Soon to be new grad RN in California, how to be competitive candidate, certifications?

[puplover18]

Hello, I am currently a nursing student in Nebraska and work as a tech on a cardiac progressive care unit. Unfortunately, I got kind of screwed and didn't get CVICU for preceptorship but I am on a Heart & Vascular Unit that is considered med/surg tele, but also takes pt with LVAD's, heart and lung transplants, art lines, drips, temp pacemakers, chest tubes, fresh CABG's from CVICU, etc. I'm apply to different places in California that I hear are very competitive. What can I do to become more competitive? I think I'll get my ACLS in November, but what other certifications can I get as a nursing student? Anything specific on resume? Organizations (currently a member of Sigma Theta Tau)? Any feedback really appreciated!

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

In general certifications are a reflection of experience and expertise. As a new grad, you have none of that, so there aren't any certifications for you to get - yet. Once you have a couple of years under your belt you will be qualified to sit for a certification exam.

Good luck in your job search!

[yournurse]

I’m glad you’re being proactive! This floor sounds like a Progressive care unit, like a step down from ICU. To be PCCN certified, you have to spend certain hours on the unit or have worked there for about a year. Check their requirements. I always have my PALS, BLS and ACLS active. It doesn’t hurt to have your NIHSS either, it’s free online. As for being competitive, that’s true but you also have to take initiative. If you want to get in a training program in the ICU, look up the manager, send him/her your resume, and show how much you really want the job! Hope that helps

[MyAimIsTrue, BSN]

My advice is to not come to California until you have experience. Even with extra certifications, Sigma, internships, etc, new grads have a very difficult time finding their first jobs here. I'm one of them.

[Golden_RN, MSN]

If you come to CA with no experience, be prepared to look for work outside of typical acute care hospitals (LTC, ambulatory care, perhaps psych). If you can stay in NE and get experience, I would do that.

[Sour Lemon]

GPA seems to be a factor in saturated areas of California.

I agree that it might be better to get experience before moving here. The California BON is mega-slow, too.

If you do move here as a new graduate, make sure you have somewhere to live and money to pay the bills for a good amount of time. It's brutal and expensive.