recently passed nclex, job hunting

nurseladybug12 · Apr 16, 2013

How do you feel you are with your skills? Some hospitals offer refresher courses and you could make some contacts at the hospital to help you land a job.

neliztanee · Apr 17, 2013

How do you feel you are with your skills? Some hospitals offer refresher courses and you could make some contacts at the hospital to help you land a job.

When it comes to basic nursing skills, i think im able to do it confidently. I saw openings for new graduates but i sont know which dept should i apply.

skyheaven477 · Apr 17, 2013

What state are you in?

neliztanee · Apr 17, 2013

What state are you in?

Maryland

skyheaven477 · Apr 17, 2013

Did you try nurse recruiters? I have been getting interviews from them. You could look up medical agencies in your area online or yellow pages.

neliztanee · Apr 17, 2013

Did you try nurse recruiters? I have been getting interviews from them. You could look up medical agencies in your area online or yellow pages.

Is that a staffing agency? I prefer direct hiring.if possible but it's hars to look for openings. Nyway, thanks :)

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Apr 17, 2013

Most new grad programs require graduation within the past 6-12 months with 6 months or less experience as a nurse. You could try applying to new grad programs but don't get upset if rejected because of the distance between your graduation to licensing. (but if you get an interview be pleasantly surprised).

Do you have a diploma, ASN, or BSN? (I am guessing that you passed the NCLEX-RN) Try broadening your search and applying for non-hospital positions LTC, LTAC (long term acute care), ambulatory care, surgical centers, ambulatory clinics, etc. If you can afford to consider taking a refresher skills class or some continuing education courses such as IV therapy, ACLS, renew your BLS CPR if needed to build up your skills, resume and confidence.

neliztanee · Apr 17, 2013

Most new grad programs require graduation within the past 6-12 months with 6 months or less experience as a nurse. You could try applying to new grad programs but don't get upset if rejected because of the distance between your graduation to licensing. (but if you get an interview be pleasantly surprised).
Do you have a diploma, ASN, or BSN? (I am guessing that you passed the NCLEX-RN) Try broadening your search and applying for non-hospital positions LTC, LTAC (long term acute care), ambulatory care, surgical centers, ambulatory clinics, etc. If you can afford to consider taking a refresher skills class or some continuing education courses such as IV therapy, ACLS, renew your BLS CPR if needed to build up your skills, resume and confidence.

I am a bsn graduate, yes i passed nclex rn. I have bls and acls but had it in my home country, im not sure if they'll consider it. I just took those certifications programs last year before i migrated here in US.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Apr 18, 2013

Take the US versions if you can, if nothing else take the US American Heart BLS class as it's rather inexpensive whereas ACLS can be a couple of hundred $$.

As an international grad from more than 2 years ago you may have difficulty being accepted in a hospital new grad program though you have an advantage with a BSN. Was your BSN declared equivalent to a US BSN? Were you a licensed nurse in the country you were educated in? If so, did you work as a nurse overseas? That may help slightly with experience...depending on the facility. You can always inquire with the hospital HR department if you are eligible for a new grad program if the postings are not clear. I've seen some new grad positions posted as "Must have earned a BSN degree within the past 6 months and a valid, unencumbered (no disciplinary actions) registered nurse in __ state (state of hospital), current BLS/CPR card, working experience as a nurse of less than 6 months" Other postings aren't as clear. HR should be able to answer your query so you don't have to waste time applying if not eligible.

Again, try expanding your search to include non-hospital facilities--long term care/nursing homes, long term acute care, sub acute care, rehabilitation facilities, ambulatory care, surgical centers, ambulatory/outpatient clinics, etc. Some of these facilities are within a hospital network and if you are a good employee you may be eligible for a preferential (over outside applicants) transfer to a hospital department after specific amount of work in an offsite facility. Plus some of the hospital affiliated facility employees are eligible for the same nursing education/continuing education programs as hospital staff that you can use to build up your skills experience. It could be a win win.

As a new grad I would not recommend traditional home health or hospice as you really need a strong clinical background to function successfully and independently in an isolated/home environment with minimal back-up. Shift work home health/private duty can be a good idea (usually pediatrics or developmentally disabled requiring direct skilled nursing) could be an option and you can get exposure to high tech care & equipment (vents, trachs, advanced IV therapy) if it is available in your area.

neliztanee · Apr 20, 2013

Take the US versions if you can, if nothing else take the US American Heart BLS class as it's rather inexpensive whereas ACLS can be a couple of hundred $$.
As an international grad from more than 2 years ago you may have difficulty being accepted in a hospital new grad program though you have an advantage with a BSN. Was your BSN declared equivalent to a US BSN? Were you a licensed nurse in the country you were educated in? If so, did you work as a nurse overseas? That may help slightly with experience...depending on the facility. You can always inquire with the hospital HR department if you are eligible for a new grad program if the postings are not clear. I've seen some new grad positions posted as "Must have earned a BSN degree within the past 6 months and a valid, unencumbered (no disciplinary actions) registered nurse in __ state (state of hospital), current BLS/CPR card, working experience as a nurse of less than 6 months" Other postings aren't as clear. HR should be able to answer your query so you don't have to waste time applying if not eligible.
Again, try expanding your search to include non-hospital facilities--long term care/nursing homes, long term acute care, sub acute care, rehabilitation facilities, ambulatory care, surgical centers, ambulatory/outpatient clinics, etc. Some of these facilities are within a hospital network and if you are a good employee you may be eligible for a preferential (over outside applicants) transfer to a hospital department after specific amount of work in an offsite facility. Plus some of the hospital affiliated facility employees are eligible for the same nursing education/continuing education programs as hospital staff that you can use to build up your skills experience. It could be a win win.
As a new grad I would not recommend traditional home health or hospice as you really need a strong clinical background to function successfully and independently in an isolated/home environment with minimal back-up. Shift work home health/private duty can be a good idea (usually pediatrics or developmentally disabled requiring direct skilled nursing) could be an option and you can get exposure to high tech care & equipment (vents, trachs, advanced IV therapy) if it is available in your area.

Thanks. Yes, i had it evaluated through cgfns. I'll try maternity, i've heard most new grads go to maternity

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Apr 20, 2013

Maternity/Labor & Delivery/PostPartum are highly competitive specialties. Be aware that some facilities hire new grads/inexperienced nurses while others do not. Many new nurses wish to work with moms & babies therefore there are many applications for few slots. You can check out the OB/GYN forum for more information on the specialty. Ob/Gyn Nursing