Help! what to do after nursing school!?

Caribbean Character · Feb 15, 2014

Get a job.

RunBabyRN · Feb 15, 2014

The way the market is, apply for any job you'd consider (maybe even some you otherwise wouldn't). Start applying NOW- have you been networking along the way at all? Reach out to your resources.

I'm graduating in May as well, and I'm out searching for jobs. I have a couple of good leads so far. I plan to continue my education at some point (when the time is right), but for now, I'm focused on just finding work that will help me pay my bills. If it's in my "DRRRREEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMM" unit, all the better, but not expected.

Med/surg is a great place to start to nail down your skills, keep variety alive, and figure out if you want to stay there or move on to a specialty at some point. Traveling is a great way to go if you want to get out and around, but they usually only want experienced nurses as travelers (with some exceptions, I imagine).

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 16, 2014

Start apply for RN jobs ASAP, especially if you don't currently work as a tech..try to get a tech job now if you don't have one on a unit that you would like to transition to as an RN.

krisiepoo · Feb 16, 2014

Get a job.

bwahahahaha... that's what I was going to say ;-)

I graduated in December, passed NCLEX in January and was just offered a job to start in march. I "thought outside the box" and applied out of state at smaller areas with larger hospitals. I found a diamond in the middle of nowhere and have the opportunity of a lifetime with my placement. So, my advice is, if you're able to relocate (even if it's hard, I own a townhome and will be renting it out), look outside your area.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Feb 16, 2014

I am currently a BSN student at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Georgia. I plan to graduate May, 2013 and would love some advice on the best plan for starting my career. I would be interested in starting in a MedSurg unit and then maybe try out travel nursing and then eventually continue my education. What is some advice as far as taking the next step after passing the NCLEX?

May 2013 already happened so you can't be planning to graduate then. Assuming you are talking about this year, start applying for jobs NOW.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2014

I'd start preparing your job application and start looking at jobs. If you notice a trend of being rejected, I would consider that you may need to hold off till you pass NCLEX. My area rejected everyone who was not internal till after graduation.