What extra certification classes and/or Nurse associations should a new RN grad join.

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Howdy folks,

I've been trying to figure this out for a while but I am not getting much luck. I graduated in December 2009. I also passed the board exam 2 weeks ago and have been looking around for jobs with no luck. I figured that if I take some certification classes this might help my resume and hopefully get an interview. I am taking an ACLS class in two weeks. I was wondering if there was any other certification classes that you can suggest that I take. I noticed from looking that there are a bunch and they cost a lot of money. I also wanted to join some Nursing Associations but not sure which ones I should join. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! :)

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Specializes in Medical surgical.

EKG, ACLS, BLS, CPR, any nursing assoc. of your choice. They are hiring new grads in the state of new york, at Vassar Bros. hosp., poughkeepsie, n.y. Look on indeed.com, monster .com.

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

Join an association that is appropriate to the specialty you want to practice in. There are associations for most of the different specialties. Once you join, attend meetings and get involved in the local chapter. Hopefully, by hanging around with people in your chosen specialty you will make some useful contacts that might lead to job opportunities, etc. Of course the ANA (arguably) is a good place to start for keeping your finger on the pulse of what is happening in nursing in general.

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Specializes in M/S Short Stay/TCU.

This is very helpful information to know. I am a new RN with a BSN Degree and I am looking into obtaining cert. as well. In addition, i am interested in Perioperative Nursing... :)

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Thank you sunrock & taketwoaspirin. These were really helpful.

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Specializes in Medical surgical.

cpr, ekg, acls like you said, bls,:uhoh3::grn:

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Thanks I was wondering the same thing

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, ED, Nurse Instructor,.

It depends on what floor you planning on working. now if you planning on working on telemetry, stepdown, intermediate, any of the ICU's...yes you should take ACLS, EKG, Critical Care Course, and even 12 lead EKG. Now all nurses have to take BLS regardless what floor you work. If you decide to work on a med-surg floor only. Please careful what you take because you can be pulled to other units if you take extra classes that the floor you work do not require. Just a thought.

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It depends on what floor you planning on working. now if you planning on working on telemetry, stepdown, intermediate, any of the ICU's...yes you should take ACLS, EKG, Critical Care Course, and even 12 lead EKG. Now all nurses have to take BLS regardless what floor you work. If you decide to work on a med-surg floor only. Please careful what you take because you can be pulled to other units if you take extra classes that the floor you work do not require. Just a thought.

Thanks for this info. I am really interested in Telemetry, ICU/CCU, Oncology, NICU, OB and maybe ER. But my first choice right now would definitely be Telemetry or OB. I spent a lot of clinical rotation in telemetry units and I really enjoyed it. Don't really want to go to Med-Surg but I will take any job that I can right now. Beggars can't be choosers. LOL.

I've been looking around a couple of the job postings and noticed that u basically need a minimum of BLS and ACLS for the majority of the positions. I already took ACLS last week, will be taking PALS this Friday and then I'm shooting for the EKG the following week. These classes cost a lot but I think they're worth the investment.

Critical Care Course and 12 Lead EKG? Haven't looked for those yet. Hope this helps me get a job. It's really hard for new grads right now. :nurse:

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Specializes in M/S Short Stay/TCU.

I think obtaining certifications is a great idea.... I am glad that I found this thread... I will be starting a position part time at a LTC facility as a New Grad RN next Monday... They are going to IV cert me as well. I think I will do the same after I am IV cert... I will get the ACLS, PALS, etc. Thanks for the tips.. Maybe this will boost my chances of getting other Nursing opportunities esp in this job market...:D I am sooo interested in getting into a Perioperative Nurse Intern Position...:)

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, ED, Nurse Instructor,.
Thanks for this info. I am really interested in Telemetry, ICU/CCU, Oncology, NICU, OB and maybe ER. But my first choice right now would definitely be Telemetry or OB. I spent a lot of clinical rotation in telemetry units and I really enjoyed it. Don't really want to go to Med-Surg but I will take any job that I can right now. Beggars can't be choosers. LOL.

I've been looking around a couple of the job postings and noticed that u basically need a minimum of BLS and ACLS for the majority of the positions. I already took ACLS last week, will be taking PALS this Friday and then I'm shooting for the EKG the following week. These classes cost a lot but I think they're worth the investment.

Critical Care Course and 12 Lead EKG? Haven't looked for those yet. Hope this helps me get a job. It's really hard for new grads right now. :nurse:

Yes it will help you and make sure you place them on your resume. Good luck!!!:up:

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Thank you, several years later this still helps me.

Dee

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