Lost and in need of advice

Nurses General Nursing

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Long story short I am a Dec 2013 ASN graduate who basically has no nursing experience. No experience and such a gap in time since graduating has made it really difficult to find a job. I've submitted MANY applications and feel as more time slips by, the harder it will be for me to land a job. It's a vicious cycle.

Any advice?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Take a refresher class? Not cheap but you may make contacts during the clinical portion that can lead to employment

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Have you passed NCLEX?

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Maybe you can work as an aid at a hospital so at least you would have your foot in the door. Then maybe after a year or so after they have seen what a good worker you are and that you have your nursing degree they can hire you as a nurse.

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Specializes in ICU.
Maybe you can work as an aid at a hospital so at least you would have your foot in the door. Then maybe after a year or so after they have seen what a good worker you are and that you have your nursing degree they can hire you as a nurse.

Most hospitals do not allow this. If someone is licensed as a RN, they need to be hired as a RN. This isn't about not having her foot in the door somewhere, it's about not having the skill set needed. Becoming a tech is not going to give her any skills. The few she gained during clinical is all gone now.

When did you pass NCLEX and obtain your license? And where have you been applying to? Places other than hospitals? Broaden your net. I would also second looking into a refresher course but you usually have to be two years out to do that. But it could be worth looking into.

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I'll look into the refresher course. And yesI have my license and I've applied everywhere: home health, SNFs, units I've never even heard of, outside of my state (FL). I've barged into units like the boogeyman to speak to nurse educators and managers.

To keep myself refreshed but like heathermaizey mentioned, the clinical experience is gone and that's something HR recruiters are looking for. I've considered applying for an LPN position though I don't know if that's a viable option.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I'll look into the refresher course. And yesI have my license and I've applied everywhere: home health, SNFs, units I've never even heard of, outside of my state (FL). I've barged into units like the boogeyman to speak to nurse educators and managers.

To keep myself refreshed but like heathermaizey mentioned, the clinical experience is gone and that's something HR recruiters are looking for. I've considered applying for an LPN position though I don't know if that's a viable option.

You likely aren't any more qualified for an LPN position as you aren't experienced nor are you an LPN. LPN isn't "RN light" and you are likely to face the same issues you are right now.

Go for the refresher course, it won't be cheap but it will bring your skills and knowledge current, expose you to potential employers during clinical practicum, and show initiative & self-improvement to HR & unit managers. If it increases your potential for employment, it could be well worth the expense

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Specializes in Acute Care Pediatrics.

I second the refresher course... you'll make some good contacts too, and gain some more clinical hours.

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thanks for the input yall. I'm going to look up some of these courses, though I'm gonna remain relentless with these applications and keep the dream alive!!

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I'm sorry I guess somewhere I missed something, you graduated and passed NCLEX and you are having trouble getting a job??? I'm seriously confused. The hospital that I work at hires new grads all the time so I'm not understanding what the problem is..

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Specializes in critical care.
I'm sorry I guess somewhere I missed something, you graduated and passed NCLEX and you are having trouble getting a job??? I'm seriously confused. The hospital that I work at hires new grads all the time so I'm not understanding what the problem is..

This is not the norm nationally. There are many areas of the country that are so over-saturated with nurses (especially new grads) that people are having to drive for hours or relocate to different states to gain employment.

There are posts like this one probably daily with "old new grads" (those new grads still not employed 1+ year after graduation) feeling discouraged by continued unemployment. Count your blessings that your hospital is so eager to pick up new grads. Many, MANY don't.

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I would think about perhaps taking an emergency medical technician course, and attempting a position as an EMT. In some states (not all, so check) it is a shorter course of study for RN's. There are ambulance companies who will give tuition help, so it would make it financially feasible to get a BSN.

Look at your job market. If there's an urgent care, try there. If there's a flu clinic coming up, try that as well. If there are local trade schools, perhaps teaching a CNA course, medical assistant course. See if you can sub at the local schools as a nurse.

Nurse informatics is also something that seems to be up and coming.

Also try home health. Even part time would be better than no time.

Best wishes!

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