what to do after graduation? any suggestions please!!

[nrsmela]

I was hoping I could get some feedback on what to do after graduation from those who have experience preparing for and taking the NCLEX because I am really stressed about this and literllay cannot focus on anything else.

Background:

I graduate in May 2010 from a Canadian nursing school and plan on getting married in August 2010 and moving to NY, I am aware of all of the paperwork involved and that is not my main concern

Ontario has a new grad initiative where new grads are guaranteed 6 months full time employment within 6 months of graduation. This initiative is expected to bridge the new RN to full time employment at the facility (doesnt always work out that way) and keep RN's in Canada.

Option 1

apply for the new grad initiative in Ontario and work for 6 months in Ontario delaying my wedding for another year (already postponed it 2 times due to school). Keep in mind I have no intention of staying in Canada and would have to write the Canadian NCLEX in June. I think that is unethical to do this because I know I will not be staying (kind of bothering me)

Option 2

continue with marriage as planned and use the time to prepare for the US NCLEX while my CGFNS and

application is being processed by the NY BON.

some pros and cons that I have thought of

-obviously delaying marriage, my fiance and I have been in a long distance relationship for 6 years and I am so over it!

-the US economy, I have been reading on allnurses that new grads are having a tough time out there finding jobs, maybe i should stay in canada and get the 6 months experience, which may be better than 0 experience on a resume

-the stressors of being a new nurse and adjusting to a work environment and then readjusting to a new job

my gut tells me just go ahead and get married study for the nclex in the summer and things will work out

but then the responsible person in me says work and get experience because of the US economy

so...to all of the experienced nurses and those who have taken the NCLEX what do you think? any suggestions? my fiance supports my decision which ever it is and there are no deposits anywhere to worry about..

Thanks for all of your help!!

[Canggih1]

I just finished nursing school in Montana. I'll just give it to you straight. Take the six months experience in Canada. (you are so lucky you have that opportunity) You've already waited 6 years and I know that's a long time, but as long as he's willing to wait, you will be so glad you have the six months experience under your belt. And in comparison to the rest of your life, six months isn't a long time.

I had an interview at a hospital that I've worked for and done clinicals with, but if that falls through, I am looking at going to Northwest Territories in Canada for work!

All the hospitals in Missoula, the largest city in Montana are on hiring freezes. And Montana wasn't even hit hard by the economic downturn. I hear it's even worse on the East Coast.

One of my instructors mentioned that the school is going to start advising students to look at rural areas after graduation because the job situtation is going to get worse here.

You can always get married, but you will kick yourself if you go to the US without the experience and can't find work.

[prinsessa]

I would get the experience first. I know it will be hard to put off getting married for even longer but being frustrated about not being able to find a job can be even harder. I graduated in May 09 and still haven't found a job. I hope the economy changes by the time you graduate but i don't think it will that fast. Good luck with your decision! And congrats on graduating soon!

[itsmejuli]

Are you eliglible to work in the US? If not, you're going to have to go through that paperwork and wait before you get married. I don't know exactly how long the process is but I'm guessing anywhere from 6 months to a year for you to get a green card to work in the US.

So, if I was in your shoes I'd write the Canadian exam and the NY NCLEX, get married then apply for green card. Plus I'd find out about working that 6 months in Ontario and how that will affect your green card application.

[86toronado, BSN, RN]

Where in NY is your fiance? Would it be possible to apply to the Canadian program somewhere in Ontario that's very close to NY, (ie: Niagara) and still see him on days off? I think that is your best bet until the US economy improves.

[JenniferSews]

Honestly right now I'd uproot my family and move for 6 months experience guaranteed. No way would I give that up.

[nrsmela]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

As of right now I have applied to facilities all over Ontario and will see what happens. In the mean time I am preparing to write the CRNE's, have applied for my fiance visa, CGFNS for NY State and NY state License as well as completed the coursework in child abuse reporting and infection control for NY state. So we will see what happens, if I get in anywhere in Ontario I will take it all while waiting for my AAT notice from NY state and then go from there..

thanks for everyones guidance and suggestions during a confusing time!

[kangamangus]

I have to agree that I would stay and get the experience...there is hardly any jobs here never mind new grad jobs....it's only 6 months...and then you would have experience and could find work much easier..just my two cents:twocents: