What did you do after nursing school graduation?

Nurses New Nurse

Published

Hello and happy holidays. I've just graduated nursing school a week ago and now preparing for state boards. After graduation what did you do? Did you take some time off? Did you work? Did you begin applying for jobs? Everyone's answer is different, and I'm curious to see them all. Thanks. :-)

I got drunk and took the summer off and traveled. First place I went was France. Halfway through I went to Italy. I ended my summer vacation in Bali and came back home and laid around for a week, sleeping off my travels.

Then I went and found a job. Finally!

I highly recommend taking an extended break/vacation before beginning your nursing career. You'll have your whole lie to work. Reward yourself with some me time first. You've earned it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I got a job

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med-surg, IMC, school nursing, NICU.

Immediately following:

Went to dinner with my family.

Went to my friend's house and got drunk.

Recorded a video of myself whilst cutting my horrific clinical uniform to shreds.

1-2 Weeks after:

Hung out on campus for 2 weeks while attending my mandatory NCLEX review with my classmates/friends/teammates/partners in crime.

3 Weeks after:

Had right ACL reconstruction surgery

Following several months:

Went to PT, took painkillers, studied for the boards, hounded the BON for my ATT, cried while my classmates got licensed and found gainful employment.

I eventually got my ATT and took my NCLEX. It took forever, NJ's BON is notoriously bad and slow. Then it was the holidays and I found a job the January after I graduated.

Unconventional, to say the least.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Women's Health, LTC.

I got a job right away, as a graduate nurse, took NCLEX within 14 days, passed, and kept on working! Had to start paying off the credit cards and loans as soon as I could.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

got a job

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I had to go to a wedding two days later, then had minor surgery the day after my return, then had a shingles outbreak on my back during recovery. Fun times.

That took up about 3 weeks post-graduation, during which I didn't really do any job hunting or serious studying for the NCLEX. After I was feeling better, I started the study sessions and job hunt in earnest.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I graduated two weeks ago! I have been car shopping (my car was totaled on the way to pinning rehearsal), job hunting, and studying for NCLEX as of today (got my ATT yesterday).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I had already applied and been hired for my position (pending NCLEX passage) before graduation. I graduated, went on a two week vacation to the UK, studied a little for the NCLEX, finally got permission to take the test, passed NCLEX and then started the job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I graduated two weeks ago! I have been car shopping (my car was totaled on the way to pinning rehearsal), job hunting, and studying for NCLEX as of today (got my ATT yesterday).

Congratulations on graduating! And I'm so sorry to hear about your car. I hope everyone was ok!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

In the few weeks following graduation sent out several job applications, started interviewing for jobs, and got a couple of offers, I studied for the NCLEX and also took a fun camping trip. I also spent a fair amount of time cleaning my apartment, going out with friends, and getting back to some of my hobbies that had been neglected during my practicum time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment