Settling for less

Published

I'm getting desperate! I graduated in 12/2009 with an ADN, I've been licensed for 8 months & am still looking for work. I got my 1st interview a couple months ago & have had only one other since. I know others have been looking for way longer & some people's situations are way worse than mine. However, I'm not being picky & am willing to travel/relocate (actually would love to relocate) and don't understand why it's taking so long.

I understand that I ONLY have my associate's, I'm not part of any nursing orgs & I haven't taken ACLS/PALS (yet!). I want to do all of that but I need to make nursing $$$. I by no means went into nursing for the money, but being a nurse is expensive!

So, my question to you is...Should I take a job as a PCA/nursing assistant or something lesser than RN? I had a professor advise against it in nursing school but I'm itching to get back to patient care! Please help!:confused:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

Check into the laws in your state. Some states do not allow an RN to work as a CNA.

Are you applying to all areas of nursing? Home health, long term care, skilled rehab, even correctional facilities? Since the summer is approaching, try applying to summer camps that have nurses on staff. Also, apply even to positions that require experience, not only new grad positions.

Have you had someone review your resume? Having someone with business experience or (ideally) a nurse recruiter make changes to your resume can help it stand out. Follow up applications with phone calls, or drop off applications in person, if possible. Include a well written cover letter with each application.

See if you can get in touch with a hiring agency for some help. Contact friends, family, old instructors, etc to try to find connections or "ins" at hospitals. Make sure that you have good professional references.

In the meantime, you can try to find a job as a tech or aide, if allowed. You can also do some volunteer work to meet some people and hopefully make an impression.

Good luck.

Ashley

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thx Ashley! I've tried everywhere. I actually got hired at a camp but I can't afford to go b/c my current job just cut hrs & camp don't pay until the end. Anyway, I'm not big on networking. I'm very shy & none of my fam has any medical connections (we hardly even go to the Dr.).

One good thing about the cut is now I have the time to fill out apps in-person & make phone calls.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Postpartum, Adult ICU.

One of the best things you can do is volunteer. You can rarely volunteer as an RN, but affiliation with an organization (specifically a hospital you're interested in) is huge and when employers look at your resume, I was told (it took me 8 months to find a job after graduation) that they want to know how you've been spending your time "off". Unfortunately, it's hard when you still need money to survive!!! But I ended up volunteering as a nurse educator for a non-profit and it eventually led to a paid position (not to mention an eventual non-related acute care job).

Good luck to you! That was one of the most emotionally trying times of my ENTIRE life. Just know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Ashley

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion