Please help (positive advice only please)

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I am a male nurse graduated from a non accredited program and am an RN. I graduated in May passed boards first try in July and have NOT been able to land a hospital job....anywhere... I've had interviews they all say it went great and used words like passionate, would fit in well etc to describe the interview. I always leave feeling good about it. I always seem to get the same you failed interview though citing lack of experience. I worked prior to being a nurse as a direct support professional for group homes doing all the duties of a CNA and then some with added medication administration. I've seen others from my class get jobs that I was passed on and I have more experience than they do. I currently work for a home health care company as they were the only ones willing to give me an opportunity and I'm grateful for it however it feels stagnant with not much growth. I really don't want to lose my skills I worked hard at learning, but am feeling almost hopeless. I'm planning on moving to a bigger city to find more opportunities. I was very hopeful about an interview for a psych hospital for children last week. They said I'd fit in great, was passionate, and made me feel like I'd get it and I got the we are looking for more experience line again (even though in the application it said nothing about experience) Any advice would be great.

PS Yes I've thought about getting the BSN I just want to get some experience first.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Way down here on the southern edge of the US having a BSN doesn't necessarily offer a great advantage for the nurses in the trenches; for admin and educators and IT nurses and other jobs that require little or no actual nursing skills - yes. In many cases there isn't even a salary difference with the BSN vs ADN. So, based on what information you are offering, I would say you are on the right track in moving to a large city. You'll likely have to chase the jobs that others aspire to leave quickly but at least you'll be on a pathway that may lead to what you are wanting to do. Good luck!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Are you an RN? I'm asking because if you're an LPN, the accreditation status of your program wouldn't matter. But for RNs, it can be a deal breaker as many organizations include "graduate from an accredited school of nursing" as a job qualification for their RN jobs. Since you indicate that your classmates have been successful in their job search, have you tried to analyze or obtain feedback about why you aren't being hired? Do you need to improve your interview skills? Maybe you could practice with a friend/colleague who can provide you with honest feedback and coaching.

Wishing you the best of luck in your job search.

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Specializes in ICU.

I'm pretty sure it's the fact you graduated from and unaccredited program. Read each job opening carefully as most will require that you graduate from a nationally accredited program.

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Specializes in GENERAL.
It's been a while since I read the NCLEX eligibility rules, but how could you take it if you went to an unaccredited school?[/quote

OP:

Find out if your school of nursing was in the process of receiving accreditation when you were in school and at the time of your graduation.

Many accrediting organizations put off granting this dubious distinction for many reasons not the least of which is the enormous fees the extortionists charge to confer their imprimatur.

I'm reluctant to use the term "extortionists" but you really have to know the conflicts of interest under which they operate. But that's immaterial to your issue for now.

My hope for you is that if you could prove that your school is now accredited or is soon to be so, you may be in a sense "grandfathered" into fulfilling the requirements of the employment venues HouTx alludes to.

Otherwise, OldDude has a point. Go to where you are most needed and attempt to get the most well rounded clinical experiences you can find.

At this point you have to take what you can get but don't lose heart you passed the NCLEX and the key here is that in the eyes of the state you are good to go.

If a hospital venue wants to play a I have too many suitors Scarlet O'Hara routine, again go where you are wanted but do contact your school and get this settled.

If you want, PM me with the school's name and I'll talk to them also and get back to you.

Semper Fi.

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It's been a while since I read the NCLEX eligibility rules, but how could you take it if you went to an unaccredited school?

There are only a few states that require graduation from a CCNE or ACEN accredited program for licensure. Nearly all states only require that the school by approved by the state BON, not accredited.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
It's been a while since I read the NCLEX eligibility rules, but how could you take it if you went to an unaccredited school?

Because there are programs that the state approves that aren't accredited. Accreditation =/= state BON approval and vice versa. The state doesn't care about accreditation. That's why my advice to those who ask on this site is to check both.

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I'm an RN. I don't really know what to do as after every interview they tell me how great and passionate I sound give me a tour leave me feeling a sense of hope and then a few days go by I get the email saying thank you but no thanks. Its very discouraging

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The LPN program got accredited. The RN is still in candidate status I believe.

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Could a prior employer not be giving you a positive reference? Usually people don't get passed over time and again after getting a positive comment after the interview, unless someone is doing a good job of badmouthing them.

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Hello. I work in corporate America now and am 46 yrs old male. I want to pursue a career in nursing and with my age I obviously want to accelerate my degree and begin working sooner than later. My question is does it make more sense to go after the ASN now or go to school longer and obtain my BSN? I know the BSN is preferable but I am wondering what others would do in my situation?

Thanks, Brian

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If all your woes are really due to the fact that you graduated from a place that isn't accredited, it seems almost cruel for these employers to even grant you an interview if they know the status of your school is going to disqualify you from meeting their requirements.

It sounds cliché, but persistence pays off. I think I was the very last person in my graduating class to find a job. But I did eventually find one that I love.

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