Unable to find nursing position 4yrs post graduation

Nurses Job Hunt

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I graduated almost 4 yrs ago and every interview they say we cant hire you due to lack of experience,, how am I suppose to get experience if they wont hire me??? Im worried about loosing my license bc I cant work

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Specializes in Medical/Oncology.

Look outside of hospital nursing and into LTC, rehab, or clinic, per diem work, etc. Or maybe consider moving to a different state? You can try your luck at my hospital, St. Alexius, in ND which is always actively hiring new grads, including ASN.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

And you cannot 'loose' your license by not working. You have not provided many details about your Job Search. What ypes of positions have you been applying for?

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.
And you cannot 'loose' your license by not working.

Actually, in some states you can.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
Actually, in some states you can.

Really? did not know that!

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Specializes in hospice.

You still can't loose it, as in let it out to run free. You could, however, possibly lose it.

Four years is a LONG time. I'll believe anyone can honestly struggle to find employment for 6, 9, even 12 months. But not 4 years. How are you pursuing jobs? What are you applying to? What are you NOT applying to? How far have you thrown the net?

The only person I ever knew who was unemployed for multiple years chose that, because she got comfortable living on unemployment. Until it ran out. You don't want to know how the story ends.

Tell us how you've been looking and maybe we can help you do it better.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

She won't LOOSE her license in any state for ANY reason however...

Actually, in some states you can.
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Specializes in ICU.

You might have to take a refresher course. Do that, and maybe some opportunities will open up for you.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
You might have to take a refresher course. Do that, and maybe some opportunities will open up for you.

I have to agree: you're so far out of the game at this point, that a refresher course may be your best way back in.

Also, be sure to check with your state BON see what you need to do to keep your license current if you're not working. Lots of nurses have difficulty finding work and can still maintain their license...but you need to do what the BON needs you to do.

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Specializes in Surgery.

She may 'lose' it but not 'loose' it

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Specializes in Dialysis.

I'm amazed at the amount of new grads, and nurses in general, who say that they can't find a job, willing to relocate, yada-yada-yada. I have multiple nurse openings where I work and not one applicant! And no, it's not horrible. Just LTC. But everyone wants days, M-F, no weekends or holidays. If I had anyone come in the door without any major issues (legal probs or other things that make hiring a risk), I would give them a chance.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

After four years without any work experience your education is going to be viewed as too obsolete when compared to more recent new grads. You will need to get into a refresher course and perhaps get some help from the school's counselors on how to do a resume, apply and interview. You may also have to be willing to take a job that isn't your first choice, a shift you would prefer not to and/or to move to where the jobs are. Four years is rather difficult to believe. It would help to know what all you have done to find work. How are you supporting yourself?

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