Getting that first job

[TK1177]

Hi everyone! Totally new here and am looking for some advice. Just finished my ABSN, took the NCLEX and am now looking to make the job hunt my priority. Strangely enough this is the one area of my nursing program that was very lacking. I know that I should apply for new grad programs but not much else. My license will be from California so I'm wondering what I would have to do if I accepted a job in say Oregon or Washington State?

And what about travel nursing? I know that it helps to have a couple years experience in an ICU type setting but what else? Is there such a thing as international travel nursing? I hear different things and what I've found doing internet searches isn't much better.

Any constructive advice would be appreciated!

Thanks

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I wouldn't restrict myself to just new grad programs- as long as there is an adequate, thorough orientation, new nurses can do well without a specific program. Should you choose to work in another state, you will need to apply for endorsement through that state's BON. Information on how to do that can be found on each state's BON website.

I am a firm believer that one should not become a travel nurse without several years of experience, and any agency that would be willing to take on new grads would be suspect to me. The thing about travel nurses is that they are expected to be able to pick up the job with very limited orientation- essentially, they are oriented to where things are, how to use the documentation, and given generally 2-3 days with another nurse. Definitely not something someone without a fair amount of experience can do. ICU experience isn't necessarily a must, unless you want to travel as an ICU nurse. Having worked in the OR for many years, I would probably be able to get a job as a travel OR nurse despite not having any other experience- although I certainly wouldn't dream of traveling in any other specialty.

Some general tips for job hunting:

Be flexible. Not everyone can work in their first choice specialty right out of school. Additionally, you may need to look outside acute care for the first job, especially if you live in an area where the nursing market is saturated.

Be willing to relocate. Sounds like you are, since you're mentioning other states. Finding a job may mean moving from a saturated job market to an area where the market is less saturated.

Network. Join professional organizations and attend meetings. Here, you can meet nurses who are already working who might be able to give you inside information as well as those who do the actual hiring. Sometimes it's more about who you know than what you know, especially as a new grad where everyone is pretty much on equal footing.