NEW RN HELP!!!

[aisercul]

Hi! I am a new RN here in the U.S. I just passed my NCLEX-RN this January 2017. I went to school in the Philippines for my BSN and transferred all my credentials here in MN last 2014. After I passed my boards in the Philippines, my husband has petitioned me and never got a chance to work there as an RN. I took NCLEX-RN exam here in MN last 2014 and I failed, I got pregnant too that year and never had the time to study to retake my NCLEX. Luckily last year before 2016 ends, I have managed my time and my baby is already 2 y/o so I studied for my test, then this year I passed my NCLEX.

I don't know what should be my next step now that I passed. I am planning to apply for a job any time soon but I want to know what certifications should I take to help me get into a nursing job. I know I have to have the BLS certification, but aside from that, I am wondering what certifications and the like should I take since I haven't had any experience yet as an RN aside from my clinicals during my college days in the Philippines which was years ago.

I have been in the internet the whole day searching for a potential jobs, but there are lots of requirements. I am starting to get worried because I don't know what will my next step be. One of my friends told me before that once I get my license, I can apply to be a Public Health Nurse, but I don't know if they will consider my BSN trainings/clinicals as public health experience.

Any suggestions will help.. Thanks.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

You are at a disadvantage in the current job market. You are technically a new RN, but your education is from out of the country and is several years old. My best advice would be to take a refresher course before applying to any positions.

I can't think of any certifications that are required for new grads. My experience has shown that if I am required to hold ACLS, for example, my employer provides it for me.