Keeping up skills during the new grad job hunt... thoughts?

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Greetings, everyone. I graduated with a BSN last September and haven't had an interview yet. Lots of applications and a stack of "you don't meet our requirements" responses.

While speaking to a nurse recruiter the other day, she asked me what I was doing to keep up my skills. Valid question. I told her I was re-reading notes, lab values, etc. I checked with my school and they said it was okay to come back to the nursing lab to practice skills.

I thought about a refresher course, but I'm not in a position to spend money now due to unemployment. (I'm not certain refresher courses exist in this area, but I'll check.)

I called the local chapter of Volunteers in Medicine to see if they had any direct patient care volunteer opportunities, but they didn't.... just clerical type positions.

Would welcome your suggestions for keeping skills fresh while I search for a job. Thanks!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

Nothing beats a job for many reasons... one being that nurisng skills are not just putting in NG tubes..... I know you are looking for employment in a hospital, but have you tried LongTerm Care as well? If so, then I suppose what you are doing is correct... Use the skills lab at your school. Maybe even volunteer at health fairs. GL!

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Do you have a local chapter of Red Cross?? They can always use volunteers for blood drives and such....also, any type of volunteer work with elderly or disabled could at least keep you up to date on ADL's and such....good luck!!

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Have you tried looking on craigslist? i've found volunteer opportunities for new graduates. it doesn't pay anything but you get to help out in a hospital setting.

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I do volunteer EMS - keeps up some of the assessment skills - interpretation of home meds - talking to people.

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Have you considered Doctors Without Borders?

They have Nursing positions available. You

get to travel, do great work, and add stars to

your resume. :nurse:

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Ha! No, Doctors without Borders has no need for new graduate nurses.

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