New RN Grad with Peace Corps Dilemma

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Ok, so I graduated with my BSN Dec 08 and I will be taking my Nclex in December.

This is my dilemma, I want to join the Peace Corps. I've read previous posts suggesting that I either go for it or wait until I have a year of clinical exp. Mind you in the PC your clinical skills are most often not utilized.

I am leaning toward just going for it, part of the reason being b/c there really are not many new nurse positions available these days, most likely b/c of the recession. So im thinking this would be an opportune time to join.

Now what I am most concerned with is getting back to the US and not being able to get a job. Is that like a stated fact? Will I be able to get some kind of nursing job when I get back here.

I do plan on going back to school for medicine in future but I want still want to be able to make use of my degree, I love nursing.

Thanx for your feedback!

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Specializes in med/surg, ER, camp nursing.

Not sure I understand. You haven't taken your NCLEX since graduating in Dec 08?

If you have graduated and are having a hard time finding a job as a nurse, I would say YES totally go for the peace corp position. What a great experience to get when you're young and can afford to take a year off.

I think the economy will have turned around in a year or so and the job market for new nurses will be better too.

Good Luck!

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I agree, this is the perfect time for you to join the Peace Corps. Maybe by the time you get back into the RN job market, the recession will have eased up a bit. If it hasn't, your PC experience will give you an edge up over the other new grads when it comes to getting a job.

One thing I would suggest is take the NCLEX sooner than later, while you are still in test-taking mode from school.

Good luck!

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It is true that, if you do the PC now and go abroad for a year without using your nursing skills, you will be at a pretty siginificant disadvantage when you return and start looking for a nursing job. Nursing is v. much aware of the "use it or lose it" principle. Even for an experienced RN, it's risky to take a significant amount of time off from work (makes it harder to find a job again when you want to). It's that much worse for a new grad who has no experience built up over time.

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sounds like some good feedback... I know that it is better to take your nclex earlier but I did not have the opportunity due to some personal issues.. I have friends that have taken thier nclex a nine months to a year later. Its not ideal but hey you work with what you have...

I agree that the PC will give me some edge..The PC experience will give me skills that I could maybe never get in a hospital in the US, and vice versa.. so I will give it some more thought..

any more feedback is welcome

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