New RN Grads in Hawaii, still waiting?

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I recently graduated from a nursing school in NJ, moved to HI a month ago, took my boards and past in HI, and now have been on the job hunt for the last 2 weeks. I have been getting emails and call backs that there are no positions for new grads ANYWHERE IN HI. I was told my best bet is to get a Nursing Assistant position and wait with the other 200 + nursing assistants with a RN License for an opening.... Okay, I'll do whatever it takes, but I was just wondering from the 200 + nursing assistants with a RN license: how long have you waited or are still waiting for an RN position? Thanks and I appreciate all your replies.

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I've been living here for a year now...did pretty much the same thing you did-graduated from a school in Ohio, came here and took the boards, passed and then spent months looking for a job. I finally landed a Charge RN job in a nursing home. I've been working there for almost a year now but I'm really missing the hospital nursing. I've been searching for jobs for the last several months and nobody is hiring new grads. I'm still considered a new grad b/c I don't have acute care experience. HR and floor managers are telling me the same they told you. Would you consider working in a nursing home to get RN experience, even though it's not considered acute care experience? I've been told any RN exp. is better than none.

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Specializes in ICU.
I recently graduated from a nursing school in NJ, moved to HI a month ago, took my boards and past in HI, and now have been on the job hunt for the last 2 weeks. I have been getting emails and call backs that there are no positions for new grads ANYWHERE IN HI. I was told my best bet is to get a Nursing Assistant position and wait with the other 200 + nursing assistants with a RN License for an opening.... Okay, I'll do whatever it takes, but I was just wondering from the 200 + nursing assistants with a RN license: how long have you waited or are still waiting for an RN position? Thanks and I appreciate all your replies.

I came to Oahu during the summer 06 between semesters for an extern program and then moved to my house near Diamond Head as a new grad. Took boards, got ACLS cert in Hawaii, and thought all was well. Even though I worked there during the summer, I could not find a job for 6 months or more, so I moved back to the mainland...Found a job instantly in the ICU as a new grad. Moved back thinking with over a year of ICU exp., I would find something. 6 months=NOTHING! This was back in 08, so I am sure it has gotten worse for you guys...And I do feel your pain! Good luck to ya, and remember that you are a RN and don't take it personally if there is nothing being offered now. The RN's doing NA's jobs was also going on when I was there in 08. IMO...not worth the wait. But, that's just me...

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Thanks for your perspectives. I've been having a really tough time out here. I went to a Job Fair out here and when I told them I was a New Grad RN, everyone was like... "Oh, I am sorry to hear that, I feel your pain." So my lease is up in December, and I think I am moving back to the mainland. I have a lot more opportunity out there. I hope that all the people who decide to do what I did research a lot more. Realize the reality out here on Oahu for new grad RNs. Thanks again everyone!

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Specializes in ICU.
Thanks for your perspectives. I've been having a really tough time out here. I went to a Job Fair out here and when I told them I was a New Grad RN, everyone was like... "Oh, I am sorry to hear that, I feel your pain." So my lease is up in December, and I think I am moving back to the mainland. I have a lot more opportunity out there. I hope that all the people who decide to do what I did research a lot more. Realize the reality out here on Oahu for new grad RNs. Thanks again everyone!

I was where you are now! It was crazy! I spent endless hours on the computer checking out all possibilities, calling, walking in to HR, talking to neighbors that knew people...At times, I was so depressed that I didn't leave the house to enjoy the island. It was a BIG move to the island...physically and $$$...But I can tell you that I have never been happier now knowing that CRNA school is in my future...Could have waited for a position to open up that I was not interested in, but now I have options.

I forgot to mention that if you wanted to stay, get your advanced degree there...PM me anytime...You are so busy the first year or so any where you move for nursing...It flyies by! And then you will have a lot more options...After my first year in ICU, I had at least 5 travel agencies calling me for assignments in HI...So, keep your chin up! Aloha!

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We could be twins! I am doing exactly what you have been doing! I am putting resumes out every day! I had an interview today for a temprary position on another island, hopefully I get that, find out very soon! I was an ICU/CCU Nursing assistant back at home and was offered an RN position there when I graduated, but decided to travel before my fiance and I marry and have kids. Our plan was always for me to get a traveling RN job since he can work remotely like he is right now as a computer guy. But out here it is extremely competitive and almost impossible to land an RN job. Good for you advancing in you degree! I hope to get there one day. But I know exactly what you mean, I have not enjoyed the island since I've been here trying to get a job! My sleep schedule has been way off (it's 2 am here now, and last night I went to sleep at 5am) because I have been obsessing on landing a RN job and worry that it's not the right time for me out here. So like I said, hopefully I get this temporary job that may or may not get me a permanent RN position. If I don't get a job by December, then I can always go back home where I have no problem getting an RN position. Thanks again, it's nice to know that somebody understands exactly what you are going through!

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I would suggest keeping a list of names and numbers of contacts you have made on the island..anyone from prospective employers to landlords to your neighborhood grocer..getting jobs, places to live, etc is all about who you know here. Keep in touch with the people you met here and your transition back will be much easier..aloha

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Specializes in ICU.
We could be twins! I am doing exactly what you have been doing! I am putting resumes out every day! I had an interview today for a temprary position on another island, hopefully I get that, find out very soon! I was an ICU/CCU Nursing assistant back at home and was offered an RN position there when I graduated, but decided to travel before my fiance and I marry and have kids. Our plan was always for me to get a traveling RN job since he can work remotely like he is right now as a computer guy. But out here it is extremely competitive and almost impossible to land an RN job. Good for you advancing in you degree! I hope to get there one day. But I know exactly what you mean, I have not enjoyed the island since I've been here trying to get a job! My sleep schedule has been way off (it's 2 am here now, and last night I went to sleep at 5am) because I have been obsessing on landing a RN job and worry that it's not the right time for me out here. So like I said, hopefully I get this temporary job that may or may not get me a permanent RN position. If I don't get a job by December, then I can always go back home where I have no problem getting an RN position. Thanks again, it's nice to know that somebody understands exactly what you are going through!

Sounds like you've got a good plan my friend! If you decide to leave for a bit, enjoy yourself while you are there. Remember to throw a lei into the ocean to show that you will be back. Don't be like me and stare @ the same computer screens until the last seconds of departure. I really hope something comes your way in HI, and keep us posted! Aloha nui loa!

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