NEW RN ADVICE

[nurse1219]

I recently passed the boards! but now am jobless I work as a NA at a small county hospital on a med surg floor and there is no opening for a new RN and none in sight anytime soon. I was reading on a couple threads that getting further certifications is a great way to spend this extra "free" time i have.

My hospital has ACLS classes being offered in October. It is now August. The classes are expensive from what I've seen but free for me since I am am employee. My problem is should I wait till October when I can take them at my hospital, or should i take them now and spend the money with the slight chance I may be able to get a job before that?

ugh decisions, decisions.

[Asystole RN]

Move to a larger county or look into LTCs for jobs. NEVER work as anything less than a RN once you recieve your license, NEVER.

[libbyjeanne]

To be honest with you, further certifications (such as ACLS, PALS) will not be a deal breaker in you getting a job. My advice is for you to just wait and take the class for free.

[nurse1219]

that's what i figured. it prob wont be a major decision maker cuz if i really needed that wouldn't a hospital just hire me and than require me to get that certification? it's not like it takes years to get ACLs, u know what i mean... thanks!

and i been applying like crazy to other hospitals, i think this is just not a good time since i live in philadelphia and there are alot of nursing programs and alot of new nurses looking for jobs.. i'll just have to have patience but still try my best to apply all over

[violet_violet]

My classmates have said the same... no jobs then in the meantime, go get certified. It has helped some in getting a job... they are more hirable.

In most cases, when you do get hired, I've heard that employers will reimburse you back for the cost of the courses you took to get certified. So keep your receipts.