Looking for work..but needing help!

kookabura777 · May 21, 2010

Congratulations on your graduation. My suggestion: You need a license to practice nursing so you have to take the NCLEX and pass before you could even try to send applications for any nursing position. You might try to pursue medical/health related jobs that don't require an RN license to practice. Keep an eye on positions in drug/pharmaceutical sales, medical office assisting etc., which used to accept fresh RN graduates though I am not sure now if they still do because of the current job market. Try to search in your area, make sure to stay in a positive frame of mind no matter what. Good luck in your NCLEX.

aura_of_laura · May 21, 2010

This is a tough one!

When I graduated a few years ago, I was immediately offered a job with a good hospital, but they wouldn't let me work as a GN. It took four months to get to take my NCLEX, and I felt terrible making the hospital wait! Due to change in personal circumstance, I ended up not taking the job after all.

It can't hurt to apply - if you get a good interview in, express that you are waiting to pass boards, but would love to be considered for a position following that. A lot of hospitals will be willing to wait if it's not too long (for instance, I've been interviewing for jobs that I can't start for two more months - perfectly normal).

As for the start date, maybe three months from your graduation date? That seems to be about standard. And if they make you an offer, most places won't rescind it if you have to change the start date.

One tip, though - don't start working as a GN. I've known too many nurses who were demoted to techs after failing their NCLEX because they got too caught up in work and didn't study enough.

Good luck in job hunting!

Brycemom, RN · May 21, 2010

Thank you so much guys. If I get any interviews I will just let them know it may be about 2-3 months and just pray that they still want me. And yes for the time being I may work in a health related job while I wait. Again thank you

juliaann · May 21, 2010

One tip, though - don't start working as a GN. I've known too many nurses who were demoted to techs after failing their NCLEX because they got too caught up in work and didn't study enough.
Good luck in job hunting!

There's a new grad nurse working at my hospital right now, and in order to hold her RN job for her until she takes the NCLEX, she's working as a Senior Nurse Tech right now (she tests next month). SNTs can only do tech work, no nursing tasks at my hospital. She seems pretty happy with the situation - she has an income, she has a nursing job lined up, and orientation will theoretically be easier for her since she'll already be familiar with the floor and our policies and all her coworkers.

It doesn't seem like such a bad deal to me...I guess unless you don't want to work as a tech? Or can afford to not have an income for a few months, I suppose.

CrazierThanYou · May 21, 2010

I have a friend who was offered a job at a university hospital before she even graduated from nursing school! On the other hand, the local hospital won't even consider looking at your application until you are fully licensed.

Bobbkat · May 21, 2010

If you can work as a GN in your state, state that you can start working right now. Otherwise, I would either wait until after you pass to apply, or state in your cover letter/somewhere on the application when you anticipate taking the NCLEX.

Jules A, MSN · May 22, 2010

Congratulations on graduating. Most of my classmates were hired before starting our last semester. Some started as GNs some started when they passed NCLEX. Definitely don't wait any longer to apply for a job!

LovelyOverload · May 22, 2010

Your state board of nursing has guidelines for graduate nursing working without a license. Check with them! And CONGRATS on graduating!!!!!!