Need Advice About Job Searching.. HELP

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Hello Everyone! I am new to this site and so far I love it. I am also very new to the field of nursing. I am a single mom with a 6 year son and actually just found out I passed my boards yesterday! However, this was my third attempt at the NCLEX exam. I graduated from an ADN prgram in May 2009 and had trouble finding a job initially and also put off taking my boards. Finally, in Sept 2009 I was offered a job in a brand new ICU in a nearby hospital. I was to be trained in the CCU until the new ICU opened up. I loved my preceptor and absolutely LOVE critical care. I knew a few people in my department and one was even my best friends mom. It seemed like everything was falling into place. Shortly after accepting the job I signed up to take may boards for the first time however, I found out devastating news the day of my test. My fiance/son's father had been cheating on me. Needless to say I failed the test and not only that but seemingly failed at everything else too. I sunk into a deep depression even losing 20 pounds in one month. Long story short I was still in my 90 day orientation period at my new job and at that moment in time, the job I loved so much became very unimportant within a matter of moments. I ended up calling in 3 days within my 90 day orientation and was let go. So fast forward to today and I have finally left all of that in my past and have passed my state boards (yay!) Next step, finding an RN position with little to no experience and a termination on my record! I am desperate for any advice anyone could give me. Obviously honestly is the best policy, right? If so, how do I fill out the applications? Do I include it on my resume as well? What exactly should I put under my reason for leaving and is it unprofessional to include an attachment stating what happened for me to get terminated? So confused and anxious to start my career! Any advice is greatly appreciated!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Oh my Goodness - I certainly would not share this type of detailed personal information with prospective employers. You could just tell them that you 'experienced a traumatic personal loss' or 'family crisis' and leave it at that. They don't need to know all your business.

You do have a huge challenge. It's one thing for an employer to understand why you failed NCLEX the first time, but what about attempt #2, or why you were unable to stay employed. Employers are looking for resiliant new hires, that won't crumble when the going gets tough -- so your track record may be off putting for them. You may have to widen your job search to non-acute care to get your foot in the door.

My advice - if this sort of thing happens in the future, rather than torpedo your job, take advantage of your organization's Employee Assistance Program. They provide help for personal issues, and can run interference with the employer to help you keep your job.

Good luck & best wishes to you.

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Specializes in public health.

I think many potential employers are looking for people who are persistent and will do whatever it takes to get back in the game. I think the fact that you passed your board showed that you have the determination and ambition to do nursing. Your don't have to explain in detail what happened in your life to your employers, just keep trying. Don't give up.

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Specializes in Med/Surg and ANCC RN-BC.

Look wherever you can. I would say craig's list, the local newspaper and any major job posting websites. Show them who you are and tell them why they should hire you. I don't think you need to go deeply into your past situations.

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I had a similar situation happen to me. I had to leave one job after only a few months of experience there. I did have a hard time securing another job since i had such little experience, but in the end everything worked out! So it is possible to get hired elsewhere after your traumatic experience. If you like, you can PM me for some advice. Congrats on passing & keep your head up!:heartbeat

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Thanks for everyone's input. I know it's going to be tough but, I'm hoping that since I am being upfront about it, it will not waste the employers time or my time interviewing prior to knowing my situation. I'm thinking, if they can look over it enough to call me in for a interview, explaining my situation (without too much detail like HouTX said) won't hurt me but maybe help me. The only positive I can see in this was that atleast it wasn't a termination based on anything "criminal" at the workplace. I am going to send in resumes and applications anywhere and everywhere and try to stay positive. :)

JjoBSN- i will PM you thanks for the support.

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