Should I take Refresher Course?New Grad can't find job....in CA..

[elprup, BSN, RN]

If you look back at my posts it's been a crazy year since graduating with my BSN May 08.

I found a training program that is designed to introduce nurses to emergency nursing/critical care and is appropriate for new grads. Do you think it would be a wise investment to pay and attend such a class? It's about 10 days and about $1000. I have done everything else to obtain employment (100's of applications, talk to managers, moved twice, thank you notes, SNF's, LTC's etc) and want to keep on learning so that I can get that job when it arrives. I also feel that it would be a good class because I feel my BSN did not prepare me well skillwise. Also, I am going to apply at my local rural hospital, employment would be on their med-surg floor or ER. I think this would help me feel "more ready"?

Any advice? Thanks.

[86toronado, BSN, RN]

It can't hurt, but it is a lot of money. Can you talk to your local hospital first, and see if they would offer you a job without it?

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

Why pay for something that they are going to run you through as part of your preservice after you get hired?

[NC Girl BSN]

I wouldn't do it quite yet. Have you tried walking on to unit of hospital floors and giving your resume and cover letter. Try that and see what happens.

[elprup, BSN, RN]

Yes I have been to floors handing out resumes, but thank you for advice. In regards to Refresher Course, I am going to apply at the local tiny hospital and I was thinking it would help me feel more comfortable with Med Surg, since that will be where I'll be put. I also realize that rural hospitals rarely have structured new grad orientation (as I experienced in the recent past) and thought a critical care refresher would help me with skills, priority, etc that I do not have completely down yet. But then again, why spend the money if they are going to teach me? Thank you for your points of view. Next step is to apply at local hosp and go from there. Thanks guys and girls.

Love this site.

[NC Girl BSN]

Yes I have been to floors handing out resumes, but thank you for advice. In regards to Refresher Course, I am going to apply at the local tiny hospital and I was thinking it would help me feel more comfortable with Med Surg, since that will be where I'll be put. I also realize that rural hospitals rarely have structured new grad orientation (as I experienced in the recent past) and thought a critical care refresher would help me with skills, priority, etc that I do not have completely down yet. But then again, why spend the money if they are going to teach me? Thank you for your points of view. Next step is to apply at local hosp and go from there. Thanks guys and girls.

Love this site.

I am in a new grad program and trust me its not all that. We meet 2 x a year and go over critical thinking stuff and stress management and watching videos on the way new nurses perform vs experienced nurses perform but its not what I thought it was gonna be. If you can't get into a new grad program, its not the end of the world. The training you get on the unit is what counts the most.Good Luck to you. I hear its super touch to get a job in Cali. Too much competition. Keep us posted if you find something.

[mzjennx, BSN, RN]

im sorry it is taking a long time for you. $1000 is a lot. its great to continue learning, but is this the field you want to pursue? did you exhaust all efforts of finding a job. some of my classmates have considered military nursing and/or applying at military hospitals. is there a military hospital in your area. how about agency nursing? some of my classmates have even tried working as a aide or ward clerk just to get their foot in the door. this could help because the unit and nurse manager gets to know you and they could offer a RN job to you afterwards. i hope this helps!