New Grad RN, 8 months later still can't find a job. Should I work as an LVN for now?

[bunny88]

Hello, I'd like to know if I can have some advice from anyone out there willing to give it?

I'm a new RN. It's been 8 months since I've passed the boards, 10 months since graduating but I still can't find a job. I'm SO sad, SO broke .

Here's my background: I live in San Francisco CA, have a previous BA degree in psych, am an LVN and a recent ADN RN graduate. I understand that in this area, most hospitals want an RN with a Masters or Bachelors degree in nursing, which I don't have yet .

I would really LOVE to work at any unit in the hospital. That's where my heart is. But after submitting my resume a billion times, so far not so good - at all. I haven't even scored a "call-back", much less an interview. It's disheartening.

What can I do to increase my chances of finding a job in a hospital in the future? Should I apply for work as an RN in a skilled nursing facility for a year? OR at a clinic in a hospital as an LVN where there's a possibility of transferring within the hospital as an RN? I wonder if anyone knows which might appeal more to nursing recruiters/hiring managers/nurse managers?

Do I have to move out of California?

Any advice would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you

[perioddrama]

First off, 8 months is nothing.

Second, it's unfortunate that you live in NoCal. At least in SoCal, there is a some semblance of fighting chance.

Best go back to school for your BSN. BSN is what hospitals prefer/require now.

As to moving out of state, a lot of CA new grads are moving out of state to land their first job. If you can do it, do move out of state.

Good luck job hunting. New grads have to stick together.

[bunny88]

Thanx for your advice perioddrama.. I might just have to move, but I'd be away from my husband who recently found a new job here in SF. I wish he would understand, he doesn't get it! He says I'm just not trying that hard enough. oh boy...

Well Good luck to you too and thank you again.

[bunny88]

hmm, should I just work as an LVN for now?

[St_Claire, ADN, RN]

hmm should I just work as an LVN for now?[/quote']

You can't. Your RN license required you to destroy all previous licenses. Have you checked into long term care?

[netglow, ASN, RN]

You can't. Your RN license required you to destroy all previous licenses. Have you checked into long term care?

Not true. OP, you can even work as a tech or a CNA as an RN in many states. Just contact your BON and find out. In IL an RN can work as a CNA.

[St_Claire, ADN, RN]

Not true. OP, you can even work as a tech or a CNA as an RN in many states. Just contact your BON and find out. In IL an RN can work as a CNA.

I guess I should say in Utah you are required to destroy all other licenses according to the Nurse Practice Act.