I recently finished a second degree BSN program and reside in the Boston area! I am waiting to schedule a date to take the NCLEX exam. As a new grad I am very anxious about finding a job so I have begun looking at available opportunities for employment. Seeing that I completed the program with honors while maintaining a long distance relationship, a family member has been so generous as to offer buying me a ticket to visit abroad (where my boyfriend currently lives). I was really excited but after speaking with my boyfriend it looks as though April would be the best time to visit and we are looking at me staying for a minimum of 2 weeks and a maximum of 4 weeks. However, I am really scared that I will not get hired or find a job if I decide to take this vacation opportunity because it would infringe on training (and I would have to be honest during the interview that I have plans). I'm very torn. On the one hand I've never traveled in my previous college years and really want to go. On the other hand, I want to build a nursing career and really don't want this trip to jeopardize that. I know this may be a stupid question, but has anyone ever been in a similar situation? Does anyone have any suggestions, advice, or know if going on this trip will really effect my chances of getting employed? I've tried to talk to some other people about it, but not many of my friends/family work in the medical field and really don't know or have answers. I'm sorry if this seems to be a very mundane issue, but I really do appreciate any advice or thoughts!
Apply for the jobs after your NCLEX. Plan your trip according to the responses you receive. Maybe offer to pay the additional insurance so you can change the date even by a few days to take the trip. If you get a job before you leave you might just have to change the date if you don't go enjoy yourself with your boyfriend. There's nothing much you can do about it. I hope you are able to visit.
If you really want to go on the trip, you could interview and disclose to the potential employer that you have a trip planned and will take x weeks off with no pay. I know someone who got married and honeymooned soon after starting her first new grad job. She was still on orientation before she left and just started up again when she got back-2 weeks behind. There was no PTO involved. This was a few years ago and she had an "in" with this hospital so they were willing to wait around for her. I know Boston is incredibly saturated so a hospital very well may not want to wait around for you. Although I agree with the previous posters, in April, you may have no jobs or interviews lined up at all so you wouldnt have to worry about it!! As scary as it sounds, its very realistic that that may be the case
I would rethink when the best time to visit would be. If I were you, I would take the NCLEX, then go on vacation. Then, I'd look for work upon return (probably be gone maximum of 2 weeks). While it's not impossible to go on a vacation as a new hire, I don't think that it is very realistic to expect to go on a four week vacation at this point in time. You will have so much to learn, and it will be pretty tough if you exit for a period of time, even if your workplace allows it.
I can't say it hasn't happened but most places do not hire NEW grads in PRN positions.
This may be one of those things that varies depending on practice setting (and possibly geographic location as well?) I found it was easier to get PRN work than FT as a new grad; I had several offers for PRN within weeks of graduating but no FT offers.
This is all in SAR and assisted living btw. I imagine new grads don't get hired for PRN in acute care /hospital as that's totally different.
Another option for the OP is seasonal work. Try a flu clinic!
Many of the previous posts offer great insight and advice about getting your 1st job. I offer an "oddball" perspective, for what it's worth: your education is not complete until you have traveled. Take the NCLEX, travel, return and find a job.
I am also a new grad, waiting to take NClex. Honestly? I would go for the trip! A job will always be here but that is an experience you may not get another chance at. Study for NCLEX , plan your trip and go! Then come back ready to work.
Yeah, OK, really, uh huh, yup, sure, just fine, you do that.
You're one less competitor for what few positions might be avail in Boston for newbies.
I guess it's just a personal choice, I know plenty of nurses who take time off even as new hires. If I could rewind I would have taken a trip before starting my job but would feel too embarrassed to ask for time off once starting. I've been with my job for 2 years and am barely requesting a 3 day weekend off but again it's personal preference. And keep in mind a lot of jobs have a 60-90 days probation so it may not be possible to go on a trip so soon.
kittyvenven
22 Posts
Apply for the jobs after your NCLEX. Plan your trip according to the responses you receive. Maybe offer to pay the additional insurance so you can change the date even by a few days to take the trip. If you get a job before you leave you might just have to change the date if you don't go enjoy yourself with your boyfriend. There's nothing much you can do about it. I hope you are able to visit.