RN-Refresher Course for New Grads?

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I graduated in Spring of 2010 with a BSN and have yet to find employment. Like many new grads on here, I've applied to so many facilities, gone on interviews...and still no luck. I'm definitely driven and on a continuous search. I know the typical route for a new grad would be residencies or new grad programs, and I've tried those venues also but its just so competitive these days. I've just recently inquired about a nurse transition program in the area as well, but in case I do not get admitted, I need to have a back up plan. I've been considering an RN Refresher course since its been a year since I've graduated. Would this make me more marketable? Is that even typical for a new grad to do? Do any of you know of a comprehensive ones in the Bay Area? I'm looking for one with clinicals and job placement assistance. Any information/advice would be much appreciated! Trying to stay hopeful and positive in this economy is hard but I know I have to keep going =) Nursing is my passion!!!

Also, since its been a year, should I no longer apply to new grad programs/residencies?

For those new grads who are in the same boat as I am, and are in the Bay Area/CA, how have you been keeping yourself updated and relevant..where have you been volunteering? certifications? etc.

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Oh, and I have looked at the BRN website for the RN refresher courses around my area, but a little input from those who have done any of them in northern california would be fantastic...were they worth the money? did they help you?

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Specializes in CCU, cardiac tele, NICU.

What about various certifications - ACLS, etc. to help make you more marketable? You're definitely still considered a new grad, because you don't have experience yet. It is TOUGH in the Bay Area right now - but keep your chin up. You have a great attitude, and if you love it, you're going to find the right job. Are you set on staying here, or have you considered looking further out in central CA/some of the more rural areas?

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Thanks for replying gigglymo=). Its nice to hear some encouragement. I am ACLS certified and I have applied all over California. I've interviewed at a couple hospitals in the Central Valley. I was even lucky enough to be interviewed at UCLA for their residency rn program. I thought that was going to be my lucky break because out of 1500+ applicants, only 80 were given interviews to the unit managers...and it was extensive because there was a phone interview..a recruiter interview..and then a unit manager interview..and a lot of waiting throughout the whole process. But *Sighs...dreams crushed...ahah. I told myself that maybe I was meant to be somewhere else for the time being...I've even applied to correctional facilities, md offices, clinics, and LTCs across the state. I've also considered the military but I've never been the athletic kind and so I have doubts that I would be a good candidate. The Air Force requires a year of acute care experience before applying to their New Nurse transition program, but the Army does not need to have any acute care experience to join but you must begin in Med-surg. At least that is what I was informed by the army recruiter. Additionally, I have been thinking about applying for endorsement to another state but I am unsure of the process and how to go about it. I've looked at some jobs outside of california and they often say they require licensure from that state. So does that mean that I have to apply for endorsement for that state before I even apply for a job? There are fees I'm sure.. Any suggestions/comments/advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!

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Oh excuse me...I meant to say regarding UCLA interviews that only 200 interviews were given and there were 80 available spots for new grads.

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Specializes in CCU, cardiac tele, NICU.

Congrats on getting an interview at UCLA - that in and of itself is pretty impressive, and you should be proud of yourself. The good news is you're getting interviews - it's just a matter of how long you want to stay in California and play the waiting game to find a job here.

I actually just moved to CA from out of state - the endorsement process is pretty easy. You go to the website of the BON in the state where you want to endorse, and the paperwork is there. For California, I just needed fingerprints, my transcripts, my license, and a $200 fee. (Grr... :)

I think whether you apply for endorsement before you apply for jobs depends on what state you're looking at. I applied for endorsement here before I started looking because the market is so tight. But you could just add a section on to your resume stating licensure, and say something like, "California license number xxxxxx, Washington (or where ever you're looking) license endorsement in progress."

I moved here from Kansas City - they're definitely hiring new grads there, if you're interested. :)

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I think your time and effort would be better spent looking for employment in other geographical areas. One year is too soon after school to make a positive difference. If recent schooling would make a difference, you would have been selected soon after completing your program.

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I think your time and effort would be better spent looking for employment in other geographical areas. One year is too soon after school to make a positive difference. If recent schooling would make a difference, you would have been selected soon after completing your program.

Hi! Thank you very much for your input=) I just figured that taking a refresher course would be helpful since I've heard some help with job placement..and while you do clinicals at the facilities networking could be achieved. I could also use a little brushing up on my clinical skills as well. I figured that it would show employers that I am still up to date knowledge/clinical practice wise even though I've been a year out of school. I will definitely heed your advice though in regards to applying in other geographical areas.

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Congrats on getting an interview at UCLA - that in and of itself is pretty impressive, and you should be proud of yourself. The good news is you're getting interviews - it's just a matter of how long you want to stay in California and play the waiting game to find a job here.

I actually just moved to CA from out of state - the endorsement process is pretty easy. You go to the website of the BON in the state where you want to endorse, and the paperwork is there. For California, I just needed fingerprints, my transcripts, my license, and a $200 fee. (Grr... :)

I think whether you apply for endorsement before you apply for jobs depends on what state you're looking at. I applied for endorsement here before I started looking because the market is so tight. But you could just add a section on to your resume stating licensure, and say something like, "California license number xxxxxx, Washington (or where ever you're looking) license endorsement in progress."

I moved here from Kansas City - they're definitely hiring new grads there, if you're interested. :)

Oh thats a good idea. I will definitely try the endorsement in progress thing. Thats my best option since money is a little tight at the moment if you can imagine =). Thanks!

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Hello,

I have been in your shoes. I got my RN lic in Feb and desperately looked for a job. I had no experience as a new nurse, and all jobs want at least 1 year experience.

So... I signed up for the flu clinic/ per diem position oh! and medical utilization review nurse position. Next I applied for camp nurse position that was very low pay. This gave me experience and something to put on my resume. JUNE STARTED CAMP NURSE POSITION...

Next,... psychiatric home health nurses seem to be in abundance out here in Georgia and I started working as a psychiatric nurse in AUGUST. ... OH!! and I have been offered a few positions doing the same thing for other agencies!

I love psychiatric...

I was just recently offered a wound care nursing position per diem... and they are going to train me!

NOW keep in mind psych nurse pays 2x more than wound care. THAT DOESN'T MATTER BECAUSE I WANT THE EXPERIENCE. I AM SO GRATEFUL AND HAPPY TO HAVE BEEN OFFERED THIS POSITION.

Keep ur head up!!!... sign up for temp jobs like med records review and flu clinics they will pretty much hire you over the phone and immediately.

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