What to do before job starts???

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Specializes in pediatrics, oncology.

I graduated with my BSN in August and passed my boards in October, but my job doesn't start till May, so I am trying to figure out what to do until then. I have to relocate so I will probably move in April. That leaves about 4 months. It's scary that my first nursing job won't start until 9 months after I graduated from nursing school. I already feel like I am forgetting everything I learned! Does anyone have any suggestions for what I can do until my job starts? I've been working as a nanny and would like to continue with that, but I think I need something in addition to that. Any ideas?

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I would get out some of my books, particularly NCLEX review books, and casually do some review. Spend some time on med calculations just in case they give you a med math test when you start. You don't want to be embarassed if you can prevent failing a test. Other than that, work on your healthy living routine. Proper eating, rest, and exercise can help you withstand the new nurse stress that you are likely to encounter. Glad to see you got a job and good luck as you prepare to start.

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Specializes in NICU.

I am sort of in the same boat as you. I graduated in May and am not starting my first nursing job until January- which is a huge 8 month gap! During my gap I just kept reviewing my NCLEX study books because I felt like I was going to lose everything as well. Then once I got my job and knew which unit I would be on I bought a book specific to that unit to start studying and prepare for it.

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Specializes in pediatrics, oncology.

That sounds like a really good idea. I'm going to look for some pediatric critical care books to start reviewing. Thanks for the suggestion! What kind of unit will you be starting on? Have you been working part time at all since you graduated?

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Specializes in NICU.

I will be working in the NICU.. which I'm extremely excited about because it's exactly where I wanted to be! So I have 2 NICU books that I've been reading through to prepare myself since I don't really know much about the NICU (I only got to have 2 observational days in the NICU during clinicals.. but from those 2 days I knew it was where I wanted to be).

As for a part time job. I have had a part time job (with full time hours) as a WAITRESS. Yes, a waitress. But it was the only job I could get in the meantime that I could pay my bills with. It was so frustrating to have my nursing license and be waiting tables and dealing with people yelling at me about their food :banghead: But you gotta do what you gotta do. Everything is finally coming together for me because I FINALLY start next month!

But on the bright side- the time FLEW by. It really doesn't feel like it's been almost 8 months since I graduated. So keep yourself occupied and time will fly for you too I'm sure.

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Specializes in L&D/Maternity nursing.

hey waitressing is good, quick money. It is often stressful, but its nothing to be ashamed of. Plus, its just temporary. Just keep telling yourself that.

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Specializes in NICU Level III.

pass nclex, read a little about your specialty and RELAX!!

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Specializes in pediatrics, oncology.
pass nclex, read a little about your specialty and RELAX!!

Passed NCLEX already. :)

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Specializes in ER.

Just curious, but why do so many people seem to have a prolonged gap between graduation and starting a job? In Texas, we have jobs about a month into our last semester that start the month following graduation. Just wondering if other states are different...

Thanks,

Yang

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Specializes in pediatrics, oncology.
Just curious, but why do so many people seem to have a prolonged gap between graduation and starting a job? In Texas, we have jobs about a month into our last semester that start the month following graduation. Just wondering if other states are different...

Thanks,

Yang

For me it's because the state in which I was looking for a job is pretty much on a hiring freeze, and I didn't expect it to be as difficult as it has been to get a job.

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Specializes in ER.

Wow! That stinks - so are you having to relocate out of state? I thought the "nursing shortage" was pretty widespread. I'm glad you found a job! Hang in there and just try to keep it fresh through NCLEX review or reading things specific to the your department that you'll be in!

Good Luck!

Yang

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Specializes in pediatrics, oncology.

Yes, I am moving out of state. But I was going to anyway. Just had a different state in mind. :) That's okay though.

Thank you!

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