They don't seem to have RN shortages in Georgia

U.S.A. Georgia

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Ok first off let me start by saying I graduated May of this year. I have my associates degree in nursing from TNCC in Hampton, VA. I took the nclex in June studying Kaplan and a variety of other sources. I was unsuccessful. The plan had already been set in motion for my family to move back to Atlanta after I graduated so about two weeks after I failed the nclex we moved. I then found out about UWORLD! Best $70 I ever spent. After three weeks of studying at a nice, even and consistent pace I passed successfully with 220 questions August 19th. Now to the real deal. So in Atlanta I find that all new nurses must complete a residency program to work in these hospitals. For the most part each hospital has its on criteria for their programs. Some let you apply without licensure, very few, and the rest want you to be licensed in the state of Georgia. I mailed off my application for licensure by endorsement on the 20th of August. I just found out today on the 18th of September that they will issue my license, after having to call several times because apparently there were pieces of info missing from my application but they neglected to inform me about it. Anyway, they didn't give me a license number. Now my problem is I've applied for at least 100 jobs. I had one interview. I also have one prospect but the lady won't schedule me an interview until I have my license in Georgia. I am beyond frustrated. If I don't get into this round of residency programs can you guess when the next batch starts???? February! Smh...I had no idea it would be this hard to find a job in a field that they say always has a shortage.....I'm sorry for the long post I just needed to vent.

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I'm sorry you're have a rough time, but "they" haven't said there's a nursing shortage in a long time. There are surpluses of nurses in much of the US, and only limited areas with true shortages (and most of those are not major urban areas). Look around this site -- these are difficult times for new grads looking for jobs.

I hope you will be able to find something soon! Are you looking at other options besides acute care hospital? That's how a lot of new grads are getting jobs. Best wishes!

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I have tried, home health, school nurse, long term care, assisted living facilities and every residency program for all of the hospitals in the area. I know that there hasn't been any reported shortages of nurses in a while, but when people hear the word nurse they typically assume that jobs are always in abundance. And I'm not saying that to say that there aren't any jobs available it is just in Georgia it seems to be a lot harder for new grads especially if you don't have a BSN. I am certain that most of the positions I am applying for are not letting me move forward in the hiring process due to the fact that I lack a BSN.

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I understand the frustration. Perhaps it would have been beneficial if you'd looked into positions and getting licensed in GA prior to moving. I'm not sure if this is correct, but I think you could have specified GA when taking the NCLEX if that's where you planned to practice b/c the NCLEX can be taken anywhere. That could've saved you from having to get endorsed.

I know from experience it is rough trying to get a job as a new grad in Atlanta. It is all about timing. There are a bunch of schools and these days hospitals are wanting to hire mostly BSN. Sometimes you have to go where the job is. For me, that was FL. I have my BSN but one girl I know who is an LPN does well with home health. Try that...and as someone else said, SNFs. Since you already made the plan to move to GA, perhaps looking on the outskirts of Atlanta and commuting would help. Also look in rural areas of GA. You may not be able to find something in the heart of Atlanta.

As for license number, I'd suggest checking the Georgia Board of Nursing's website for a license number if one wasn't provided over the phone. Back when I received mine, everything was sent via email. If you did everything online, then you should be able to login and see. If not, do a license search and you can get your license number.

Nursing - Georgia Board of Nursing

Try clicking the license search or application status link if not successful.

Best wishes.

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Thanks and yea I did do research I personally thought it would be better to do the licensure by endorsement only because I had already held two professional licenses through VA BON. Plus I knew it would take a while for us to move and get settled. I actually have applied for every health system from Stockbridge to even Gwinett county. I am definitely willing to commute, but even had I registered for GA licensure instead of VA I'm sure I'd still be in the same predicament because most of these hospitals want you to have an active license number at the time of the application. I do appreciate the suggestions, but at this point I'm hoping I just run into someone that can pull some strings for me.

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#1 - you are applying at a bad time of year. Wait until the residencies for December grads open up - you will have better luck. #2 - apply to parts of the state that aren't filled with BSN grads. ATL has 8+ BSN programs within an hour's drive of Atlanta, so ASN grads are at a disadvantage here.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Have you looked into any RN-BSN programs? Showing that you are furthering your education might give you an advantage in interviews.

I endorsed my Virginia RN license into Georgia a year ago - luckily it went well (had a Georgia license in just a couple of weeks), but I went over my application about a bazillion times before submitting it to ensure that I included everything.

Good luck!

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My license was finally issued on Friday! I'm thankful for that. I actually had an instructor tell me to at least enroll in a BSN program, but I haven't found one that I'm ready to start. Plus I don't have any prerequisites toward a BSN. I have at least thought of Western Governor's University or Chamberlain College of Nursing.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I did my BSN at Chamberlain, but it is very pricey - I had great reimbursement from my employer, though. I know a lot of people who have really enjoyed the program with , and the price is very reasonable.

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Yes I am leaning more toward because of their flat rate tuition. But I would definitely have to start working before I could possibly afford that.

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