New Grad, No Job, Need Car?

Published

Hello,

I've been a long time reader of AN but just recently joined. I graduated in the summer and got licensed in the fall for my RN. Now I hear it's not anything new but it's been 6 months since I was job searching and I'm getting nothing. I've had 2 interviews that made no sense because they backed out after knowing that I was a new grad without any experience. I'm hearing some of my peers hired for temp agencies or home care willing to take a chance for new grads. However all of them require a driver's license and a car with insurance. In my last interview they took it negatively that I did not drive as well.

Anyways, to broaden my job search I would need to drive/own a car to get to places BUT I do not know how to drive, don't have a license or own a car. Is it sane to think about maybe lessen the job searching while I try and get my license and hopefully get my own vehicle or co-insure with my parents? I know this might be a dumb self explanatory question to those who drive and cannot live without driving but I live in the metropolitan where public transit is pretty decent but there's a dense new grad population I would need to apply further. However I also have the WORSTT hand eye coordination in terms of driving (I tried taking lessons before and gave up because I just sucked). To completely be competent in driving I think it would take me a good 5-6months at least but those months would take away from my job hunting time. Is this a wise move? I don't plan to completely not apply to jobs with those 5 months but I think it would be stressful trying to balance both at the same time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Dialysis.

Unfortunately, employers expect you to have dependable transportation for work. If there's weather issues, most transit systems shut down but you're still expected to be at work. See if your parents can help with a car loan and insurance, and yes, get that drivers license!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Absolutely get your driver's license.

You might have to get a job somewhere that public transportation won't take you. I wouldn't stop applying in the meantime, though - you're going to need to get a job to pay for that car.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Unfortunately, employers expect you to have dependable transportation for work. If there's weather issues, most transit systems shut down but you're still expected to be at work. See if your parents can help with a car loan and insurance, and yes, get that drivers license!

Thanks for your reply RNinIN,

It's very true. During the treacherous winter transit systems are very unreliable. I'm not sure about getting my own car as of yet, but I can certainly "share" one of the family car and insure with them. Do you have any idea about what agency or home care's policy is about this? Do you need to be the primary owner of the vehicle? I would love to start off with home care or even agency nursing just to see what it's really like to be a nurse. The more I'm unemployed after grad, the more I'm nervious, anxious about the transition.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Absolutely get your driver's license.

You might have to get a job somewhere that public transportation won't take you. I wouldn't stop applying in the meantime, though - you're going to need to get a job to pay for that car.

Thanks for the reply calivianya,

I know it makes absolute sense to get the license but because I'm so horrible at driving, and I'm such a slow learner, I keep negatively thinking about how long it would take me to get the license and draw me away from applying. I do understand about keeping on the application rolling though. I still intend to do it. Thanks :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Dialysis.
Thanks for your reply RNinIN,

It's very true. During the treacherous winter transit systems are very unreliable. I'm not sure about getting my own car as of yet, but I can certainly "share" one of the family car and insure with them. Do you have any idea about what agency or home care's policy is about this? Do you need to be the primary owner of the vehicle? I would love to start off with home care or even agency nursing just to see what it's really like to be a nurse. The more I'm unemployed after grad, the more I'm nervious, anxious about the transition.

Most agencies and home care agencies expect you to have some experience. But as long as you have insurance in your name, you should be good

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 15 years in ICU, 22 years in PACU.

I would not overuse the poor eye-hand coordination thing. Sometimes nurses have to use their eyes and hands to type on computers, program IV pumps, administer parenteral medications or put on protective isolation equipment.

Driving might seem simple compared to what a regular med-surg nurse does every day.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 15 years in ICU, 22 years in PACU.
Thanks for your reply RNinIN,

It's very true. During the treacherous winter transit systems are very unreliable. I'm not sure about getting my own car as of yet, but I can certainly "share" one of the family car and insure with them. Do you have any idea about what agency or home care's policy is about this? Do you need to be the primary owner of the vehicle? I would love to start off with home care or even agency nursing just to see what it's really like to be a nurse. The more I'm unemployed after grad, the more I'm nervious, anxious about the transition.

Agency nursing is not a good first job for a new grad. You are on your own and expected to know what it's like to be a nurse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

I suspect if you only applied to two jobs and did not apply to any externships or new grad programs, this is why you can't obtain a job, not bc you don't drive.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 15 years in ICU, 22 years in PACU.
I suspect if you only applied to two jobs and did not apply to any externships or new grad programs, this is why you can't obtain a job, not bc you don't drive.

Looks like OP got two interviews. Didn't say how many applications it took.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I would not overuse the poor eye-hand coordination thing. Sometimes nurses have to use their eyes and hands to type on computers, program IV pumps, administer parenteral medications or put on protective isolation equipment.

Driving might seem simple compared to what a regular med-surg nurse does every day.

Thanks for the insight Mavrick, I did have some experience (whatever this might count) in gen surg as a student and yes I agree that it's more hectic than driving however I might have to give some leeway considering how crazy drivers are in my city. I'm just a very anal new learner, I get bummed when I don't get things right away. I don't really want to defend myself in terms of the eye hand coordination but I'm a computer wiz so no problem there I started coding websites when I was in highschool so no I don't mean I'm an expert in FB or Twitter unfortunately. Typing is no problem as well, anything with technology I'm good, I ended up fixing the school computers when they break down, people racistly kid it's the inner Asian in me. I'm not bad at injections either.. I think. BUT I meant to say sports wise I'm a very bad athlete however my hand eye coordination in video games despite being a girly girl is quite well.

Yes I've read your past conviction about other grads mentioning home health or agency nursing. I must agree with you that it will be difficult for sure. I'm the most coward person I know and I agree that it might not be for new grads, however if I keep being the coward that I am and shy away from opportunities like HH or agency then I'll be waiting more and more than just months to get a job. And I can't rely on parents for everything anymore. I already try to eat one meal a day just so I don't make family expenses higher than they already are. Although objectively speaking you are right being a new grad is tough no one wants you anywhere.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I suspect if you only applied to two jobs and did not apply to any externships or new grad programs, this is why you can't obtain a job, not bc you don't drive.

Please read properly before commenting so harshly. I did NOT only apply to two jobs. I lost track of how much I've applied to already. I meant to say as Mavrick stated that I've only gotten 2 interviews. I've applied to plenty of new grad opportunities but I don't count as one anymore. By the way, life is so short. Just because you've gotten a good job doesn't mean it will last forever and give right to speak lowly of those that struggle to find one. Ashes to ashes dust to dust my friend and what comes up must come down.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion