First RN job after a long break

[Ihern2793]

Suggestions for first RN job after long break after graduation nursing school

Hi, I graduated nursing school in 2016 and took a 5 year break. I recently passed my NCLEX-RN in November 2021 and I am having trouble finding an RN job...I've applied to some new grad RN programs and "New grad, RN 1" positions but haven't heard back from any for a while. I don't have any RN experience or hospital experience besides from clinicals 5+ years ago. Should I continue to apply for New grad positions and just wait? I was thinking about even applying for nursing assistant (CNA, PCA..) positions to just get my foot in the door at big hospitals even though I have an RN. I just feel like hospitals don't want to hire me since of my long gap between schooling and NCLEX date and no hospital experience. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

You are unfortunately what is considered a stale new grad — it's been a long time since you graduated and you have no experience. You might seek out a return to practice course so that you can demonstrate updated skills. Good luck!