So what have you been doing since you graduated?

[prinsessa]

I have heard this from several interviewers. Obviously I have been looking for a job. I graduated in May 09 and haven't been able to find a nursing job. Most of the time they understand when I explain that the economy is bad and most places are only looking for experienced nurses. I just wonder if they think that I spent the summer in Cancun instead of desperately looking for a job. I also wonder if they think I failed NCLEX several times. I mention that I passed NCLEX in June but is there any way for them to really know that? Could they see how long my license has been active? They just seem a little surprised that I have been a RN for about 7 months and haven't worked as a nurse yet. Trust me....it isn't by choice! So how do I discuss this during an interview? Thanks!

[elkpark]

I know that, in my state, the BON licensure verification feature shows the original date -- month and day, not just the year -- that the license was issued (so potential employers, if they got to the point of verifying your license, would see that your license was issued shorly after graduation). I don't know if that's true in every state, though.

I don't see that there's really any problem with discussing in interviews that you've been looking but haven't found a job yet. That's not an uncommon experience for new grads at this particular time! I imagine that their asking the question and reaction (surprise) is more habit than anything else -- I wouldn't read too much into it.

[Blackheartednurse]

I can share my experience,for what ever it is worth..so here it goes...when I was interviewing for my current job (tele floor) I definitely was asked the dreaded question "So what have you been doing for those long 6 months since you graduated" I was caught off guard with this question since it was the very first time I had an interviewier asked me this..mind you I previously had 3 other interviews. But I told that truth...I said I read a lot about nursing...I used my books,internet as reviewing material...I also said that I keep practicing blood pressure on my family members,pulse I know doesnt sounds as good as if some else would have told them "I was doing flu shots" or I was volunterring at the free clinic or I was doing home health care..Luckily my manager and supervisor was was compassionate and understanding and decided to give me a chance anyway..so with all honesty if someone wants to hire you they will regardless..with that said I would never tell the manager that I spend my off work time partying in Cancun,rather I would say that I was reviewing nursing material,stuff like that.