Help! Graduated 2004 and now looking for job.

[Camouflage]

Hey everyone,

Not sure if this post is in the correct forum, sorry if it is not. Well I graduated June 2004 and just recently passed the Nclex this past July 2006 (Yes two years after I graduated). I happen to fail the NCLEX the first time around and while preparing for my second time around, I came down with a lot of personal/family problems and put the NCLEX off until last month. I haven't worked within the past two years and I was wondering what are my chances in getting a job?

The most recent activity on my resume is dated 2004 (clinicals and nurse interning). Friends have questioned my ability on the clinical aspect of nursing (if I still have my skills) starting IV's, insterting foley's, shots etc. I think I do, but it has been awhile.

Does anyone have any advice that they can give me? Is there courses to "freshen up" your skills? or recommend just applying to hospitals and get reoriented there? I know if I get a interview they would ask would have I been doing the past two years..I question I dread. I thinking on what to say and even lying??? Well as you can tell I'm pretty discouraged but I really would love to start this awesome profession. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

[gonzo1, ASN, RN]

hopefully you live in an area that has multiple employment choices. Just take your self out the door and put in the job apps and someone will call you for an interview. It may not be your first choice for a job but you can decide to take it or not. You need practice applying for jobs (it is a hard and scary thing to do, but just do it). The clinical skills will come with practice. And whatever you do, just tell the truth, do not lie. It always comes back to bite you in the dupa. Someone will hire you and you can stay for a while and build up your skills and resume.

Good luck and God bless

[huladancer, ADN, BSN, MSN]

I agree with Gonzo1, don't lie about what you've been doing for the past 2 years. Just be honest. As far as updating your skills, I know the nursing school I went to has a skills lab that is open to the public. You pay a semester fee and can use the lab whenever it is open. We practiced our skills on dummies, which is better than nothing. Maybe you can call some of the nursing schools in your area and ask them if you can use their skills lab. Best of luck.

[QTRN74]

Hi there,

I am a nurse who is returning to work after a three year break and I too have been questioned about what I have been doing and do I feel my clinical skills are still up to par. For me, I will just need a week or more of orientation to help me 'refresh', but for a new grad like you, and that is what you will be considered, your orientation will be longer anyway so do not lie. Most hospitals have a three month "new grad" program where they basically hold your hand and guide you through orientation. If after that time is up you still don't feel ready or they feel you are not ready, they just extend it. They extend it until you both feel you are ready. They will not put you out there as a liability if you are not ready. It is not safe for the patients and it is not safe for you.

You passed the NCLEX, so congratulate yourself and just hit the road running with your degree. :balloons: Hospitals are searching high and low for RN's to fill the shortage...they will train you, do not fear that!

Good luck!

[Camouflage]

Thanks for the kind works everyone, I really needed it. I know, my intent is not to lie, I don't think I can do it, but it has crossed my mind.

[catlady, BSN, RN]

It is not lying to say that you took off for personal reasons and that now, you are refreshed and eager to go to work.