Traveling instead of working. advice?

[birdie22]

So here's my situation:

Just graduated with a BSN in May. Already took nclex and passed. Tons of hours wasted and about 50 applications later, I'm still without a job. I've got a friend traveling in south america right now. So, I was looking to join her for about 3 months considering I dont have a job right now...and I probably will never have this opportunity to again. Once I do start working, I imagine I'll never be able to take 3 months off from work. Financially, it would a slight strain to go, but nothing that I can't handle at all.

I'm worried about getting a job when I get back. That is probably my biggest CON when weighing pro vs. con. I just don't know what to do. BUT, on the other hand, I could potentially go the next 3 months trying to find a job forgoing south america, and still not have a job. I would shoot myself if I missed this opportunity and still wasn't able to land a job. Just don't know what to do...any advice?? THANKS!

[healthstar, BSN, RN]

You deserve a vacation...you graduated. At least you tried to find a job, applied over 50 times, and not luck. since you said, "I probably will never have this opportunity to again" go and travel with your friend. Our bodies need a vacation, we need to relax a little bit....go for it and come back and search for jobs.

[saltwaterstat]

GO! you already answered your own question! ;->

[birdie22]

I guess I'm just nervous for when I get back to the US. I'll be an "old" new grad and no one will want to hire me.

[anonymurse]

Forget apps and resumes.

See your instructors and those nurses you met through clinicals to get contacts you can visit, and visit all the contacts you can.

If you don't get interviewed, you may as well go.

But if you get interviewed, tell 'em you're planning on vacationing in Latin America before starting work.

Maybe you can have your cake and eat it, too.

[April, RN, BSN, RN]

I guess I'm just nervous for when I get back to the US. I'll be an "old" new grad and no one will want to hire me.

But as you just said, you could be in that same situation even if you don't go to South America. I vote that you go!

[bluejeanbebe]

I don't know how much I could express this but: YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! Gooooooooooo!

This is mostly me, telling my 22 yr old recently graduated self from years ago, but yes, please go. I don't know your situation, but after you settle into a job, get shackled down with mortgages, bills,kids, husbands, etc etc etc; it will be about near impossible to go. If you have the means, please do.

I myself graduated and plowed straight into what I thought I was supposed to be doing: pursuing a career. It really is the only missed opportunity that I truly regret.

If anything, maybe you could volunteers somewhere in SA in the medical field? That would like fantastic on a resume I would think.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Go. Maybe things will have improved when you get back.

Take it from a 47 year old who has worked since I was 15 and do it! You only live once & when you do get a job you will not be able to do this. Have a blast!

[neatnurse30]

GO!!!! USA will still be here where it is!

[eriksoln, BSN, RN]

My first reaction was to say "GO" but I was afraid to say so, figured people would be jumping up and down on you about "Being a responsible citizen" and "Doing whatever it takes to earn your place.".

My gut tells me go ahead and go, forget those HR people for now and do what is right for you. Who knows, when you get back, things might be better. They might not be. Worst case scenario, you go and have trouble finding work when you get back. No different than what you are dealing with now.

[Gingilly]

Go. And volunteer a little while your at it. Use this on your resume. There are lots of missionary and such organizations. And while youre there learn some spanish. As a matter of fact you can state this is why you went- spanish immersion! being bilingual helps esp. on the western side of the country. I left college to travel and have been all over the world in all kinds of conditions. You really learn to deal w/ people and broaden your perspective. These are two attributes that will serve you in the nursing field. And do no t feel the need to justify your self to any one employers included. I'd take the approach that this isn't an vacation but part of your self development plan. Set yourself apart and upgrade it. And congratulations on graduating!

Jen

[ShelbyP]

Go, but be smart about going. Be open to the possibility of coming back (early) for a great job.

I believe you are still eligible for a ticket through STA travel, a student travel company. I have bought all of my abroad tickets through them and they are great about last-minute changes, and they usually sell at the best price, in my experience. Wherever you buy, shell out a couple extra bucks, if that is required, to get a ticket that is EASY to change (with minimal penalties & maximum flexibility).

You will find internet access all over the place in South America, even in rural areas. Check in periodically with hospitals/health care facility websites where you are interested in working. Keep copies of your resume on-line (in Google docs or your email or whatever), so you can keep applying to places while you are abroad. Also have a pre-written cover letter drafted (in which you can quickly sub in the name of the facility, unit, etc.) that says, "I am currently traveling /volunteering/practicing my language or nursing skills in South America, but would be happy to correspond with you via email/skype/phone and return to the US for an interview or job offer. The best way to reach me is via..."

Hope that made sense. Don't feel that just because you are going around the globe you have to loose touch with your world here. This world is becoming more and more connected every day with technology; use it to your advantage. Best of luck to you and happy travels!