Haven't worked since I graduated

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I had graduated nursing school 10 years ago and did not work as a nurse. I want to start my career now since my kids are now in school. My resume has a huge gap of course and no one wants to hire me because of it. I don't know what to do now. Any advice will be appreciated thanks.

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6 minutes ago, nnasser83 said:

Hi,

I had graduated nursing school 10 years ago and did not work as a nurse. I want to start my career now since my kids are now in school. My resume has a huge gap of course and no one wants to hire me because of it. I dont know what to do now. Any advice will be appreciated thanks.

Your state's BON site would be the first place to start. Did you take and pass NCLEX? Have you ever been licensed at any time?

This will be about more than your resume, unfortunately. You may no longer qualify, or you may have to jump through some serious loops.

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Yes I passed the NCLEX first try and my license is up to date.

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On 1/21/2020 at 9:00 PM, nnasser83 said:

Yes I passed the NCLEX first try and my license is up to date.

I am intrigued. And you live in a lucky sort of place. Have you applied anywhere? Gotten any responses, at all? Is your availability wide open? Have you considered a refresher course? Are you able to relocate?

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Yes I have applied but no luck at all. Relocating isnt an option right now because of my husbands job. Im looking into refresher courses now actually.

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Currently, I am also looking for a job and patiently checking every hospital's website. I may suggest that you explore as well ( in career opportunities) because some of them does not require experience.

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A refresher course is an excellent idea. Unless you live somewhere with a huge nursing shortage, acute care is probably not going to happen as your first job. Try SNF/LTC, rehab, corrections, dialysis, clinics, private duty, home health, etc.

Some will say health is inappropriate for someone with no experience. Several of my classmates did it as a first job and did fine. Your experience may differ.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, Home Health, Corrections, School Nurse.

I think a refresher course is a great idea. Things change so rapidly, that you really need a way to catch up as well as refresh your skills.

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Specializes in kids.

You do not have to declare that you have worked for a minimum, number of hours on your re-licensure application?

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
3 hours ago, NutmeggeRN said:

You do not have to declare that you have worked for a minimum, number of hours on your re-licensure application?

Not all states have this requirement.

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Specializes in Medsurg.

Definitely do a refresher course and place that on your resume. It will show employers your competent and serious about nursing.

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Many hospitals have “new grad” residencies, that can apply to anyone under a year or experience. Reach out to some recruiters with these types of programs with your situation. You never know

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