Nclex passer with tno experience...what is the best department to work?

[vhiolin]

hi everyone... i graduated 3 years ago and it took me that long to pass my nclex...I never had any work experience and this is my first time to look for a job...since its been a while since I did any clinical skills what depatment should I consider as my first job? To be honest,Im no longer that confident and Im afraid to make any stupid mistake that could make me lose my license...there is a nurse I opening for Nursery and med.surgical...which one is better?any insights pls...? i need your oinions...

[April, RN, BSN, RN]

My vote is for med/surg, too, for the same reasons already mentioned. I also think med/surg experience will make you more marketable when you try to move on to your next job down the line. If you start in the nursery, your experience will be very limited, unless of course you plan on staying in L&D or NICU. It could restrict your career opportunities, but plenty of people have made the switch from babies to adults and vice versa.

Why not apply for both and see what's offered to you?

[vhiolin]

My vote is for med/surg, too, for the same reasons already mentioned. I also think med/surg experience will make you more marketable when you try to move on to your next job down the line. If you start in the nursery, your experience will be very limited, unless of course you plan on staying in L&D or NICU. It could restrict your career opportunities, but plenty of people have made the switch from babies to adults and vice versa.

Why not apply for both and see what's offered to you?

probably with the economy going on right now..i'll try all options i have and just do the best I can to do my job and pray hard not to mess up hehehe...thank you so much for your insight:lol2:

[elkpark]

thank you so much for your reply...i'm really interested about the refresher course..where can i get that? is it expensive?...I just got here from the philippines so i really don't know these things...i appreciate your insights...

The BON in your state should maintain a list of refresher courses approved by them (for when they require people to take refresher courses for licensure purposes) -- that would be one place to start looking. Since you mentioned you're from the PI, that would also help familiarize you with US nursing practice (and reassure potential employers that you're familiar with US nursing practice).