Passing nclex RN 3 yrs after graduating... need employment advice

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Jun 15, 2017

Good luck , best wishes

Lisacar130 · Jun 15, 2017

I honestly don't know if I'm giving the right advise or not... but on your resume, could you just not put the date you graduated? Just list the school and put your license number with the year you got your license. At least it would help to get an interview. They would then think they are interviewing a new grad who recently graduated, but you aren't lying-you just omitted the date of graduation. Of course, you'll have to fill in the application at the interview and put more details there. But unless they specifically ask why you didn't take the nclex right after graduating, could you just not bring it up and maybe they won't notice? I've noticed that people doing interviews glance so quickly at everything and don't notice things. I'm not saying to lie- if they notice and ask then go ahead and say the reason why you didn't take the nclex right away. But unless they ask, perhaps don't bring it up?

cleback · Jun 15, 2017

^^I feel like the applications require you to list the years for each school attended.

Lisacar130 · Jun 15, 2017

No I know that and I said to complete the application correctly... I'm talking about the resume only. In order to have the opportunity to fill out the application, you have at least gotten to the point where you scored an interview at least. If the resume doesn't advertise the year of school completion, perhaps the OP would get more opportunities to interview.

AceOfHearts<3 · Jun 16, 2017

In order to have the opportunity to fill out the application, you have at least gotten to the point where you scored an interview at least.

You have it backwards. You have to fill out an application AND submit a resume at the same time BEFORE you'll be contacted for an interview.

Lisacar130 · Jun 16, 2017

You're right... Now that I think of it...I think I did get a few interviews though with just a resume but those were for nonhospital jobs and the hospital jobs did have a lengthy application before the interview. Either way, I would consider not bringing it up at all on my cover letter and would still consider omitting the date of graduation on the resume (but next to it have your NCLEX with date). It will still be in the application obviously but I still think a certain percentage of interviewers will overlook it. I would consider not bringing it up on an interview unless or until they do first, if you can get away with it. I just remember having a couple interviews where they clearly did not read my resume or application in detail.

Another option to consider is a nurse refresher course. This would, however, advertise the fact that you graduated 3 years prior but could help you look more current. I think they are expensive though but I'm not sure.

SaltySarcasticSally, LPN, RN · Jun 16, 2017

I had this happen to me when I graduated with my LPN but it was also back in 2008-2009 when the job market was tough everywhere. I was pregnant when I passed my NCLEX PN, no one wanted to hire me, then since I had such a huge gap between graduating and finding a job that no one wanted to deal with training a new grad one year post schooling.

I think I applied to over 80 positions, rejected from every single interview but one. It was really difficult because I was young and had a new baby and needed the income. I had to take a job wherever they would take me which was a LTC on a real rough side of town but it was experience. So my main advice is to not be choosey. Apply to LTCs/skilled rehabs, HHC, anything is better than no experience. Put your 6 months to a year in and then apply to acute care, you will have a better chance then. I would also contact those professors and see about letters, its always more who you know in healthcare than what you actually bring to the table. Network with former students and see if they can at least get your foot in the door for an interview. GL!

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jun 16, 2017

Take a refresher course? Honestly I had a hard time finding anything except SNF/LTC after staying home for one year -- as an experienced ICU nurse. And I'm not in SoCal.

xxstarrynitesxx · Jun 16, 2017

Please forgive me if this is not much help as I am still a pre-nursing student, but have you considered doing a Transition to Practice Program? I am not entirely sure if that is what the BLS and ACLS courses were for. The school I am taking my prerequisites at has such a program. This school is not too far away from Corona actually. I am not sure if only their graduates are able to do this program, but I would check around to see if you can find something like that.

Qing · Jun 16, 2017

I wouldn't give up. The market is tough right and honestly, keep your head up high. Take what you can that is offered and then move up when the opportunity comes. I have had to ask my professors for a reference when I first graduated from nursing school. Given the time period, ask them and if they say yes, go for it. Now when it comes to others you are comparing yourself too, try to look at it at a different way. Some people when I first graduated got offered a job right away, and others nothing for a long period of time. It made me wonder what did I do wrong? Sometimes you can do the best and yet you may not get that position you wanted. Believe in yourself and things will have a way of working out somehow.

wldnrs2015 · Jun 16, 2017

I am surgery circulator, the patient had black necrotizing legs and each time I would pick a leg up the skin and dermal that was full of puss and emaciated tissue would slough off to the point I could hardly hold the leg to prep.Sticky thick fluid globs of GROSS!