Graduated 2yrs ago, haven't taken nclex, how to be marketable..

Published

I graduated 2yrs ago and plan to take nclex-RN before the end of the year. I realize that the job market is not very good and is especially worse for a new grad like me with no experience and who has been out of school for a while. I was wondering if any of the nurses could give me advice on what I can do right now to improve my chances of getting a job in the future.

Am planning to subscibe to the American Journal of Nursing so I can remain current on nursing issues. I also thought it might look good on my resume.

Any advice on what else I can do to improve my chances?

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CTICU.

Subscribing to a journal is no advantage on your resume. It just tells me you get it sent to your house, doesn't tell me you read it and certainly doesn't tell me if it sunk in.

To improve your chances you need to get your license, asap.

Then you need to figure out what you're going to tell interviewers who ask why it took so long after graduation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would like to know why you have waited so long to take the NCLEX? Can you tell us why? That might help us give you advice on what to say later on at an interview.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, PICU.

Here are the steps I would take if I were you, based upon priority:

1. Schedule and take the NCLEX. Many facilities won't even look at you unless you are licensed.

2. Make sure you have your BLS and ACLS. I say the ACLS too, because that's less money the hospital will expect to invest in you. And you're a tough investment, having been out of school 2 years without getting licensed. Also think about getting other certifications (NRP if applying to L&D/ Neonatal, PALS if applying to Pediatric positions) as they could also help give you an edge against other new grads.

3. Forget a journal. Join professional organizations in the fields you're interested in, go to local chapter meetings and events to network. Take courses to earn CEs. This is all valid for your resume. Journals are not.

4. Come up with a FANTASTIC reason behind your extenuating circumstances... Employers can and will ask you why you waited so long to take your boards. Make sure it doesn't come off as procrastination. Babies and sick parents won't cut it.

I really hope this helps... You may have quite the hole to dig yourself out of. :uhoh21:

But all in all, I wish you the BEST OF LUCK! Stay focused and motivated! You can do this!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm curious as to why she didn't take the NCLEX too. I have heard of grads not taking the NCLEX because of the down economy. It's been said to me that since the chances of employment were very slim, they wanted to have a more current date of licensure, so, that is why they wait. Really, nursing prospects are crappy and have been crappy for a couple years, so it's not even a gamble, really. Some just kept on with their day jobs and waited, and are only now pondering licensure. Some went and got new jobs not in healthcare to wait things out. Good idea? Gets them in the NG positions with all the newer grads?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i am sort of in the same postion as you. I also graduated 2 years ago but have just recently passed the NCLEX. I took the NCLEX 4 times in the last 2 years. I had alot of trouble with the test although i did great in school and clinicals. I do not have any hospital experience bc i could not afford to. I make more money at my current job then i would as a nursing assistant. My only excuse for taking 2 years is that i was working full time and studying like a maniac to pass. I know it is very frustrating and all I want to do is be working as a RN. Im curious to see more advice. Good Luck to you

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Anesthesia.

Guys I wish you the best. What have you been working as in the down-time? Or has family been work?

My nurse manager asked me (3 months after graduating and 2 days before I was scheduled to take the NCLEX) "Why did you wait so long to take the NCLEX?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Intermediate care.

Subscribing to a journal has to advantage in a resume.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU.

Subscribing to a journal is a great idea to keep current. Putting the fact that you subscribe to a journal on your resume is a huge red flag that you have no idea what goes on a professional resume. Don't do it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical/Surgical, Ambulatory Care.

Definitely schedule nclex, become a member of the American Nurses Association, and keep current on CPR class, and take any other classes for certification.

Also, study study study, and see if you can shadow a nurse

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Two questions - one already asked - why the wait? And why haven't you had a subscription to a journal before now?

I am truly puzzled.

Best wishes!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What would look on your resume is taking and passing the NCLEX - otherwise nothing else really matters. I'm just saying!

Good luck! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion