Graduated 2years ago but never worked as a RN.

RN403, BSN, RN · Sep 2, 2014

At this point you are no longer considered a new grad. Make sure you apply to regular registered nurse positions and not new grad positions. You also might try taking a refresher course since you have been out of school for so long, doing so wil be helpful to you, and will also show potential employers that you are serious about getting back into nursing.

Do not panic yet. Just keep applying, following up, and continue to be persistent with your search. I do not think leaving the country will be necessary in order to land employment, but, since you indicate that you are willing to re-locate you might look into hospitals in other states that are desperately seeking nurses. The nursing shortage does exist in certain areas, especially rural areas.

Best wishes.

Tesfanurse · Sep 2, 2014

Thank you. I just found out that a local community college offers a refresher course. I am going to take it. Hopefully I will qualify for private loans because I have no money.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Sep 3, 2014

Well, I think she qualifies as a new grad in most books because she never used her nursing license if I understand right.

ccotton · Sep 14, 2014

Do you like home health? There may be an agency in your area willing to train you. Do you subscribe to any of the free nursing magazines? Would you consider working a part time business (I can help) and continue to network with other nurses about job openings. If you present yourself as a quick learner, someone should be willing to give you a chance. Good luck.

kfitzy89 · Sep 14, 2014

Still apply to new grad positions, and a lot of them. It took me 6 months to find a job and I landed it in a new grad float pool. If you have no experience on your license you are treated as a new grad in my books, regardless of how long ago you graduated. Good luck to you my friend! You WILL find something. Stay positive and keep your head up during the times you may be tough on yourself like I was when I couldn't find a job. Just remember to smile. :-)

LyssRN2 · Jan 10, 2015

Hospitals won't look at her as a NEW 'new grad', especially with fresh graduates just coming out of school/with their licenses. New grad is less than a year, then it gets old FAST. They want to know you have been doing something with your life/time. A refresher course sounds good, or be matriculated into a BSN program. If you cannot get a job in a hospital, try to get a job in rehab or LTC for a bit. Some experience (RECENT) is better than none. Best of luck!!

brandy1017, ASN, RN · Jan 11, 2015

I would write up a cover letter explaining why you delayed getting your license as you were a caregiver that you put your patient or loved one first and want the chance to care for other patients now as a nurse. Also mention you passed Boards on the first try. I would apply for all RN positions, why limit yourself. Sign up for a refresher, but hopefully you will get a job before that is necessary. I would try to network with your college instructors and fellow grads for job leads. When you find openings try to find out the name of the manager/director of that unit and speak to them and send or bring them your resume and cover letter. It will yield better results than just applying to web sites and HR. HR is just a screening dept, it is the manager that makes the final hiring decision, but HR screens out many candidates so if you can reach out to the hiring manager it will improve your chances of getting a job. So apply online or at HR and also speak to the manager if you can. I think that is the best strategy. Dress professional ie in a suit and be personable and enthusiastic. Be prepared to advertise your good qualities and skills, GPA etc and explain that job hunting took the back burner to caring for your loved one. You have proven you are a dependable and loyal caregiver and let them know you will bring that level of care giving to your job.

Good luck with your job hunting!

shaman7 · Jan 12, 2015

I really appreciate this post/information. I have the same type of situation. I graduated with my LPN, passed boards right away and had to deal with family health issues. I have not been able to work as an LPN for 4 years now (although I have kept my license current and BLS/AED). I have an extensive healthcare background however. I'm really having problems finding a places to apply that I want to plant my roots and that don't require recent experience of 1-2 years. How will I get experience if nobody will hire me? I have a ton of experience, I'm begging for mercy at this point...mercy in an already compassionate field. My husband and I are getting divorced and I have two beautiful daughters to raise. Right now I'm feeling like an "old car" in both of my situations and I'm not even that old. It would be nice to be good enough for someone, preferably a wonderful company. I do not lack confidence in my nursing abilities.

catmom1, BSN, RN · Jan 13, 2015

...I'm begging for mercy at this point...mercy in an already compassionate field...

Nursing may have compassion for patients who are sick but I have rarely seen compassion shown by anyone in power in nursing toward nurses themselves.

Unfortunately, the job market is still very poor which erases any crumb of compassion that might have previously existed for a job seeker.

Sorry to be a "Debbie downer" but that's the way I have seen it.

Catmom :paw:

nolegirl96 · Jan 19, 2015

I'm not sure where you are, but here in Florida, most hospitals have residencies and internships for people who are nurses with less than 1 year of experience. I don't think you need a refresher after 2 years, but if it makes you more comfortable, then do it! I would try and find a residency program in an area of nursing you may enjoy. It's hard out there for nursing jobs...I know from experience unfortunately!

krisr101 · Jan 28, 2016

I feel your pain! I know this is old but am hoping you had a positive outcome (?) that would give me some hope. I graduated with my Associates in May 2014. I went straight into my RN-BSN program and moved to northern Florida (due to my husband's career). As part of my school's BSN program, I needed my RN to complete a capstone. I passed my NCLEX in 75 questions in June 2014. While getting my BSN, I applied for many hospitals but no one would hire me without a BSN. I matriculated with a BSN on January 2nd. Now, I have the BSN they want but no experience. I am currently applying for a renewal of my license (expires in April 2016). I'm no longer a "new grad." Baptist Health (the largest in our area) requires that new grads in their program have their RN for less than 12 months. Without experience, one must go through their new grad program in order to work for their hospitals. I keep applying for all types of jobs but no one will give me a shot. I graduated summa cum laude but all that work seems to be for naught. At this point, I will do anything (PCT, MA, RN (a dream!), phlebotomy (I have my license), etc.). After 1-1/2 years of applying for jobs in the Florida area, I still have had no responses. It is discouraging. Any ideas?