Need help getting back into Nursing

[tazmaniadevil1]

I got my Associates Degree as an RN in 1999 but don't have my Nursing License yet (took it years ago twice & didn't pass it). The last time I attempted the test was 2002, and haven't tried since then (kids, marriage, & life took over). I been working as an Admin Assistant/Office Manager in a Dental office since 2000 and I want to get back into Nursing. I am currently studying to take my boards but in the meantime, how do I get my foot in the door in a hospital or doctor's office until then? I have tried applying for some positions but never hear back. What positions could I possibly get in a hospital right now until I pass my boards??

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

i got my associates degree as an rn in 1999 but don't have my nursing license yet. what positions could i possibly get in a hospital right now until i pass my boards??

it depends... if money is not a big deal, then positions in housekeeping, nutrition, administration, clinical tech positions (non-licensed), are positions you can get in the meantime. although you are technically a new graduate, many hospitals will consider you outside their window of new grad status and so will probably not hire you into an unlicensed new grad position (they have their pick of recent grads for those spots to include their current externs and cnas). on the other hand, if you live in a state that allows gn permits after graduating, then you can apply and possibly be accepted as a new grad somewhere. you will need to check with your state board of nursing.

btw, hospitals jobs are hard to get if you are not currently working in one... so you may look at jobs in the community and ltc if you are just trying to get a health care position or look at moving.