opportunities that you have missed. Some employers have special orientation programs for new grads that they only offer a couple of times per year. Others only offer jobs to a set number of new grads at a time, etc. By not letting them know of your interest in working for them, they may have given those spots to other people.

On the other hand, most employers do not place such strict limits on the hiring of new grads. There should be plenty of good opportunities still out there. Good luck! ... and Congratulations on passing your NCLEX!

llg

MarylandNsgStudent · Sep 14, 2005

you'll be fine. I am sure you will find a job! Some people are just negative... Best of Luck on your job hunt

RNAnna · Sep 19, 2005

Hi

I actually took a year and a half after I graduated to get my first job. It was a year after I was licensed that I started. Everyone wanted to know what I was doing during that time. Actually, it really is none of their business. They can't technically ask you that question. I always answered politely that I was taking care of family matters. If there was a place where I was really interested in working, I might go into a few details...... Father-in-law had a stroke.... ended up passing away..... nursing the family instead of nursing others at that time. That was all that they wanted to know. Once they heard there was a death in the family, it usually ended the conversation.

Why did you "wait so long"??? Well, there could be many reasons. You were studying for the NCLEX, concentrating on getting licensed..... you were taking a well deserved brake after graduation before starting what you knew would be a demanding time in your life (orientation).... you were taking care of personal matters .... You were looking in different areas and now are widening your search (be careful of that one, they may ask what areas you were looking). There are so many reasons why someone might take care of some business after graduation that the answers could be endless.

Think about what your reason was and then try to use different words that would sound good to an HR person without being dishonest. It is never what you say, but always how you say it.

Anna

cloudydrms · Sep 20, 2005

It really shouldn't matter. I graduated in May, took and passed the NCLEX in July, and really didn't start looking seriously until mid-August. I just accepted a position. I interviewed everywhere. (I just wasn't sure what I wanted to do.) Anyway, I think two people asked me why I hadn't gotten a job yet, and I was completely honest. I told them I'd decided to take some time off after nursing school, pass the boards, and then start applying which is basically what I did. They seemed to understand. I really don't think you'll have a problem.

Cindy