What do (did) you do during the gap between graduation and your first job

[sourapril]

Just want to see what everyone's plan is besides studying for NCLEX.:)

Also, if you don't have a CNA job or other jobs already, what else can you do for a few months during the gap? I plan to volunteer.

[Twinmom06, ASN, APN]

worked FT as an aide for a few weeks - this is my last week of work and then I start orientation on 6/24...money's really tight and now I wish I started orientation sooner!

[kalevra, BSN, RN]

Lose weight

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

I was lucky. I graduated in May. I had my job lined up in March before. I started my job one week after graduation.

[megank5183]

Freaked out about having to actually get a real job!

[SummitRN, BSN, RN]

I traveled a lot...

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Just want to see what everyone's plan is besides studying for NCLEX.:)

Also, if you don't have a CNA job or other jobs already, what else can you do for a few months during the gap? I plan to volunteer.

I had a four month gap between my date of hire and my start date because I was relocating. I obtained certification for Non Violent Crisis Intervention which was three months long.

[loriangel14, RN]

I had ten days off and then I wrote my exam.The next week I started working.I just studied and slept.

[SC APRN, DNP, APRN, NP]

I have 2 months between graduation and orientation. Studying for NCLEX, working 1 shift a week, taking two RN-BSN classes, then a two week vacation.

[mortalol]

i had 3 months, so... vacation!

[tots24]

I got a temporary full time job in the infant room at a daycare. I wanted to work in peds, so it seemed like a good way to get some baby experience in while studying my developmental milestones!

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

I applied for jobs and studied for NCLEX during the gap. Thought that was what everyone did. Oh, I also went on a vacation to the bahamas after graduation.

[JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP]

Finished the accelerated RN program in August 2010. Got my ATT 3 weeks later. Tested at the first available opportunity, passed in Sept 2010. Then I spend the next 6 months applying, reworking my resume, going to job fairs, going to interviews, volunteering, more volunteering, I took a (low-paying) job caring for a little boy with multiple disabilities, then after another round of unsuccessful RN job applications, gave it up and applied to grad school. Started grad school in June 2011, finished in December 2012. Started applying as soon as classes were done. Passed PNCB in March 2013. Spent the next few months applying, interviewing, started my first NP job in May 2013.