New Grad, Can't Find Work. What Certification Courses Might Help??

[smcchick.RN]

Hi! I'm a New Grad RN in Vermont. And since I got my license last November, I've been busily trying to find a job to get my foot in the door. Unfortunately, every position I've applied for has turned me down because they're looking for experienced nurses While I'm still looking, I'm thinking of taking some certification courses to add more to my resume and help keep my skills fresh. Does anyone have suggestions for which certification courses will be beneficial? And where I should look to find these courses? Any advice would help, thanks!!

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Certifications are designed to test applicants for expertise, usually include a practice requirement, and expertise comes with experience. You won't be able to get any kind of certification as a new grad, since you have no experience.

You might be able to obtain a certificate (which is a different thing entirely, generally awarded for attending a course) in things like EKGs, BCLS, and other low-level coursework commensurate with your experience. Don't expect to take ACLS and walk into the first ICU that you see, or PALS, or such.

I know everyone wants to stand out from the crowd; the best way to do that is to interview really well, after writing a literate cover letter to a well-crafted (not padded, not flowery, not exaggerating) resume, and so forth.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

How about my Willie Wonka "Golden Ticket"? Will that get me a job in what ever area I want?

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

Take ACLS and join a professional nursing organization. Personal advice I got from an ex-manager friend of mine (who went to law school).

Start volunteering at local hospitals! It will open doors for you.

[Sam J.]

I'd argue that you aren't a new grad at all, but that in fact you're a newly 'licensed' nurse. For the sake of argument. Two different animals...