Happy, Confused, Upset... I don't even know how to feel. Please help me.

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I have been in the United States for eight years and I had both nursing & physician's education from Russia. I have had experience working as a phlebotomist and lab assistant here in the United States. Recently, however, I have decided to complete the Nursing Board requirements to become an RN in California. I had a defficiency in two classes, Mental Health and Maternity. I took these classes at a community college. After this, the Nursing Board gave me permission to take the NCLEX. I passed on my first try and got my licence. Now, I still don't have any calls or interviews from the employer, despite applying at multiple places. Do you think that this has to do with my history of being a physician on my resume? The jobs all say that they want experience, but where can I possibly get Nursing experience in the United States if I'm not being hired for any jobs? What can I do? Please help me! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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May be you need to apply to the New Grad RN programs around your area. Since you've never ACTUALLY worked as an RN.

I graduated in Dec 07 and do have my RN license, but still havent gotten a job yet! yikes!!!

What part of california are you in? North/South

The reason i asked is cuz its way harder to get a job up north compare to LA area.

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If you need help with locating new grad Rn programs in CA. Lemme know, may be i can help you out. I have been doing alot of job searching...Good luck

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If you need help with locating new grad Rn programs in CA. Lemme know, may be i can help you out. I have been doing alot of job searching...Good luck

Thank you so much for your response... I actually live in North California. But I would really appreciate any help! If you can reccomend any programs to me that would be great. Good luck getting your job!

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Hi,

I am from Russia too. I also came to the US 8 years ago. I'm is so proud of you for passing the boards! Education in Russia is pretty good, I am glad I got my first degree there.

We have a doctor at my hospital, she also challanged NCLEX and passed on the first try. She worked as an RN in the bay area and then got her MD by challanging the test. I think you are having a problem finding a job mainly because of the location. Many desirable areas in CA are saturated with new grads and competition for jobs is pretty intense. Try Inland Empire, Fresno, Bakersfield- all are not very glamorous places but the jobs are plentiful.

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Hi,

I am from Russia too. I also came to the US 8 years ago. I'm is so proud of you for passing the boards! Education in Russia is pretty good, I am glad I got my first degree there.

We have a doctor at my hospital, she also challanged NCLEX and passed on the first try. She worked as an RN in the bay area and then got her MD by challanging the test. I think you are having a problem finding a job mainly because of the location. Many desirable areas in CA are saturated with new grads and competition for jobs is pretty intense. Try Inland Empire, Fresno, Bakersfield- all are not very glamorous places but the jobs are plentiful.

Vsego samogo luchego!

Thank you !

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If you have any more questions please ask!

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Specializes in med surg.

Hi! I think it's better for you to try applying in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or a nursing home first.I know someone who was a doctor in the Philippines and is now a nurse here. He works three nights in neurobehavioral SNF then three nights in a medical-surgical convalescent hospital.This is just to start the experience rolling. He also does home health on the side.I also have friends who started in SNFs before they were hired by acute hospitals like Kaiser and Stanford.:nuke:

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I agree with badminton. Lots of people get their first jobs in skilled nursing facilities when they can't get hired on at acute care hospitals. This is a good alternative if you can't find a new grad program. After you have some experience at a snf, you can do so home health shifts to add income and experience. While you are gaining experience, you can continue to watch for openings at hospitals. You also can prepare to challenge the MD exams like the other person did. It is true that a job is harder to come by in northern CA. If you are willing to relocate, you might have better luck around the LA area. There is a large Russian population there so your language skills might help you land a job. Congratulations on getting an RN license and good luck in your job search.

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Specializes in med surg.

You're most welcome kazandoc 2000!:nuke:

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Hi,

I am from Russia too. I also came to the US 8 years ago. I'm is so proud of you for passing the boards! Education in Russia is pretty good, I am glad I got my first degree there.

We have a doctor at my hospital, she also challanged NCLEX and passed on the first try. She worked as an RN in the bay area and then got her MD by challanging the test. I think you are having a problem finding a job mainly because of the location. Many desirable areas in CA are saturated with new grads and competition for jobs is pretty intense. Try Inland Empire, Fresno, Bakersfield- all are not very glamorous places but the jobs are plentiful.

Sorry, but one cannot challenge the exam without completing the coursework for the license. One must actually complete a program in an approved school of nursing to be able to sit for the exam, and then that is not considered challenging it.

Just wanted to clear up the correct terminology with you.

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Have seen quite a few physicians from Russia sucessfully transition to the tole of the RN, actually they have had an easier time of it than most from other countries.

No reason at all to go to a LTC facility, actually would tell you to stay away from that area of nursing.

What was your specialty in medicine back home? How long ago did you complete your nursing training and where?

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