Out of nursing school for 3 years. Finding a hard time looking for jobs.

[reginalin, BSN, RN]

I graduated with a degree of BSN last April 2013 in the Philippines. I permanently moved to California, where my family's living, in June 2013. My diploma wasn't released until like December 2013 so I was only able to start my application for my California license by then. It took me a year to process everything because California BON needed a LOT of documents and since I was living in LA, I couldn't personally take care of the processing of my documents and had to ask friends to help me. Of course, they didn't have all the time to go to the school registrar / college secretary so I faced so many delays. Alas, a letter came and said I needed to fulfill extra units in order for CA BON to let me take the exam. That means looking for a school that will accommodate you. That also means being on the waiting list for more than a year! I was devastated. It was a year of processing and it all came to nothing. I almost gave up until my mom said to apply to another state. I started my application for Texas in October 2014. I got cleared by August 2015 and sat down for the exam on October 2015, which I passed after one take. I didn't immediately apply to jobs after I passed because I wanted to save more money before relocating (I don't have family in Texas). March 2016, my grandmother died and I had to go home to the Philippines to help in the funeral. When I came back, I immediately started applying to hospitals. My main worry is, it's been 3 years since I graduated. I feel like no hospital is gonna accept me. From all of the applications I submitted, only two so far replied. The other one I had a phone screening interview two weeks ago and I haven't heard from him since. Another one emailed me about the internship I applied to and will call in the next few weeks for a phone interview. I'm afraid I won't get into jobs or will be rejected because there are so many new grads there whose memories and skills are still fresh. Help

[Bruce_Wayne, ASN, RN]

That is quiet the situation. Have you looked into nursing home jobs as well? I know in my area they're absolutely desperate and constantly building new ones. It's kind of an unglamorous job and they don't treat or pay you very well. But it is a start.

[MC1RmutationLPN]

I worked in a SNF for 3 years as a CNA followed by 3 years as an LPN and I saw a lot of new nurses come through to get their 1 year of experience then proceed to the hospital. The pay isn't that bad. The benefits package is likely pretty sporifice though. But it's great experience. I loved it!