I do not want to give up.

[Tesfanurse]

Hello everybody, sorry this may be very long thread.

I want to start out by saying being a nurse is such a great feeling. To serve others is what we all strive. I am very proud of myself for graduating and passing the NCLEX-RN. I also happen to be among those who have not been able to find work. After deep soul searching and feelings of disappointment about not having a job, I came to the conclusion that being a nurse is an accomplishment which I earned through hard work. It would be great to work and contribute to society. Until I find that job, I constantly encourage myself. I want to work in medical-surgical nursing. Therefore, on a daily basis I have decided to keep my knowledge by studying everyday. I spent way too much time and energy feeling sorry for myself for not finding work. Finally last week I decided to turn my challenge into an advantage.

I no longer feel sorry for myself. I understand I live in a city where there are lots of nurse graduates and few older nurses willing to retire. There is a tough competition to land our first nursing jobs. I admit I have not been competing as much as I should. I guess I was too overwhelmed by the competition.

Another obstacle I overcame is my lack of experience in the hospital environment other than my clinicals. Those who had worked as a tech during school have the advantage of finding jobs right after graduation. I felt terrible for not having had a tech job as a student. However, that too was competitive. The fact that I did not work as a tech did not stop me from becoming a nurse.

At the moment it is almost two years since I graduated. I still have not found my first nursing job. I am at a position to panic or feel depressed. I honestly can say I felt those feeling during these two years in addition to the anxiety about the NCLEX.

Before it becomes two years since I graduated , I have decided to try my luck out of state. In the mean time I am taking care of myself by eating right and working out. I am also studying to refresh my knowledge of nursing content.

It is such a great feeling to get out of self pity for not landing a job. Instead I am proud of myself for passing the NCLEX-RN and graduating. Now my only fear is losing my license if I happen to never find a job before it expires? Can I renew it even if I have never practiced? My license will expire in 2016 and I fear if I don't practice with it the BON will ban me from being a nurse. I want to ask the board of nursing my concern. Until then if any of you can give me an idea of what will happen to my license I would really appreciate it. thank you.

[Tesfanurse]

Thanks. I have already looked at the Board of nursing website . I can only take a refresher course which is approved by them which is listed on the website.

I still want to talk to a BON representative to speak about how I can always keep my license.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

A refresher course is different than CEU's. A CEU is a continuing education credit, and it sounds like you are doing a lot of studying therefore, you need to research what avenues CEU's are being offered online, through booklets, or even a class at a local college, should you want to get more in depth.

I would look at small community hospitals, see what they have for med surg positions, even per diem. I would look at the local urgent care or "minute clinic". I would see about where you could go to do flu shots (as this is flu season). Assisted living, LTC, skilled care, all good options. Hospice care centers, Home health, also good options. Go right onto websites, look at job opportunities. Make sure you highlight on your resume the clinical experiences you had, as well as the focus of your continuing education. Make sure your CPR certification is up to date. (Which, BTW, to be a CPR instructor is also an option). Go to the local trade schools and see if you can teach a CNA class. Another thought process is to obtain an EMT certification (which check the website, some RN's can comp the test and do the practical) or take the full course and use it for your CEU's. That gives you another opportunity to get a job.

Go to the school you went to and ask to speak to the guidance counselor. Get some insight on where to go from here. If you do not have a BSN, you may want to continue in school. Finally, speak with a job counselor about your resume. Have it professionally written.

Best wishes and good luck!

[SmilingBluEyes]

In order to keep my RN licensure I not only have to have 45 CEU per 3 years, but also over 500 hours' active practice documented as well. You would do well to double check; many states require active employment to keep active licensure.

[Tesfanurse]

Thanks everyone for the inputs. I contacted the BON and I was told my license is active until 2016. If i do not find a job until it expires, I will have to attend a refresher course approved by the BON. That would be few months before it expires.

[iluvgusgus]

If you are willing to relocate to get a job, inbox me.

[Tesfanurse]

Please check your inbox

[Jerseygirl12]

Have you tried Visiting Nurses or Home care? They like to hire new grads. Now is a good time for per diem flu shot also try looking into those do not give up hope!