not new graduate and no experience-how do i get a job?

allnurses Guide · Jul 10, 2008

I think it would depend on where you are. Are there so many nurses they can afford to be so picky? Are you willing to relocate?

If you've been out that long, I would think a refresher course would be a good thing for going into an interview. It would show you've put some serious effort into being ready for the job, instead of expecting them to train you (not saying that is what you were doing, but if I were looking at your application it is what I would think I'd have to do for you).

What type of nursing were you applying for? Hospital, school, LTC? You might have a better chance looking in a field where the needs are greatest and they are more willing to "take a chance" on you.

Good luck, and welcome back! :yeah:

becembrie · Jul 10, 2008

I would agree that a refresher course would be beneficial. I have been out of the field for 15 years, but I had 5 years at the same position prior to leaving to have my kids. I contacted my former employer in May to find out what my chances were of coming back after being out so long and they hired me back. I had planned on taking a refresher course, but now I am taking some courses specific to the floor I will be working on as well as taking my BLS and PALS certifications.

I have heard of a refresher course offered by a local hospital. The article I read stated that many of the folks that take the course are actually offered positions at the hospital when they complete the 2 month course. I think I would look seriously into that option.

Have you only applied at one facility? I would go to as many employers as possible.

Good Luck.

lasa · Jul 11, 2008

I talked to the hr recruiter at the hospital in the area, and she told me straight NO, it doesn`t matter what courses I take. yeah they have a lot of applications for few positions so yeah they can be picky. they don`t offer any refresher course at their hospital and they don`t hire persons in my situation.I can`t relocate unfortunately.I spent so much money so far that i could have done a brand new school in another area, i really don`t want to spend anything else more and not have a chance to work. I am now thinking to abandon it because looks like i don`t really have a chance.

it is not true that is a shortage of nurses, but the contrary, are too many nurses . i live in Ca

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jul 11, 2008

have you tried different types of facilities? Nursing homes, rehabs, out-patient clinics, health dept ---- anything other than hospital.

meither · Jul 11, 2008

I don't know what state you are in. In Tx, CA, and many other states, the hospitals always have training program for new grads. I know you are not new grads but since you passed your NCLEX, that means you know the basic of nursing. If you go to your state some major hospital websites, you will find some hiring posting for new grad nurses. The hospital will provide intership for new nurses and you will be following a perceptor for about 6 months before you actually work by yourself. That way, you will feel more comfortable working by yourself in the future. Don't worry, nurses are in demand, I am very sure you will find a good position.

becembrie · Jul 11, 2008

St. Mary's hospital in Long Beach has a refresher course. It is the one I was referring to in my earlier post. What type of nursing are you looking at?

uscstu4lfe · Jul 11, 2008

This is really odd. Hospitals in the socal area are hiring like CRAZY. If you're alive, have your license, and are decent, you'll get hired. Maybe you're just in a very rural area where nurses are not employed?? I mean, not to downgrade us nurses or anything, but we can pretty much find a job anywhere.

Zee_RN, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2008

Wouldn't be a problem in my area, either. If you took a refresher course, you'd certainly be considered for employment. It's unfortunate that you can't relocate because you WOULD find a job.

rndavu729, ADN · Jul 11, 2008

Are they saying no because you graduated overseas? Very odd...doesn't make sense that you are not able to take a refresher or be precepted somewhere. I am in a small town and every facility in town had a recruitment luncheon (5 of them) for our class wanting to train and hire new grads. Can't understand why you wouldn't fall into this catergory just passing NCLEX. I can only imagine your frustration.

suzanne4, RN · Jul 11, 2008

It does not matter when you graduated, the fact is that you have never worked as an RN and therefore would be considered a new grad. So you are a new grad in every sense of the word.

CA has an abundance of new grads in certain areas, and it is hard for even a real new grad to get a position in a hospital.

Being away from the bedside for that length of time, and you are going to have a very hard time getting hired, and even more so when you trained out of the US where things are done differently as well.

I would definitely check into long term care facilities, that may be your best answer. Hospitals are going to be out of the question right now and expecially in CA.

This also has to do with being a foreign grad as well, and not being trained on how things were ever done here as a start. You may wish to check out the International Forum as many of the things there are still in effect for you.

Best of luck to you.