Is my work experience enough?

[tserofw]

Hi everyone,

To give you some background I am currently about to start work as a nurse at the hospital where I went to nursing school in New York in a critical care resource pool. My plan is to work for a year and a few months (basically till my lease is up) and then move out west or south. I am shooting for either Seattle/Oregon/California area or the Baltimore/Washington DC area.

I got a little discouraged when I was looking at possible places to work when pretty every critical care job wanted 2 years or more of critical care experience. I was worried that I would not be able to get a job in critical care. Is it possible to find jobs that take people like me or is it very unlikely? I would really appreciate some perspective on the job market.

Also, what would help my chances on getting hired? I plan on getting my CCRN certification and BSN in the time that I am in New York, but is there anything else?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Congratulations on landing your first job. I hope they provide you with an adequate transition program - it may be challenging if you are not assigned to a 'home' unit for your initial period of employment. Getting your BSN & CCRN will definitely make you much more marketable in your eventual job search. I would also encourage you to obtain technical 'certifications' when you have the opportunity... things such as 12-lead, IABP, etc. This type of "extra" training will also add value, particularly if you receive an actual certificate upon successful completion.

Even if it takes a bit longer & you have to go month-to-month on your lease, it will pay off in the long run to make sure you are completely prepared before you make your move. Wishing you the absolute best of luck on your new job and future plans.