Recent grads, hang in there...

netglow, ASN, RN · Feb 8, 2011

Congrats to him! He was wise to quit his first job. Just think how much worse it would have been if he had a bad patient outcome and lost his license or worse at the first job. I am one that will always support anyone who feels that they must get out of an unsafe situation ASAP.

People come on this board and ask "should I quit" when they've got a no-win situation going at some crappy job it took a year to get. I think that your common sense goes out the window when you are over the barrel and need a job. But, you gotta always remember, nursing isn't just like any other job!!!! You are licensed, and will be held accountable no matter what kind of mess your employer has you in. When you are hauled in front of the BON, or in front of a jury nobody is going to understand or care for you other than the fact that YOU made a mistake and it had to do with someone's health. You will always look bad.

ProBeeRN, BSN, RN · Feb 8, 2011

"People come on this board and ask "should I quit" when they've got a no-win situation going at some crappy job it took a year to get"

It was such a hard decision for him. He felt like a failure, and like he was letting me down...and after that experience we're nervous about any offer --- "what if..." you know? This unit is very small with 12 patients- he may be the only RN but there will be experienced LPNs working with him. I keep telling him- worst case scenario- it's 12, not 40!

RN7776 · Feb 8, 2011

Thank you for sharing this.....it is very inspiring. Getting through school and becoming a seasoned RN is no cakewalk. Some people seriously underestimate it...they figure once they pass NCLEX its over....not even close.

Chicago, BSN, RN · Feb 8, 2011

If not, our plan B is to move to California, live on the beach, and sell necklaces.

:yeah:LOVE IT!!!! In a way, I'd root for living on the beach lol. Fabulous plan either way it went. But since plan A worked out in the end....CONGRATULATIONS!!! :up:

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · Feb 8, 2011

I loved reading your story and your words of encouragement for all the new grads out there. I hope the new grads and older new grads will find comfort in your post and keep trying! :)

BellaRoseRN · Feb 8, 2011

I vote for plan B! Seriously, though, good job! I don't know where you all live, but it's tough in Washington State too.

racknroll · Feb 8, 2011

FINALLY! After almost 2 years, my hubby (a 2009 BSN grad) has been offered a nursing position! It's been a loooong road...
May 2009- graduated BSN
August 2009- failed NCLEX with 265 questions
October 2009- got married!- yeah, we like to cram all of life's big events together, makes it more exciting
January 1 2010- passed NCLEX with 75 questions
January-May 2010- submitted a bunch of applications to all major hospitals, not even a callback
May 2010- offered a RN night position at a rehab/LTC
June-August 2010- worked fulltime nights with 40 patients and no orientation. Had panic attacks. Eventually quit after 8 weeks
August 2010 to December 2010- a bunch more applications filled out. Resume looks even worse due to only 8 weeks at rehab. One interview at another rehab. No offer.
January 2011- 2 interviews! 1 rejection letter, and 1 job offer! Offer accepted as of yesterday!!!!!
Of course this position is almost an hour drive away. Per diem weekends, nights and evenings. 8 hour shifts. Locked psych unit (hey, he's over 6 feet and 250 pounds-- i wonder why they chose to take a chance on him... ) But it's a NURSING JOB!!!! And they are even giving him an orientation. Praying that this one works out for him! I'm so nervous that they will call and say "oops, we changed our mind, we actually don't want to hire you". Do hospitals ever do that? LOL
If not, our plan B is to move to California, live on the beach, and sell necklaces.

Congratulations!!! I'm in the same exact position that your husband was in. Graduated 2009 and I have yet to find a job.... Its very disheartening and I feel like I'm loosing all my skills like venipuncture, sterile technique and other manual dexterity kind of things. I know it will come back to me when I'm at the job but as of now job searching is sucking all the life out of me. Don't even know what to do at this point.... I guess I can take solace in the fact that I'm not alone.

Nurses-Rule1987 · Feb 8, 2011

Thank you for sharing with us.

I am believing before I see it for a breakthrough that I know God will provide for me.

I just need a chance to show what I am capable of as a newly nurse with a lot of passion..

I wish the best to everyone

God Bless!!!

"Its your time"

thank you Lord Jesus....

ProBeeRN, BSN, RN · Feb 8, 2011

I vote for plan B! Seriously, though, good job! I don't know where you all live, but it's tough in Washington State too.

We're in Western New York- Buffalo area

april11 · Feb 9, 2011

Thanks so much for your post!! It's great to hear that there are really jobs out there! It could be a bridge to get to the next level, but it is a start. I wanted to ask, how did he prepare for the NCLEX the second time? Was he studying from his old material? Did he do a review course? Thanks and Congratulations!!!

ProBeeRN, BSN, RN · Feb 9, 2011

Thanks so much for your post!! It's great to hear that there are really jobs out there! It could be a bridge to get to the next level, but it is a start. I wanted to ask, how did he prepare for the NCLEX the second time? Was he studying from his old material? Did he do a review course? Thanks and Congratulations!!!

He took Kaplan/ used the q-bank prior to the first time and then continued to use the q-bank through the second time. The key to him passing was slowing down and reading the question- he was rushing through and not figuring out what the question was actually asking.

For what it's worth I took Kaplan before I took NCLEX and found it incredibly helpful