2010 jobless grad needs advice!

Nurses General Nursing

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So I passed NCLEX in early July and to this day have had one interview, which did not land a job. I've applied many, many places. I'm starting to become incredibly disillusioned thinking I spent two years of my life in school for nothing. I have a bachelor's degree and now this ADN degree. People are telling me just to get a job....ANY nursing job. Here's my question.......in your opinions would it behoove me to start looking in Nursing Homes or get a hospital job as a tech (our state allows it) so I can get my foot in the door. I'm being advised both ways. I'm worried I'm going to forget everything if I don't get a job soon.

I appreciate any thoughts!

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I wouldn't work as a tech. No guarantee they'll hire you on as more.

Nursing homes.

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It's a tough call, but here are a few things to consider. 1. Consider applying to RN jobs that might require you to move from where you are located. 2. Look at the opportunities available. Usually the best initial decision would be to go for the job with more money or more responsibility. Most likely, that will be an RN in a nursing home -- a job that will likely give you great skill in working with people, managing and delegating, and time/organization. 3. I don't know how well it works to tech once you are an RN. BUT, you may be able to get the hospital to pay for your RN to BSN, thus increasing their investment in you and your job opportunities there. It is probably worth talking to hospital nurse recruiters about your options.

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Specializes in Inpatient Adult Oncology.

Have you considered putting your application in places you don't live? When I graduated I relocated, and honestly I am glad I did. It wouldn't hurt to try if you think it is something you can handle doing. I wouldn't get a job as a tech, I think that is kind of a step backwards, because you won't be utalizing your critical thinking the way you will need to as a nurse, and it may not look good if you go for another interview, and the interviewer can only think, "why did they become a tech when they were a registered nurse?" A nursing home is a tricky area to start, because it isn't the same kind of nursing, but if it is all you can get in your area and you aren't willing to leave, it may be your best option, stay there for six months and start applying elsewhere.

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Specializes in Med-Surg Nursing.

When I graduated back in 1997, there weren't many RN hospital jobs out there. I had been working as a CNA at an LTC throughout my final two yrs of nursing school. I passed NCLEX in August of that year and the Nursing home paid me the highest wage they could offer me for a CNA seeing as how I was an RN and I also had RN put on my name badge. Once I began applying at other LTC's for an RN job, the DON SUDDENLY had a part-time opening she'd been meaning to offer me. To get full time hours, I worked two shifts a week as a CNA.

Apply at nursing homes...get your foot in the door...you may discover that you really enjoy LTC.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

Try something seasonal, like flu clinics. At least you'll have some money coming in while you look for another job.

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When I graduated back in 1997, there weren't many RN hospital jobs out there. I had been working as a CNA at an LTC throughout my final two yrs of nursing school. I passed NCLEX in August of that year and the Nursing home paid me the highest wage they could offer me for a CNA seeing as how I was an RN and I also had RN put on my name badge. Once I began applying at other LTC's for an RN job, the DON SUDDENLY had a part-time opening she'd been meaning to offer me. To get full time hours, I worked two shifts a week as a CNA.

Apply at nursing homes...get your foot in the door...you may discover that you really enjoy LTC.

Quick question: Were you required to take on the responsibilities of an RN?...or limited to your CNA duties?

Nursing homes are DEFINITELY an awesome way to get your foot in the door.

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I am not sure of the law in all states, but many states will not allow you to work as a CNA while you hold the title of RN, and those that do would require you to have the assessment responsibilties of an RN while you are on the job.

So, you are getting paid as a CNA while holding all the responsibilities of an RN.

IMHO, better to look out of area for a job, or look for non-hospital settings.

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I've heard that nursing homes also get 100+ applications now and are also not hiring. I would work in LTC if you are able to get hired, but otherwise any hospital job/volunteer work is a foot in the door. Anyone interviewing you in the future would know you worked as a tech due to the terrible job market and I think it shows you're willing to do whatever it takes to succeed- even working as a tech when you're RN. It shows you're the kind of person that does what ever it takes. I don't think that would look bad what-so-ever on a resume, given today's economy. Plus, most likely the next person interviewing you would be your manager from the same place you're working at as a tech, who will allready know you're an RN working as a tech.

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Specializes in LDRP, Wound Care, SANE, CLNC.

I am also a new graduate working towards a BSN. There is a 12.9% unemployment rate in my area so I took a job in a SNF, great hours, very comparable pay for new RN's, a good foot in the door and a great opportunity for time managment and learning to deal with difficult paitents and a large load. Jobs in hospitals will come later, the most important thing for us new grads is to get some time under our belts. IMHO

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I totally hear you. I too have not been able to find a permanent job. I have had two interviews since passing my NCLEX in March! The hospitals in SW Wa. are just not hiring new grads. Any jobs are ones for internal applicants...mostly management. I have fellow classmates that have gotten laid off. I did get a temp job with Mollen Immunization Clinics, but that will be done at the end of the year. It pays the same as nursing homes, which also are not offering a lot of job openings. I have to hope that this "economical situation" will improve soon. I don't want to relocate because my 16 year old daughter is here. I am almost divorced and she lives with her dad so she can stay with her friends and school. I am trying to stay positive...but rent is almost due and I am going to have to be late. Believe me I totally understand what you are going through. We just need to live day by day and keep pushing forward... I right :confused:.

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