What to do while I wait

[chwcbesteph, RN]

Hey all!

I'm a new grad, just took NCLEX yesterday, and I'm 33 weeks pregnant. I've made the decision to spend the summer with my kids, take a few health coaching clients, work on my small business, and relax through the rest of my pregnancy.

My plan is to start applying for acute care positions come August when my baby is born, hopefully to start in October. From an employers perspective, are there drawbacks to a prospective employee taking such a break after graduation?

Also, I'm open and willing to put some additional training under my belt (I live in a state that requires **no** CEUs) and would love some suggestions on what would be appealing to an employer, is relatively low-cost, and might be done from home.

Thanks in advance!

[msnorth]

Go ahead & get your ACLS maybe even your PALS.

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

Go ahead & get your ACLS maybe even your PALS.

I'd wait on ACLS and PALS. They can't be done from home and you will have to pay for them out of pocket. If they are required for your job, your hospital will pay for them. I know you said your state doesn't require them, but there are some good CEU courses out there that you could do to keep you fresh with your information that are free:)

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

In my part of the country, hospitals are very reluctant to hire any new grad that has had a lapse of 6 months or more since graduation - based on their hiring experiences. But in your case, you will have a logical rationale for postponing employment, so this may not affect you.

I agree with the advice - don't bother with ACLS, PALS, etc. If these certifications are required, they will be included as part of your onboarding. In the meantime, is there some sort of volunteer 'nursing' activity in which you could become involved? Maybe helping with first-aid at a Fun Run, BP screening at church, etc? This would help fill in the 'white space' on your resume.