Getting a foot in the door!

[Rgrnurse]

I am graduating nursing school at the end of this week. It has been a long journey, indeed. I have not taken my NCLEX yet, so I am not licensed as a registered nurse. I do want to relax after graduation, but considering my inexperience displayed on my resume, I think I want to find some experience to place on there in the meantime while I am studying for my NCLEX and looking for a new grad opportunity. I was wondering if you guys think that it is a good idea to seek a job as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or intern anywhere health related to build my empty resume in the time period where I am searching for new grad opportunities. Or should I focus on looking for new grad opportunities instead? What do you guys think?

[LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN]

Focus on the NCLEX and apply to new grad opportunities. Most places if you are applying to a residency understand you have to pass NCLEX first, and you can apply without having taken it, just the job is contegent on you passing.

And also a lot of employers may be hesitant to hire you knowing you are going to leave a few months later once you are licensed.

And CNA experience while it is good to have doesn't count as nursing experience.

[CticuRN95]

Focus on the nclex. That is it

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Focus on the NCLEX and look for your entry level RN position. Given that nearly 50 % of new nurses are unemployed one year after graduation as well as the critical need to get your first job within that first year to avoid becoming an " old new grad" (and thus nearly unhirable) you really can't afford to take time off to relax. Finding a job ASAP is crucial.