Sorta New Grad refresher course

[RNSmif79]

Ok, so I graduated in May 09, and it's been 8 months of no work. It's a long story from having a baby 5 days after graduating, then moving from TX to NJ, BUT I have my NJ license, applied for every possible position, interviewed, went for a career fair, emailed recruiters, called recruiters...etc etc etc. Anyways no luck. I was thinking of taking a refresher course in May because I really forget a lot already. Plus I see that there are clinical hours which would introduce me into the hospital setting...which MAY lead to a possible position..right? These schools say I can take it, BUT most of the ppl taking them are nurses who have been out of the game for several years. I want to make myself more marketable, and so at this point I'm going to try everything I can from getting certified in whatever I can to possibly taking this course.

Any thoughts or ideas? I've even looked into volunteering, and retirement communities, but noone wants me. I wish I knew getting an RN job as a new grad would be this difficult..I might not have wasted, yes WASTED years of my life.

[ddash24]

Hey I understand your feelings exactly. I’m a 2005 grad but I’m a military member who has been deployed overseas in a non-nursing role. I’ve just pass Nclex in Dec 09 and the job hunting is crazy. I’ve been online job hunting, going to job fairs and calling nursing recruiters. I’m hearing from many recruiters that hospitals are looking for experience nursing so they can put them straight to work. The one thing you must do is NOT GIVE UP. Your year of school has not been for nothing. I won’t take a refresher course yet. Use the money for the refresher course and get your ACLS or PALS. I still have a full military commitment so full time nursing is not in my immediate future. Keep your head up.

[NurseEducator]

I agree that I would try some other options first before thinking of refresher. I am sure you have applied already for Internships? I know they are very limited in this economy. What about LTACHs. These are long term acute care hospitals and is a good way to get in the door and get some experience. I am not familiar with your area but, Mariner is one corporation, Select Speciality is another, and Triumph that we have here. You might try looking on the state health dept site as they have to accredit all hospitals. Also, look at urban county hospitals as well as some small rural hospitals. It is worth even an hour's drive for a year to get some experience. At you may like that pace. Stay encouraged, reread MedSurg books and good luck!

[sraphael]

i graduated in May of 2008. I am thinking about a refresher course. However, i am tired of spending money since i don't have a job.

[nursingreview]

in my opinion, taaking refresher course is too expensive, but if you have money, you ca try

[NurseEducator]

I know when you are not working money is an issue but, wanted to remind you guys in this situation that programs like ours that are acredited often are certified by the Worksource/Unemployment Dept in your state and they will often pay for your course, books, and other expenses. This will help you get back to work and that is what they do. Especially, if you can get an employer to tell you in writing/email that is what you need. Good luck!