Jobless in Seattle

U.S.A. Washington

Published

Hi everyone -

I don't post a whole lot on here, but hop on every so often. I'm quite concerned about my next steps and need your help. I moved to Seattle in July of this year after passing my boards and obtaining my Masters Degree in Nursing. I was in the accelerated program in Ohio, so I'm a novice nurse having received my Clinical Nurse Leader Certification and ACLS Certification. So I have all of this excellent training and cannot find a job. It has been devastating for me, and I've come to the point where I don't really know what direction I should go in. Moving is not really an option, although I'm willing to travel around the western Washington area and have applied to several jobs in Tacoma. I've applied to well over 100 jobs and have received very little feedback. I've been volunteering at Swedish on the Peds unit, but that has not really done much either, since they have no new grad openings. I've also put my name into several temp agency's contact banks and still, nothing. I'm actually considering getting a Medical Assistant Certification, thinking maybe that would help, but at the same time think that might be taking many steps backwards and more $$ spent which is again in a backwards direction. Any advice? I know it's bad for everyone right now, and I guess it's become bad (and discouraging) enough for me to the point where I'm reaching out to anyone for help! Thank you all so much for reading.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi everyone -

I don't post a whole lot on here, but hop on every so often. I'm quite concerned about my next steps and need your help. I moved to Seattle in July of this year after passing my boards and obtaining my Masters Degree in Nursing. I was in the accelerated program in Ohio, so I'm a novice nurse having received my Clinical Nurse Leader Certification and ACLS Certification. So I have all of this excellent training and cannot find a job. It has been devastating for me, and I've come to the point where I don't really know what direction I should go in. Moving is not really an option, although I'm willing to travel around the western Washington area and have applied to several jobs in Tacoma. I've applied to well over 100 jobs and have received very little feedback. I've been volunteering at Swedish on the Peds unit, but that has not really done much either, since they have no new grad openings. I've also put my name into several temp agency's contact banks and still, nothing. I'm actually considering getting a Medical Assistant Certification, thinking maybe that would help, but at the same time think that might be taking many steps backwards and more $$ spent which is again in a backwards direction. Any advice? I know it's bad for everyone right now, and I guess it's become bad (and discouraging) enough for me to the point where I'm reaching out to anyone for help! Thank you all so much for reading.

I believe that the main problem, is that you graduated, obtained all of these advanced degrees/certificates, but have no clinical experience. How does one become a "Clinical Nurse Leader", but has NO practical experience to be able to, "Clinical Nurse Lead".

How are people supposed to follow the lead of an inexperienced RN? I just think that you jumped the gun, when you spent $$ and time, to obtain a Master's degree, clinincal nurse leader, certifiction, that is/was meant for experienced nurses.

JMHO and my NY $0.02.

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Somewhere in the PACNW

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The CNL Certification was a mandated part of the program I was in and is designed to create an awareness surrounding best practice and a better understanding of evidence based research. As a student, it gave me a deeper understanding for the interdisciplinary nature of the health care system and leadership roles that the nurse is capable of performing. While it was helpful to have in my background training, I do not feel entitled to any role as a leader on a unit. In addition, I was recommended by several seasoned nurses to obtain ACLS certification while I was applying for jobs in order to continue my nursing education.

As far as receiving an MSN degree rather than BSN is that if I decided to go for a BSN, not only was there over a year wait to get in, but after speaking to the school of nursing and going over my transcripts, I would have had to take the English, Math, Science, etc. that I had already taken for my undergraduate degree - in addition to investing 3 years due to retaking several classes - to get another Bachelor's degree. The MSN program I was in was strictly nursing and required a year of prerequisites. It was rigorous and challenging and I put a lot of effort into obtaining this degree. I think you are misunderstanding my intent. I just want to be a bedside nurse, anywhere. As I said, the CNL certification was a mandated part of my program. If I felt so entitled to be a leader on a unit as a new grad, I would be carrying a different (and very naive) attitude.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

And just to add to this, I have the utmost respect for any and all experienced nurses (and all nurses in general, for that matter). I have always listened to the invaluable advice they would give to me and as a student I made sure every nurse I worked with was completely aware of this. It made for a fantastic relationship with open communication and the ability to learn in a comfortable environment. I am just posting to see if there are any improvements or different directions I should take to get any experience at all and welcome all advice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peri-Op.

just keep trying. if you NEED to work, move where the work is. if you dont need to work, wait it out and the jobs will come open eventually for new grads.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Argo - I appreciate the advice, and I have decided this past week that increasing the application radius to 2 hrs is my next move. Drastic times call for drastic measures...thank you. Here's to hoping for the best outcome!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The problem is you' re from out of state without any experiences and sometimes nurse recruiters think that you moved as a brand new nurse because you could not get job in ohio.

When I was a brand new nurse, even applying 2-3hrs from where I lived..nurse recruiters raised brows?? Why wouldnt you apply to so & so hospital. Did you already apply and was not offered a job there?? Why do you wanna move etc. Very doubtful nurse recruiters. You just have to keep applying unless you get one and yes move if you have to.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi RoxBox,

how are you doing now? Good luck to you! and MSN is impressive! I hope you have found a job by now!

what is the job situation for new BSN grads in seattle?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I hope she found a job, otherwise things aren't looking too good for the Dec. 2010 grads. I've heard more and more that out of staters might get bumped to the bottom of the pile, so I added a blurb about my long-standing desire to move to the west coast to pursue my outdoorsy interests, and I went right out and said that I'm aware of the wariness to accept a new grad from out of state, and that I'm here to stay for awhile!

I've just set a "hard date" to move, and I hope that I find a job before then, but if not, the search might be easier if I'm actually in town. We'll see.

Good luck to everyone else looking for jobs, and I hope the OP is happily settled into an orientation or maybe even practicing independently in a unit now!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi itri4vt,

Have you already endorsed your license? I decided I wouldn't waste my time anymore by applying to places without that, and while I lived out of state. I talked to various recruiters and hospitals and they encouraged me to that.

I actually have been entertaining going back to my hometown in CA where I have friends, family and a part time health care job waiting for me.....so I take the Maryland NCLEX tomorrow, then once I get to CA at the end of the month (with MD license in hand) I will go straight to Sacramento to apply for the temp license...it costs an extra $50...totaling $200.

Then I will apply to jobs once everything is all set up.

Good luck to you!!!! :redbeathe

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just applied for my license by exam from WA and I took my nclex in VA. I knew I wasn't gonna live or work in VA.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Cool! Well good luck! Childrens or Swedish post new jobs on twitter they said. And I know a natural health practitioner if you are interested in part time work. Research functional medicine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment