Start or Wait?

[Yayamaya, RN]

I am so CONFUSED!! Please feel free to move this post if it fits better in another forum.

I graduated this month from an ADN program in Colorado and will take my NCLEX sometime end of Jan. It appears as if my husband will be relocated to S. California sometime in early June.

My dilemma is what to do between Feb-May? I do have an opportunity to begin a New Grad program at a local hospital but it would require signing a 2 year contract. I could not ethically do this knowing I would be leaving.

Any position I take would require training and a lengthy preceptor ship....only to have to quit in a few months. But do I start anyways just to get some experience under my belt????

The other option is concentrate on finding something in LA beginning in June?

But how would that long an absence or period of time look on a resume? Would that put me at a disadvantage when interviewing?

I would so appreciate any advice.

Many thanks

[JustMe]

Take a deep breath! Maybe it's an opportunity to enjoy some time off after all that hard work. After all, Feb-May isn't all that long. Take the time to find out if, in fact, you will need to move. It sounds as if it's not set in stone. If the move becomes a reality then start researching facilities in So. Calif, especially those that have new grad programs. When you interview for a job, if the question comes up about the lag time, be honest. Employers are surprisingly understanding when you are honest with them. Also take the time to keep up your skills--go back to your Skills Lab on campus and ask for help in keeping your skills honed. If you're not interferring with on-campus students I'm sure the instructor would accomodate you. Or volunteer to tutor the nursing students. Schools are strapped now and can use the volunteer help. These activities will impress a potential employer and help them realize you are serious about being the best nurse possible even if not immediately employed after the NCLEX.

Good Luck!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

with a move coming up you could use that extra time. I recommend you get your license, find out what it takes to get a license in CA, concentrate on your family right now and when the time gets closer, look into jobs in that area. If you cannot afford not to work then talk to hospitals and nursing homes about your situation.

[FLmomof5]

One other alternative...

Find your job in CA and then let him follow you!

[Blackheartednurse]

I would start. I'm a May 2009 grad and everytime I have been on an interview I have to explain myself what have I done to keep up with my skills since I havent been working as a nurse. Not to mention the job marker in Cali is bad,do you have your BSN or ADN,I think BSN and a good GPA would help you tremendously in getting into a new grad program in California since these programs tend to competitive.