Taking office (paperwork) job straight out of school

[mrd2689a]

Hello fellow nurses,

I just graduated with a BSN in Puerto Rico. I am licensed in Puerto Rico as well as Colorado, and despite a terrible economy, terrible pay, and very few jobs, I am trying to stay here in PR for a bit because my girlfriend only has nine or so months left in school.

There are so few jobs here on the island that I'm doubting whether I'll be able to get one. And I'm a very resourceful person.

I was wondering if I was able to get an office job (that required a nursing degree), such as auditing medical records, just for example, what this be a really bad idea for a new gradute in regards to the future? Could I not just do my 9 months or so and then get my "first nursing job in the states" afterwards? Or would future employers punish me for going this route? Is there anything else that I am missing?

Thank you all for your brainstorming and your input! I'm looking foward to reading your responses.

[Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM]

Yes, that would be a mistake. You are underestimating how difficult the transition is and frankly, I would NEVER hire a new grad with zero experience to audit charts. You do not have anywhere near the knowledge you need to audit a job you haven't even had yet.

[mrd2689a]

Hi Jory,

Thank you for responding. I think that you misunderstood me.... I just wrote about auditing as an example. I wasn't referring to a real or specific job offer. I'm not sure what "paper" jobs there are in this Puerto Rican market, but I'm just trying to open myself to all the possibilities.

Assuming that I worked in something (not auditing!!!) for a bit less than a year, what do you think about what would "happen with me" afterwards? Is this the transition that you were reffering to??

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I know how important it is to begin earning some money... any job is better than no job, right? But if your only 'experience' is non-clinical, it won't look good to prospective employers at all. As an 'old grad', you probably won't be eligible for any type of transition program (e.g., residency) and in many hospitals, this is the only way in for inexperienced nurses.

Best of luck to you - you're a good guy for making your GF a priority.

[mrd2689a]

Thank you HouTx, I appreciate the advice a lot!

Judging by your username, I wouldn't doubt that you live and/or work in Houston? Coincidentally, I am most considering TX as my state to move to after my stay here in PR! I don't know anyone that lives there really but I have heard good things in general. What do you think about nursing in Houston, or nursing in Texas in general?

P.S. So you know..... you convinced me! I had a feeling that could could be the case, but I wanted to see what the citizens had to say! So thanks again!