Is it beneficial to have ACLS and PALS as a new grad looking for a job in Sacramento, CA?

[dejo1290, ADN]

I know that this question has been posted numerous times in the past, but I'm asking specifically about Sacramento, CA.

A little background: I'm finishing my third semester in 2 weeks in an ADN program outside of Sacramento. I graduate in May 2020. After graduating/passing the NCLEX, I plan to apply for a position in Sacramento, as a new grad. I have also applied to attend the RN-BSN program at CSU-Sac in Fall 2020, in hopes this would give me a leg up when I apply for jobs.

Would having my ACLS and PALS certification give me a leg up when I apply at the Sacramento, CA area hospitals for ER, med-Surg or other units? I'm trying to get any advantage that I can, seeing as how I am not in a program in Sacramento (so I haven't been to a clinical in the area hospitals) and have heard it can be hard for new grads to find a job here.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

Potentially, but I would wait til closer to your graduation date since these classes are only good for 2 years.

More sought after is having some sort of healthcare experience. Also look st the more rural hospitals outside of stockton and marysville increase your chances.

[MyAimIsTrue, BSN]

You will competing with applicants who have ACLS and PALS. It's very difficult to land a new grad position in Sac, but I agree with the above poster who said to wait until closer to graduation, and also to apply to more rural hospitals. That's what I did and it finally worked.

[Red Shirt 6, CNA]

Employers do like it when you have training and certification they do not have to pay for but having it will not guarantee a job or even an interview.

I will suggest that you see if any of the professors or alumni will be willing to help you meet the right people and find out what additional training your preferred employers want a new grad to have.

[BAY AREA RN, BSN]

It’s always good to have your certifications. It’s very hard to find jobs in hospitals out here as new grads. Many places are looking for a year or more of experience(acute care) yea how will we get it if no one hires us. There isn’t a lot of new grad positions available for all the new grads applying. I’m coming up on 9 months at a snf, have my acls, BSN, wound certification and still having issues with getting hospital positions. Same for with my coworkers they have a lot of certifications and the higher education but they are also waiting to reach the year mark hoping to get an interview

[kaylee.]

I think its something most new grads do so not necessarily a leg up but right at the baseline. It shows you are “ready”. I dont think you would get pushed aside for not having them but might as well. I only did PALS as a NG because i had an interview at a children’s hosp. If u are only doing adult then u dont need pals

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

Having ACLS and PALS as a new grad is pretty much a baseline thing. Wait until you're (quite literally) about to graduate as these courses are only good for 2 years. These courses aren't cheap either. It's not easy to get an acute care job in Sacramento as a new grad, but it's not impossible either, though it's tougher if you don't have a BSN as some hospitals preferentially hire BSNs. Don't just focus solely on Sacramento, also apply to some of the more rural hospitals. Just 1-2 years of experience can open some doors as you'll be faster to train because you won't be a new grad and someone else has taken on the expense of your initial training.

Also be aware that nursing jobs in Sacramento can post and close very quickly. Keep a close eye on those job boards.