I graduated with my BSN in December 2018, got my RN and PHN in April 2019, and six months out and have only had one interview offer and (I WISH that I were exaggerating) over 80 rejection emails. I also have my BLS, ACLS, and PALS... with NRP on the way. It has become apparent to me that I’m not qualified for the competitive new grad job market in San Diego and possibly California.
I’ve been rejected from SNFs and Home Health agencies because I don’t have at least a year of experience. I’ve applied to prisons, schools, camps, amusement parks, and more. I’ve applied all over the state of california at even smaller non-hospital facilities for both RN 1 positions and new grad positions. I need to make ends meet. Yes, I’m depressed about it but I’m still working hard at it - filling out at least one new app every other day and studying for further certifications in the mean time. I’m filling out each job app and writing new cover letters that are very customized to the facility and city that I’m applying to.
Bills are stacking up and my student loans have gone into repayment... and not all of them can be deferred or reduced income based repayment.
So, now I’m on to plan B. It has been over six months out from graduation. Except for one hospital that I haven’t given up on, there are no more new grad cohorts for me to apply to in my city (San Diego) that would start within one year of me graduating. I don’t have the experience to apply to any local facilities for non-new grad RN 1 positions. So, I’m hoping that I wouldn’t be considered as someone looking to just get into internal hiring for new grad considerations. As of today, I’m going to apply everywhere LOCALLY for CNA/LVN/EDTech spots. I’m placing emphasis on local because I would relocate anywhere in the state of CA for an RN position, but I wouldn’t relocate for a CNA/LVN/EDTech position.
Does anybody know of any San Diego facilities will hire an RN in a CNA/LVN/EDTech role? I’m also applying to work in EMT positions on local ambulances. What is the legality of working in those roles as an RN? I just want to know what I’m getting myself into here and what I need to do to protect my RN license. Thanks!
- Broker than broke, BSN, RN, PHN, EMT (useless nominals at this point)
Another reason that you would not be able to work as a CNA-- even if the BRN allowed it--is that hospitals know that the minute an RN job opens up, you will be out of there. And hospitals don't want to invest time and money training someone for a position that they know they won't stay in. That's something to keep in mind if you try to apply to hospitals in a non-clinical capacity (e.g., clerk, admin, etc.), hoping to get your foot in the door that way.
If you want to stay in the San Diego area, you may need to broaden your job search and consider specialties/facilities/shifts that you weren't willing to look at before. Otherwise, you may have to consider relocating out of San Diego or even out of CA to get your year or two of experience.
Another reason that you would not be able to work as a CNA-- even if the BRN allowed it--is that hospitals know that the minute an RN job opens up, you will be out of there. And hospitals don't want to invest time and money training someone for a position that they know they won't stay in. That's something to keep in mind if you try to apply to hospitals in a non-clinical capacity (e.g., clerk, admin, etc.), hoping to get your foot in the door that way.
If you want to stay in the San Diego area, you may need to broaden your job search and consider specialties/facilities/shifts that you weren't willing to look at before. Otherwise, you may have to consider relocating out of San Diego or even out of CA to get your year or two of experience.
It should go without saying that you should probably express being open if not an out right preference for night shift in your cover letters since this is the shift that usually has the highest demand. Especially, (I believe) in higher pay/higher cost of living markets since the meager differential is less of an incentive (as a percent of pay) in most cases. I believe that is why some facilities mandate rotating shifts, the extra pay for nights isn't enough to motivate enough employees to work nights. Thus, someone who prefers nights may have a slight advantage.
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.
I have not read all the replies, but I just wanted to wish you well. Start applying out of state. Most places will hire you contingent on getting your license in that state within a certain amount of time.
Hi. I live in San Diego also. Some of the new grads I know have been willing to drive to El Centro to get their 1 year experience. You might want to try an area like that or try going north to the Temecula area, even Riverside. Have you thought of school nursing?
Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.
37 minutes ago, Cherry Aims said:
Hi. I live in San Diego also. Some of the new grads I know have been willing to drive to El Centro to get their 1 year experience. You might want to try an area like that or try going north to the Temecula area, even Riverside. Have you thought of school nursing?
School nursing would not be good for a new nurse with no experience. They often work by themselves, have administration and teachers trying to get them to do things that shouldn’t happen, and have to make critical thinking calls that could be life or death on their own. They do and are responsible for a lot more than the average person or nurse gives them credit for.
So, working as a CNA will not provide you with any benefit to obtaining an RN job. You will need to look farther out and think about different possibilities.
NPs can work as RNs because they are an RN. NPs need to keep their RN license and an NP license.
Great news everybody! I was offered a new grad spot in the ICU last week! Thank you all so much for all of your suggestions and feedback! Is there a way to close a topic to further replies?
Great news everybody! I was offered a new grad spot in the ICU last week! Thank you all so much for all of your suggestions and feedback! Is there a way to close a topic to further replies?
Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN
4 Articles; 7,907 Posts
Another reason that you would not be able to work as a CNA-- even if the BRN allowed it--is that hospitals know that the minute an RN job opens up, you will be out of there. And hospitals don't want to invest time and money training someone for a position that they know they won't stay in. That's something to keep in mind if you try to apply to hospitals in a non-clinical capacity (e.g., clerk, admin, etc.), hoping to get your foot in the door that way.
If you want to stay in the San Diego area, you may need to broaden your job search and consider specialties/facilities/shifts that you weren't willing to look at before. Otherwise, you may have to consider relocating out of San Diego or even out of CA to get your year or two of experience.