Old grad =( What to do?

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I am sure many of the old graduates have the same concern. I graduated on December 2009 so I am still considered as a new graduate RN but I am getting concern about the one year mark. I have applied for RN transition programs and had been rejected. I have called a refresher course for RN and the person I spoke to told me that I would not qualify until I am unable to find a job for two years! :uhoh3: Ok, so my question is how do we stay marketable?????? :eek:

I am volunteering at a Diabetes society, as a volunteered nurse who do diabetes screening. I am also working per diem at a home care agency but I feel it is not enough. Any advices??

I am older than you...graduated August 2009. Just now I have received an offer and I have another interview this Friday.

Have you worked on getting certified? ACLS, EKG, etc.? I think the fact that you are volunteering is fantastic. Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the hospital you are applying to, makes a nice impression that you care enough (include their mission and how it fits with your nursing values, etc).

Best of luck to you. Keep at it! Just in the last month or so, doors have been opening up. I know the new wave of new grads made me nervous! I hope hospitals choose some of us old grads before the freshly licensed ones!

It really is difficult and I know exactly how you feel. I graduated in May 2009 and I am starting my first job in 2 weeks. I had the same worries as you and one day I was at a job fair (this past spring) and one of the recruiters was very rude and discouraging as she told me that I was in the toughest position because I've been out of school for so long and the newer new grads are more desirable. She basically made me feel like giving up. But I didn't and I eventually got a job offer. I do have to relocate about 6 hours for the job however. I'm young so I can do this because I'm not married and don't have a family yet so my career is most important right now. If you are able to move I would start looking at hospitals in states around you or in places you might be interested in relocating to. It gives you more options. Also, I would start looking really hard right now. This is new hire season and a lot of hospitals have new grad positions posted. Best of luck!

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to wannabe07, I am taking an ACLS class at the end of this month. I am also taking an IV/blood certification class. I hope that helps! I am planning to get a Florida license and applying there. Thanks you guys for your advice!

to wannabe07, I am taking an ACLS class at the end of this month. I am also taking an IV/blood certification class. I hope that helps! I am planning to get a Florida license and applying there. Thanks you guys for your advice!

Sounds like you are on the right track!

FYI...when you get an interview, send a hand written thank you note the same day. This has landed me second interviews.

Best of luck! :redbeathe

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