Offered nights in first job but turned it down

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Hello Nurse Beth,

So I have been out of nursing school for 7 years I took my NCLEX once..failed it, and basically gave up on nursing. Fast forward 7 years later I had a child and I knew I had to get back into nursing. I passed my NCLEX-RN in May. I've filled out MANY applications but have only been offered 2 positions, those of which I unfortunately had to turn down due to conflicting schedules (night shift.) I want to get into a residency program but they seem to only want new graduates and any clinical nurse position I've applied for they require experience. My question is, how do I get experience if I can't get into a residency program? "

Dear Turned Down Job,

CONGRATS on passing the NCLEX! I'm sure that took a lot of effort and courage, after 7 years.

You graduated 7 years ago, and have no experience. You are so fortunate to have been offered 2 jobs. 

You cannot afford to turn down viable jobs in your situation. Nurses seeking their first job have to be open to all shifts. Night shift, holidays, weekends...they are all part of the deal in acute care.

Typically residencies are designed for nurses without experience and up to one year post-graduation. A residency would be wonderful, but it may not be in the cards for you at this point, 7 years out.

Consider taking a Refresher course to brush up on your skills, and make yourself more marketable. It's also a good networking opportunity.

You asked, "How do I get experience if I can't get into a residency program?"  My answer, "Take the job offered to you".

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[amoLucia]

Sensible response, Beth. It is so tough for the re-enter'ers, but like you said, the OP needs to be very flexible, get some work time under her belt, and then consider other options. The refresher course can't hurt, nor would some certifications/CEUs.

Also a thought for her, if reasonable & poss, is to reach out to some old classmates for some networking. Even is she were to start out part-time, she just needs to get in the door! 

[Workitinurfava, BSN, RN]

You may find that nights is doable if you have the right support system. Someone will need to watch your child so you can sleep. Is that an option? You can learn through on the job training. Residencys tend to be for recent graduates. I don't think it will be an option for you (7 years out) Take the night shift position if you can, get experience and later switch to dayshift. 

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

Outpatient dialysis. Some clinics will take new grads. Most aren't overnight. Apply, and give it a try!

[clamchopz, ASN]

I was in a similar situation where I passed NCLEX 3 years after graduation.  Life got in the way- I got married, my father passed away 4 months after that, and I had 2 miscarriages.... Passing 7 years after graduation is very commendable... CONGRATS!  I also struggled in finding a job, but I did find a job.  My first job was at a questionable LTACH, which will be nameless.  They took so many shortcuts, I didn't feel comfortable.  But it was good experience and I was able to recognize what "should" and "should not" be done.  My second job was a New Grad residency program at a Magnet hospital, but unfortunately that did not work out because the unit was not a "good fit" for me.  Let's just leave it at that... On a positive note, I am about to start another job and they will continue to train me as a New Grad.  After speaking to the Director, she told me to come directly to her if I have any problems.  I have really good feelings about this position and I know I will learn greatly.  

There are many jobs out there.  As previous posts, I do agree Outpatient Dialysis is a good opportunity for someone who just wants an 8 hour Day shift job.  I couldn't do it because it reminded me too much of my Father, and I'm still dealing with his passing.  Maybe after some more time, I will consider it.  For now, I am happy with the upcoming opportunity.  And yes, beggars can't be choosers, so apply EVERYWHERE, and consider what is offered.  Believe that you will find something.  

I did consider some RN refresher courses, but in my area, I was not able to find a good "legit" one.  So... if you decide to go that route, be sure to do a lot research on the courses.  Look through this website and Yelp... read the comments, etc.  

Best of Luck!

[ThatBLURN, BSN, RN]

Congrats on passing the NCLEX!

The ANA offers a medical-surgical review CE course for $45.  There are also a lot of other great education options on their site, though a bit pricey.  I think you get what you pay for.  CEs are abundant, though I have found many sources to be frequently lacking in quality.  Not the ANA though.  I don't know where you would look for a refresher course (not to be confused with CEs) but I'm sure they are easily found.  Looking into them in the past, I recall them being lengthy and expensive.  Considering it's been 7 years since school though, taking CEs and/or a refresher course would benefit your practice so much.  You owe it to yourself and your patients to be current with EBP clinical knowledge/skills.  If you can, the refresher course would be the best option because (I believe) it carries more weight when being considered for a job (than CEs).  Also, it's my understanding that there is a clinical component to a refresher course so you can exercise your clinical judgment, network, or even find a place to work!

As for not taking on night shift, I agree with previous comments and Nurse Beth.  You should probably re-think that possibility.  There is a great deal of opportunity to learn without the intensity that comes during the day when one would be juggling communications with other staff and patient schedules.  The night shift is still very hard work but I found it to be a more supportive learning environment.  Fewer distractions.

I have a toddler, have been away from work for a bit, and expect night shift to be what presents itself.  It's actually ideal because I would just need someone to watch my daughter while I rest.  It's comforting to know that I would be under the same roof as her while someone else is watching her.  If your child is school-aged and you are having to do digital learning, maybe consider joining a learning pod.  If they go to school then that's time you can sleep and not pay a sitter!  Just some ideas to help you brainstorm possibilities.

Best to you!