Have Not Worked Since Graduating Nursing School

[OrchidLoveYIZ312]

Hi Nurses,

So, I graduated nursing school December 2018. Passed my NCLEX in March 2019. I was applying for jobs from the second I graduated until months after I passed my boards. I wasn't getting any bites at all. I was applying non-stop, everyday, to all the hospitals I could drive to (I'm in Nassau County in Long Island, NY). I had no luck. It was extremely discouraging. I had one interview for a float position. I could feel it not going well, but it felt like the interviewer had already made up her mind about me the second I mentioned I had a child. Needless to say, I never heard back.

My father mentioned that I should speak with his cousin who worked at a hospital in New Rochelle, about an hour and a toll bridge away from me. I did, and everything went pretty quickly at first, then halted, but eventually I had the job. Before I even got to start though, I found out I was pregnant, and not only that, I was high risk due to the conditions of my previous pregnancy ( only the year before ), AND I was having TWINS! So they told me to speak with my doctor to see what they would recommend as far as taking on this new position. The high risk doctor told me I should sit this one out. So I unfortunately had to decline my position. Fast forward 9 months, I delivered my twins in December 2019. I'm 8 weeks out, so I know its not time to go back to work quite yet, but I can't stop thinking about how I don't look good as a candidate.

When I declined the previous position, the HR director said to contact her when I was ready to come back to work, to see what positions were available. I did call and leave a message, as well as emailed her, and still no response. I am fearful that me being out of work for so long (I've been a stay at home mom since 2018), and being a year plus out from graduating nursing school, I will have a hard time landing my first nursing job, specifically within the hospital setting. I have really bad anxiety and this thought has been on my mind my entire pregnancy with the twins, and now that I am closer to 12 weeks postpartum it is really putting me on edge.

I guess I want to know if anyone has had a similar experience needing to get back into work after a bit of a hiatus. How did it turn out for you? Is there anything I can do to make myself look like a more attractive candidate? Were you grilled about the time off during interviews? I know finding your first nursing job after graduating is the hardest. That's why with the gap in time, I am very nervous. The thought of not finding something is really discouraging, especially because I was only offered the job I had to decline, due to a family connect who got me in with the recruiter. It felt like I didn't earn it on my own.

Any advice would be fantastic.

Thanks

[egg122 NP, MSN, APRN]

The above posters are correct. NYC is a difficult market for new grads. Consider looking at LTACHs and SNFs as previously mentioned. Also, the first interview you had was for a float position, which may not be appropriate for a new grad. They should not have wasted your time in an interview if they did not want a new grad but there can be a disconnect between the recruiter and the hiring manager at times.

[KalipsoRed21, BSN, RN]

I think you worry to much. You have a VERY reasonable explanation for your absence from employment since graduation. I think your biggest challenge will be finding a job that fits a life with 3 kids.

Some truths about nursing: It will take about 2 years of successful full time employment for you to be able to dictate your scheduling needs to an employer. Or have enough experience that you can be picky about the job you take. Until then you are pretty much at the mercy of whatever is available...nights, weekends, rotating shifts. Full time nursing is not easy to a-line with child care needs.
Since the nursing market does not seem desperate in your area where they are willing to hire you no matter what is going on in your life; you may need to re evaluate if you should move for better opportunities or be sure you can take a less than desirable job...like at a skilled nursing facility. I am glad you didn’t take the float position....it really takes a strong nursing background to be able to float many floors.

Just keep looking and be open to a job you do not like the hours or pay for to get some experience.

[DowntheRiver]

I had a 1.5 year gap between graduating and taking the NCLEX due to health issues. I was open and honest about it and never had an issue. But, I'm in Florida...

[Red Shirt 6, CNA]

I had some difficulty getting hired after graduating. The County I am in is one of those places people are leaving so I did some low price and free certifications to explain why there was a delay. I also started ;looking for places that will train staff I got interviews and a job that way.