Graduated 2 Years Ago, but Just Passed NCLEX RN. What now?

[Myname82, BSN, RN]

I just wanted to ask the advice of people here: I graduated from a BSN program, with honors, in May 2013. I was employed for a couple months in a graduate nurse program until I failed the NCLEX. Then, I worked as a tech for a year before being let go for not passing my boards (the reasons for which were many, but included personal-life issues--a failed relationship and a death in the family).

Anyway, it has now been nearly a year since I've worked in health care at all, and I haven't worked as a nurse since August 2013. I love working in health care; it's my passion, and I want to make it my life's work more than anything. Today in the mail, after my 4th attempt at the NCLEX, I received the letter saying I'd passed from my state board of nursing.

So, now that I'm FINALLY an RN, 2 years after graduating, what should I do now? Should I apply for graduate-nurse programs at hospitals again? Would they be willing to take someone like me? Someone who's rusty and might need some additional training in the beginning? How should I approach this situation with regard to applying and interviewing for jobs? Does anyone have any advice to pass along? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

You probably won't qualify for a new graduate program, but there's no reason why you cannot start looking for a nursing job. Yes, you'll be rusty until you get up to speed, but no one starts a new job knowing everything they need to know.

[hopenfaith]

I am in the same boat as you. Graduated 2 yrs ago and just got licensed in Jan of this year. I didn't waste time while looking for a job in the last few months. I made sure I went back to get my BLS, ACLS, PALS, and EKG certifications. Yes, you probably won't need all of the certifications, but it does not look bad and it gives them an idea of what you have been doing since you got your license. I have been turned down by the first interview because I didn't have the experience, but DON was very nice and told me to come back after six months should I have secured at least six months of acute experience.

I submitted resumes online and it seemed that it gets lost at sea with thousands of other resumes. So, I just took the initiative and called up every HR and asked if there is any new grad program or whether there is a job fair coming up soon. Although you are not considered a new grad, but it does not hurt to try, because afterall, you do not have the acute experience.

Some managers will ask, others wont, as to why there is a gap between your graduate date and License date, just be honest about it, and say honest truth about how you are brushing up on your skills. I just basically told them, yes, I haven't been trained in the hospital, but I haven't forgotten my skills and I am practicing. I signed up for the IV therapy class with a local training center, they offer BLS, ACLS, PALS, EKG and many more. I made sure I bring my certifications along with me when they interviewed me so they can get an idea of what I have been doing since I got my license. I also mentioned that you are always learning, and it doesn't stop right after you are licensed.

I started working as a Hospice nurse and homehealth nurse, I talked about how that experience has helped me as a new nurse even though it isn't acute. If you do not get hired right away as a new nurse, try LTC first. But most importantly, do not give up. Look up for job fairs, it really helps sometimes, because when you are face to face with the hiring team, you have a better shot at selling yourself to them.

I don't know what state you are in, but you can google first and see if there is any job fairs coming up soon. Good Luck!!

[Psychologynurs]

I loved all your post. I am having a very difficult time also passing the NCLEX. I am so tired and sick of studying. After 1yr of graduating I am still unsuccessful in getting my license. I am broke, burnt out and in extreme disappear and possible depression about taking the NCLEX. What did you do the pass? pls help....

[alaina_wil]

First off, congrats on passing! That is a big relief for you, I'm sure. Secondly, look around to see if there are any nursing internships at hospitals in your area. Where I am from, hospitals offer both graduate nurse positions AND RN internships. I would also recommend looking into some med/surgical job openings. Although it might not be your first choice, I learned the most when working on a general med/Surg floor. Put in your time there (at least a year or two) and then transfer to the floor of your choosing. :) Best wishes to you!

[BonnieSc]

I got my license right away but then didn't find work for two years... any kind of nursing work. This was at the worst point (and the beginning) of the new grad oversupply. Eventually I was able to move and as soon as I was able to look all over the country, I found a job fairly quickly (in a rural area, but a good hospital). You may have to move also. I wouldn't worry too much about being rusty. Everyone has a lot to learn at the first nursing job. Good luck!