My best friend graduated at the top of her class (with a 4.0) in a BSN program. She also passed her NCLEX-RN on the first attempt. She was offered a residency position on an orthopedic unit right out of school, which she declined for personal reasons. She wants to work in peds, but she's been out of school, not worked for 6+ months.
I've tried to convince her to get a job in LTC, corrections or HH/PDN. I don't normally suggest HH/PDN for new grads but I know she could get a job fast. I told her that if she wants to get a job, since she's been out of school for so long, it's best she get something nursing related. Especially since she's up against new grads where everything is fresh in their minds.
She thinks it's better to have no experience, that hiring managers look down on HH/PDN. I've never come up against that. She also stated RNs aren't being hired as floor nurses in nursing home, which I know isn't true.
Would she have better luck getting a job with or without experience?
While it is your friend's life and she can do whatever she feels is right for her turning down that ortho position was probably a bad move on her part and that hospital may not hire her in the future as a result. If she wants to work peds working for a pediatric home health company would be great experience towards working on a peds unit at a hospital. Honestly most hospitals only care about what type of nursing experience you have everything else is just a bonus and from my experience most really don't care about your GPA they just care about your license.
Ultimately, your friend is going to have to learn on her own at this point. You've done what you can. I agree that she wasn't smart for turning down the ortho position, and she will probably grow to regret it, but it's hers to live with at this point. I wouldn't press the issue anymore, or it's may start interfering with your friendship. It's kind of like a friend with an addiction or weight problem. You can encourage them to make a change, but ultimately, it's up to them (as much as it sucks to watch them fall on their face). She'll probably have to hit rock bottom at this point to see the light.
Can i give your friend my number so she can give it to the recruiter who offered her the ortho position? Shoot, i'd take anything right now... even a new grad position as "code brown specialist"
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Hahaha! There have been times I just wanted her to give her license to me. As an LVN I know exactly what it's like to not get the dream job, I would've loved that ortho position. Hell, I'd be ecstatic to work in an LTAC!
GPA counts for very little anymore. No one has ever asked me. More importantly, ANY nursing experience is better than zero.
Jobs are hard to come by for experienced and new grads in this economy. I would suggest she accept the next position that's offered. Otherwise she will soon become an "old" new grad.
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
GPA counts for very little anymore. No one has ever asked me. More importantly, ANY nursing experience is better than zero.
Jobs are hard to come by for experienced and new grads in this economy. I would suggest she accept the next position that's offered. Otherwise she will soon become an "old" new grad.
I know. Maybe I'll try to talk to her again about it. I understand all of this but I don't know if she does. I can tell she's getting frustrated & on the brink of just getting any job (non-nursing).
GPA counts for very little anymore. No one has ever asked me. More importantly, ANY nursing experience is better than zero.
Jobs are hard to come by for experienced and new grads in this economy. I would suggest she accept the next position that's offered. Otherwise she will soon become an "old" new grad.
GPA didn't do much for me. It may have gotten me a few interviews, but I don't know for sure.
There was one time I was asked about my GPA in a job interview. Ironically, it was for the job that I ended up getting hired for as a new grad...that being said, I certainly don't think my GPA is what got me the job.
EatYourVeggies
81 Posts
While it is your friend's life and she can do whatever she feels is right for her turning down that ortho position was probably a bad move on her part and that hospital may not hire her in the future as a result. If she wants to work peds working for a pediatric home health company would be great experience towards working on a peds unit at a hospital. Honestly most hospitals only care about what type of nursing experience you have everything else is just a bonus and from my experience most really don't care about your GPA they just care about your license.