Let RN license lapse to get out of "Old" new grad rut?

[BA_anthropology]

1.5 years after graduation and I have not a single nursing job under my belt. What is a girl to do after spending all that money and time and work on an education?

I've come up with a plan? What do you think?

What if I allowed my RN license to lapse by not renewing it and I applied for work as a CNA/PCT in order to get into the hospital, get experience and make connections. Then after a year or so I could reinstate my license and hopefully get hired at the hospital where I was working as a CNA. Any thoughts on this wacky idea? What would a nurse manager think of hiring an RN who had let their license lapse to work as a CNA?

[amoLucia]

And just on the outside lucky chance that an RN position opportunity should unexpectedly become available, you would have to postpone or decline the job because you don't have the license for it.

Not a good idea and for all the other reasons that previous posters point out too.

[ev40901]

I can't believe 1.5 years after graduating and still no job. Are you looking everywhere? Lower your standards, if that's what's keeping you unemployed. Don't give up yet. Honestly, if I were you, I'd keep my license current abd consider going back to school for something else before ever letting my license lapse and going for a CNA position!

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

If you allow your license to expire, most BON's have a policy in place which results in a refresher course and/or additional documentation. It usually isn't worth that route.

Furthermore, hiring managers will not be impressed and your job search becomes more challenging than it already is. For one thing, that indicates lack of accountability on your end.

Probably not a wise idea.

[bratmobile]

Not a great plan. I had to complete a refresher program because my ex would never let met work after I graduated and passed nclex then fast forward 14yrs later I'm a single mom with no license or work experience. The program was 3k and took 4 really intense months. If u let ur license expire you will need to take one to get it back. I am slugging a year out working SNF and moving to a smaller town where I m going to Get out of SN and get into acute care.

[msteeleart]

Have you tried something besides the hospitals? I gave up on getting into a hospital since in this town you have to know someone or you have to be working as a tech already in order to get into a hospital. I think it is a rude practice that is going on in hospitals right now with this "who you know" business. I worked as a float patient companion in a hospital for almost 2 years and couldn't get an RN job in a hospital. I thought for sure I would get in with hospital experience but people I graduated with that never even worked in a hospital are getting the RN jobs because they know someone they can hand their résumé to. I applied for an outreach RN job I found on indeed and I got it without knowing anyone inside the place. Who wants to work 12 hour night shifts at the hospital anyway? I will be working 8 to 5 mon-fri with paid holidays and paid mileage. No mandating me to work or staying extra shifts. So try looking outside the hospitals, you might find somewhere much better but I would stay away from nursing homes. I tried a nursing home and they gave me only 3 days of orientation and they expected me to be responsible for 20 to 40 people after that little orientation.

[Sfrazilus]

Expanding your search, revising your search methods and volunteering are probably your best bets. Especially in the time you have left before your license lapses.

[rdy2bRN]

I just have to laugh at this post, this is crazy. What a coincidence how is it that your dilemma is opposite of mine! I have TONS of nursing job opportunities, including an automatic job offer after graduation a year and a half ago. I have plenty of nursing job networks that's ready to hire me at a drop of a dime, yet what I want you have and what I have you want. You have AN RN LICENSE that you are WILLINGLY, EVEN CONTEMPLATING PUBLICLY to get rid of for a CNA position and I haven't passed the NCLEX after several failed tries, yet have JOB OPPURTUNITIES? I don't know whose worse of-YOU or ME!!! LOL At this point, I wouldn't mind to "honestly" work at McDonalds passing out fries while looking for a nursing job, but at least have the satisfaction and be PROUD that I've completed and followed through a difficult program and is licensed as a professional. You on the other hand, would rather trade your license that you worked hard to get, shadily trying to hid it, in order to get a job in your profession that your over qualified for? If your willing to do that, you really don't love nursing, you just want a job in it. Message me when you decide that you would like to trade places.

[serenitylove14]

Dont let your license expire. Keep looking and lower your standards/ go back to school. If I was waiting 1.5 years I would have went back to school already. Dont waste anymore time and continue your education and start to call the floors and nurse managers directly.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

"If your willing to do that, you really don't love nursing, you just want a job in it."-ovrit

OH. THE. DRAMA.

"Go back to school" -serenitylove14

DUDE IS A MULTIPLE DEGREE HOLDER - MORE SCHOOL IS JUST SILLY.

[KJM-RN, BSN]

I just have to laugh at this post this is crazy. What a coincidence how is it that your dilemma is opposite of mine! I have TONS of nursing job opportunities, including an automatic job offer after graduation a year and a half ago. I have plenty of nursing job networks that's ready to hire me at a drop of a dime, yet what I want you have and what I have you want. You have AN RN LICENSE that you are WILLINGLY, EVEN CONTEMPLATING PUBLICLY to get rid of for a CNA position and I haven't passed the NCLEX after several failed tries, yet have JOB OPPURTUNITIES? I don't know whose worse of-YOU or ME!!! LOL At this point, I wouldn't mind to "honestly" work at McDonalds passing out fries while looking for a nursing job, but at least have the satisfaction and be PROUD that I've completed and followed through a difficult program and is licensed as a professional. You on the other hand, would rather trade your license that you worked hard to get, shadily trying to hid it, in order to get a job in your profession that your over qualified for? If your willing to do that, you really don't love nursing, you just want a job in it. Message me when you decide that you would like to trade places.[/quote']

How have you gotten so many job offers without having a license yet? Just curious as I graduate in May and have applied to a few jobs, but wasn't really expecting a response since I can't take the NCLEX until June.

[mee9mee9]

You havent found anything? where do you live? idaho, maine?

[Nurse Kyles, BSN, RN]

I would not let your RN license lapse! I would expand your job search. If you have only been applying to hospitals, start applying to nursing homes or assisted living facilities. I would expand your geographical search area. Letting your license lapse or working as a PCT is not the answer.