A year since graduation & not working

Nurses General Nursing

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  • Specializes in LTC Management, Community Nursing, HHC.

So here's the short version of what's been going on. A year ago, I graduated from an out of state ADN program, took the NCLEX there, passed and moved back to California. Months passed before I found out that my out of state Micro course was not accepted by CA, so I re-took Micro in California, submitted my application for endorsement to the CA Board of Nursing, and waited.

I couldn't work as an RN in California, but I did go to BSN school while waiting. I'll have my BSN in a few weeks, and I now have my California RN license too, yet no one is calling me back after I put in applications because I've been out of school for a year, yet I'm applying for my first RN position. How do I explain that? I'm interested in LTC RN positions.

Please help!! Thanks everyone!!

Sour Lemon

5,016 Posts

So here's the short version of what's been going on. A year ago, I graduated from an out of state ADN program, took the NCLEX there, passed and moved back to California. Months passed before I found out that my out of state Micro course was not accepted by CA, so I re-took Micro in California, submitted my application for endorsement to the CA Board of Nursing, and waited.

I couldn't work as an RN in California, but I did go to BSN school while waiting. I'll have my BSN in a few weeks, and I now have my California RN license too, yet no one is calling me back after I put in applications because I've been out of school for a year, yet I'm applying for my first RN position. How do I explain that? I'm interested in LTC RN positions.

Please help!! Thanks everyone!!

If you're just finishing a BSN program and you just became licensed, you should easily qualify as a new grad despite the fact that you "sort of" earned a degree at a prior time. Are employers telling you they're not interested because of the gap? It may have more to do with the market in your location.

If you're just finishing a BSN program and you just became licensed, you should easily qualify as a new grad despite the fact that you "sort of" earned a degree at a prior time. Are employers telling you they're not interested because of the gap? It may have more to do with the market in your location.

Can't say I know much about Cali other that I've heard they won't even consider you without a BSN at least. Are you getting interviews or are they not even calling you in? Are you applying for new grad positions or experienced. At this point definitely don't waste your time applying for non-new grad spots. If they aren't even bringing you in for an interview I would get someone with a knack for good resumes to help you. If you are getting interviews then I would research how to ace job interviews. That helped me A LOT. Putting those 2 things together has helped me get offers for every job I've applied for since.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN

4 Articles; 7,907 Posts

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Can't say I know much about Cali other that I've heard they won't even consider you without a BSN at least.

This is true. Many facilities in CA prefer the BSN.

I'm surprised a LTC hasn't snapped you up, as that's not a specialty nurses typically run towards. Keep trying. You may have better luck inland (east) in the smaller areas than you will have along the coast.

Also, see if you qualify for some of the new grad programs. Some will consider applicants who have been out of school for as long as 18 months. As to whether getting the BSN will reset the "new grad" timer...it may or it may not. Depends on how the employer views it.

VegGal, BSN, RN

190 Posts

Specializes in LTC Management, Community Nursing, HHC.
If you're just finishing a BSN program and you just became licensed, you should easily qualify as a new grad despite the fact that you "sort of" earned a degree at a prior time. Are employers telling you they're not interested because of the gap? It may have more to do with the market in your location.

Thank you, Sour Lemon. For a couple places I managed to speak with the HR Dept and for another one I had an initial phone interview and when I asked for feedback, they told me that the gap in employment history as well as the year out of school "was a concern." These were more prominent companies though, so maybe I should focus on smaller ones. Thanks again!

VegGal, BSN, RN

190 Posts

Specializes in LTC Management, Community Nursing, HHC.
Can't say I know much about Cali other that I've heard they won't even consider you without a BSN at least. Are you getting interviews or are they not even calling you in? Are you applying for new grad positions or experienced. At this point definitely don't waste your time applying for non-new grad spots. If they aren't even bringing you in for an interview I would get someone with a knack for good resumes to help you. If you are getting interviews then I would research how to ace job interviews. That helped me A LOT. Putting those 2 things together has helped me get offers for every job I've applied for since.

Hi, AtLeastMyDogLovesMe. Thanks for your response and suggestions. Actually 2 places where I managed to speak with HR and another one where I had an initial phone interview said that the 1 year gap "was a concern" and they were looking for someone with current work history. I forgot to mention that I was an LPN, but thought that my RN license would come through much faster and never bothered to get my LPN license endorsed to CA, however I have since applied for that as well. The one interviewer told me that I should get some experience and apply again, although the job requirements stated that new grads would be considered. So I haven't had an interview in person, I speak good English, and I generally interview well, or at least I have in the past. This of course is a whole new ball game, and I will definitely do what you suggested as far as resumes and interviews go. Thank you.

VegGal, BSN, RN

190 Posts

Specializes in LTC Management, Community Nursing, HHC.
This is true. Many facilities in CA prefer the BSN.

I'm surprised a LTC hasn't snapped you up, as that's not a specialty nurses typically run towards. Keep trying. You may have better luck inland (east) in the smaller areas than you will have along the coast.

Also, see if you qualify for some of the new grad programs. Some will consider applicants who have been out of school for as long as 18 months. As to whether getting the BSN will reset the "new grad" timer...it may or it may not. Depends on how the employer views it.

Thank you, Meriwhen. The LTC positions I applied for were management positions as the ads stated that new RN grads should apply. I have since realized that it would be best for me to get some practice using my nursing skills, so I'm looking for more floor nurse type positions in LTC now. Re: inland, I think you're right and that could be the issue too. I'll start doing that. Thanks!

Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

The job applications I've sen have asked applicants to explain gaps in employment. Have you been doing that?

Even if most places demand online applications, a strong cover letter with an explanation of your licensing problem should help. Californa's BON is notoriously difficult, so employers should understand.

VegGal, BSN, RN

190 Posts

Specializes in LTC Management, Community Nursing, HHC.

Thank you for your comment. Not A Hat Person. The applications that I've had were 1 - 2 pages long, and none required an explanation of blanks in employment history. I was hoping for the option to explain it. I do like your suggestion of a good cover letter, and I will do that. I'm also planning to walk-in to a couple facilities in my city and apply there, and will add a sheet with an explanation of the year's absence from nursing while waiting for my license in this state. Thanks again. Great suggestions!

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