How long is too long to wait to work???

New2ER · Feb 14, 2008

My personal opinion, obtain your NJ license and get a job in your location now. Don't tell them that you may be leaving in 9 months. You're not sure yourself so why damage an opportunity for employment on maybes? If his reenlistment does go through in 9 months, obtain a CA license and look for a job in CA. You can rightfully tell your employer (whoever it may be) that you're leaving due to changing circumstances in your personal life.

Beware that some hospitals require signing a training agreement for 1 or 2 years. If you don't complete the assignment you have to pay back prorated amounts. If it's only a 1 year contract you could stay the last 3 months in NJ and then move to CA.

There are lots of options and really no reason why you should wait 9 months to start working.

elkpark · Feb 14, 2008

My personal opinion, obtain your NJ license and get a job in your location now. Don't tell them that you may be leaving in 9 months. You're not sure yourself so why damage an opportunity for employment on maybes? If his reenlistment does go through in 9 months, obtain a CA license and look for a job in CA. You can rightfully tell your employer (whoever it may be) that you're leaving due to changing circumstances in your personal life.
Beware that some hospitals require signing a training agreement for 1 or 2 years. If you don't complete the assignment you have to pay back prorated amounts. If it's only a 1 year contract you could stay the last 3 months in NJ and then move to CA.
There are lots of options and really no reason why you should wait 9 months to start working.

Good advice! Not only is there no reason why you should wait, there are plenty of good reasons not to. There are a number of older threads on this board about the trials and tribulations experienced by new grads who waited an extended length of time to start working. Some had lots of trouble finding a job, some lost their nerve and never did start working; many sad stories. Nursing school has become so watered down these days that everyone acknowledges that the first year or so of working is really, essentially, a necessary continuation of your basic education. If you wait, not only will you not be gaining that vital additional experience and education during that time, you'll be forgetting stuff (whether you are aware of it or not!), every day as time passes, that you need to know. If you just cool your jets for nine months, you will be much less competitive as a job applicant when you start looking in CA and it will be much harder for you to "get in the groove" if/when you do finally start a job.

I really encourage you not to wait.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2008

So here is my situation. My fiance is a Marine, currently in Iraq:cry:, and he will possibly be transferring to CA in August, given his reenlistment works out. I graduated a month ago from a school in NJ and take the boards next week. I am afraid that when I move to CA with him, the hospitals I apply at won't hire me due to the fact that I waited 9 months to get a job. Of course I could explain the situation but I don't want to ruin my chances of ever working. Anybody know what I should do. He already told me he won't stay in the Marine Corps if it will ruin my career.
Thanks

Speaking as a military kid and former member myself, I have to say there's another reason you can't wait: you can't count on the Pentagon. You have no idea if what he's being told is what will actually happen. I realize that they're getting better about "keeping promises" to military members, but the fact is that there are no guarantees with the military. I agree - you cannot afford to wait. Read the fine print, don't sign before you think about it, but don't wait - and if no questions are asked, I would say don't volunteer too much information. Answer questions CAREFULLY, but truthfully - with CARE.

And on another note, any Marine who says he'd get out to benefit you is quite a guy; make him and yourself proud and charge on. :heartbeat

ETA: I don't know much about NJ or CA, but maybe you could look into working for the VA, which would give you the ability to transfer to another hospital, stay in their system, keep your pay grade, and potentially your training level, so to speak. Just an idea.

MelBel · Feb 15, 2008

I know of someone who just moved to be with her boyfriend after about 8 months at her first job. I know that she had NO problem finding a new one, and from my experience, being about 8 months in, it was definitely not a wasted 8 months! 8 months sounds short, but you will learn a LOT in that short time that will definitely benefit you!

henrysgirl72302 · Feb 15, 2008

Thank you so much everyone. You are all right, I shouldn't wait to work!! I will take a job and see what happens, thanks again!!

jerseygirl01 · Feb 21, 2008

I read your post and I wanted to respond to you for many reasons. As a military spouse I can truly sympathize with everything you are facing with your career. However, I would not wait to start a job as you seem to have realized. Nine months of unemployment is a long time to not work, especially when you are fresh out of school. The only thing I would suggest during your interview once you move to California or another state is to not mention your husband's military status. By stating this you then make your employment with a company terminal whereas an opposing candidate for the same position potentially offers years of dedication and service to an institution. Although you may find yourself sharing your personal life with friends from work or even your supervisor, you still need to get your foot in the door. The job interview is about you, not your boyfriend or husband. Basically, can you perform the duties and work the hours required? Good luck with your career. :wink2: