will ACLS help me get that job?

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I am a new RN, graduated in June. I've worked for 3 months in a hospital, but was let go because of budgets. I have submitted close to 40 applications since September, and have had three interviews. My former DNS told me many facilities cannot hire now, but are accepting applications so when they can hire, the applications are already there.

I graduated with my ADN, and am currently completing my BSN online. What else can I do to make my application more appealing? I am slowly studying for my ACLS. Would ACLS and PALS make me more appealing over another candidate for an acute care RN position? Should I perhaps look at private duty nursing to supplement my strangling budget?

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Specializes in Trauma ICU, Peds ICU.

Most places that require ACLS will opt to retrain you in in post-hire anyways. So, if you're strapped for cash, it's not a great investment.

If you can afford it though, having it won't hurt.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Having ACLS has helped me get interviews--one NM told me that my getting it showed initiative. Did it land me the job? I'll never know: I accepted the offer with the place that didn't care that I had ACLS. Would I bank on ACLS getting me a job as a new grad? Not in this market.

So like Mike said: if you can afford to take it, it's not a bad thing to do. If you can't, don't kill yourself trying to pay for it.

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