Need help: 2008 Graduate & 2009 NCLEX-RN Passer

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2009

1. Do you have a RN license? Or did you just pass the exam? Since you stated that you're an NCLEX passer, I'm assuming that you're a foreign nurse.

2. If you don't have your RN license, do you have a valid ss#? California requires you to have a social security number before they issue you a license.

3. Go to the International Board and do some reading regarding foreign nursing. Suzanne has provided some helpful information regarding licensure as a RN in the States.

Everyone is having a hard time finding employment in nursing. New grads from the US and foreign are all having problems. Most places are wanting nurses with experience. So, it will be difficult for you to find a job. As long as you have your RN license (passing the NCLEX doesn't mean that you have your RN license. You have to have the license number in hand.) in hand, then you should just apply everywhere and anywhere. It will be frustrating because most new grad positions have been put on a freeze due to the bad economy. I can tell you that all over San Jose you will run into problems tyring to find a job in the hospitals. There are no new grad positions open unless they are within. So you might have to broaden your horizons and apply in the nursing homes, home health agencies, etc. Just to at least get your feet wet in the nursing field. Good Luck

jenova-s_angel · Sep 13, 2009

1. Do you have a RN license? Or did you just pass the exam? Since you stated that you're an NCLEX passer, I'm assuming that you're a foreign nurse.

2. If you don't have your RN license, do you have a valid ss#? California requires you to have a social security number before they issue you a license.

Yes, I have the RN license card. It has the ACTIVE status when I check the California Nursing Board site. I was born in Oakland, California, so I have a valid SS# by default.

3. Go to the International Board and do some reading regarding foreign nursing. Suzanne has provided some helpful information regarding licensure as a RN in the States.

I haven't been required to take any other exams (CGFNS, etc.) because I'm an American citizen.

I can tell you that all over San Jose you will run into problems tyring to find a job in the hospitals.

I know it'll be hard to find a job. I just want to confirm if I'm allowed to apply for jobs inside a hospital (staff nurse, etc.).

By the way, thank you for replying. :)

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2009

As long as you have your license, I don't see any reason why you shouldn't be allowed to apply for hospital positions. Unless you answered No to the above questions. You're set to go. As I said, start applying anywhere and everywhere. Your terminology that you used (also the structure of your post) is one that is used 98% by foreign educated nurses so that's why I assumed you were foreign nurse, I hope you don't get offended by that. Did you get your BSN out of the country??? Regarding the CGFNS, California doesn't require it that I'm aware of. I know that other states do require it though, so if you decide to do traveling (if you're foreign educated BSN) you might be required to take it if that particular state requires it even if you have your California license, so keep that in mind. I'm wondering what you heard to make you assume that you wouldn't be allowed to apply for staff nurse jobs in the hospitals. As I stated before, you have your license, and passed the NCLEX-RN exam, therefore according to the California rules and regulations, you can apply for ANY position that requires RN. Good Luck

jenova-s_angel · Sep 14, 2009

I hope you don't get offended by that. Did you get your BSN out of the country??? Regarding the CGFNS, California doesn't require it that I'm aware of. I know that other states do require it though, so if you decide to do traveling (if you're foreign educated BSN) you might be required to take it if that particular state requires it even if you have your California license, so keep that in mind.

I'm not offended at all. I'm still new to this, so I accept any information I can get. No, I graduated in a USA-accredited BSN program (and that's how I was able to be qualified to take the NCLEX-RN in the first place).

I'm wondering what you heard to make you assume that you wouldn't be allowed to apply for staff nurse jobs in the hospitals.

Well, I've heard from a lot of "new" nurses (currently working in nursing homes) who kept saying that you need hospital experience in order to get a job in a hospital. I mean, it's like: how can you get hospital experience without working in a hospital in the first place? Quite the paradox, I thought.

As I stated before, you have your license, and passed the NCLEX-RN exam, therefore according to the California rules and regulations, you can apply for ANY position that requires RN. Good Luck

You have cleared my main source of anxiety. Thank you very much. :)

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Sep 15, 2009

Well I'm happy that you got your RN license, there's nothing stopping you from applying for any hospital positions. I know of people who've never done any type of hospital other than their clinical rotations who were hired by a hospital. It's just in the bad economy, you're going to find it hard to find a new grad position. Just keep searching. Apply anywhere and everywhere. The worse they're going to tell you is no. Good Luck :-)

50caliber · Sep 15, 2009

My best advice for you is to stay out of San Jose/Bay Area if your a new grad with ZERO experience. There are so many applicants and those that do get hired had some kind of working relationship with the hospital while they were in school. I was a new grad myself who lived and went to school in the Bay Area my entire life. Couldn't find jack squat and did not want to waste my time anymore waiting for hospitals here. I was fortunate enough to find a job in a hospital out of the area but close enough where i can come back to the bay area on my days off.

Good luck with your job hunt.

jenova-s_angel · Sep 15, 2009

My best advice for you is to stay out of San Jose/Bay Area if your a new grad with ZERO experience. There are so many applicants and those that do get hired had some kind of working relationship with the hospital while they were in school. I was a new grad myself who lived and went to school in the Bay Area my entire life. Couldn't find jack squat and did not want to waste my time anymore waiting for hospitals here. I was fortunate enough to find a job in a hospital out of the area but close enough where i can come back to the bay area on my days off.

Good luck with your job hunt.

That's rather unfortunate to hear. I guess I could also try other cities in California. For the time being, I'll also try to take my chances in San Jose. Thank you and good luck to you as well. :)

50caliber · Sep 15, 2009

My best advice for you is to stay out of San Jose/Bay Area if your a new grad with ZERO experience. There are so many applicants and those that do get hired had some kind of working relationship with the hospital while they were in school. I was a new grad myself who lived and went to school in the Bay Area my entire life. Couldn't find jack squat and did not want to waste my time anymore waiting for hospitals here. I was fortunate enough to find a job in a hospital out of the area but close enough where i can come back to the bay area on my days off.

Good luck with your job hunt.
That's rather unfortunate to hear. I guess I could also try other cities in California. For the time being, I'll also try to take my chances in San Jose. Thank you and good luck to you as well. :)

Definitely do apply to the hospitals in San Jose/Bay Area but don't put all your eggs in one basket is what I'm trying to say. There are a ton of great hospitals to work for outside of the area and I would simply recommend that you apply to as many hospitals as you can. You may be the lucky few who do find a job in San Jose and all the power to you if you get it.

jenova-s_angel · Sep 15, 2009

Definitely do apply to the hospitals in San Jose/Bay Area but don't put all your eggs in one basket is what I'm trying to say. There are a ton of great hospitals to work for outside of the area and I would simply recommend that you apply to as many hospitals as you can. You may be the lucky few who do find a job in San Jose and all the power to you if you get it.

That's true. I agree with that. I really hope I can find a job in San Jose because I'm also quite familiar with that place. Thank you for the tip.

navy_nurse01 · Sep 15, 2009

hi Jenova's angel! nice to meet u here. I think we're in the same situation. I graduated last year too, passed my local board exam and just this month, passed my NCLEX-RN exam. I'm a permanent resident here and I have my RN license already. Now my problem is that, I don't have any experience yet. I guess it would be hard for me to find and apply for a job in any hospitals since their minimum requirement is at least 1 year of experience.

How could we get experience if they don't give us a chance? I'm searching for hospitals which provide training for new grads but unfortunately I cant find one. Now, I'm thinking to join the military (probably the navy) which will provide me a good start and wide experience in my field. If u want maybe we could work it out! lol

Do you think there are hospitals out there which provide training for newly grad like us and/or accepting newly grad nurses for staff nurse position?? I would be willing too.

By the way, I'm from california too, here in LA.

Can i know your email address? thanks

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Sep 15, 2009

You might have to broaden your horizons and look into nursing homes. Did you try nursing homes yet? I know it's hard to find a job right now, but apply everywhere and anywhere. Good Luck