Recent grads hang in there...

5 FINALLY! After almost 2 years, my hubby (a 2009 BSN grad) has been offered a nursing position! It's been a loooong road...

May 2009- graduated BSN
August 2009- failed NCLEX with 265 questions
October 2009- got married!- yeah, we like to cram all of life's big events together, makes it more exciting
January 1 2010- passed NCLEX with 75 questions
January-May 2010- submitted a bunch of applications to all major hospitals, not even a callback
May 2010- offered a RN night position at a rehab/LTC
June-August 2010- worked fulltime nights with 40 patients and no orientation. Had panic attacks. Eventually quit after 8 weeks
August 2010 to December 2010- a bunch more applications filled out. Resume looks even worse due to only 8 weeks at rehab. One interview at another rehab. No offer.
January 2011- 2 interviews! 1 rejection letter, and 1 job offer! Offer accepted as of yesterday!!!!!

Of course this position is almost an hour drive away. Per diem weekends, nights and evenings. 8 hour shifts. Locked psych unit (hey, he's over 6 feet and 250 pounds-- i wonder why they chose to take a chance on him... ) But it's a NURSING JOB!!!! And they are even giving him an orientation. Praying that this one works out for him! I'm so nervous that they will call and say "oops, we changed our mind, we actually don't want to hire you". Do hospitals ever do that? LOL

If not, our plan B is to move to California, live on the beach, and sell necklaces.
Congrats to him! He was wise to quit his first job. Just think how much worse it would have been if he had a bad patient outcome and lost his license or worse at the first job. I am one that will always support anyone who feels that they must get out of an unsafe situation ASAP. People come on this board and ask "should I quit" when they've got a no-win situation going at some crappy job it took a year to get. I think that your common sense goes out the window when you are over the barrel and need a job. But, you gotta always remember, nursing isn't just like any other job!!!! You are licensed, and will be held accountable no matter what kind of mess your employer has you in. When you are hauled in front of the BON, or in front of a jury nobody is going to understand or care for you other than the fact that YOU made a mistake and it had to do with someone's health. You will always look bad.

"People come on this board and ask "should I quit" when they've got a no-win situation going at some crappy job it took a year to get"It was such a hard decision for him. He felt like a failure, and like he was letting me down...and after that experience we're nervous about any offer --- "what if..." you know? This unit is very small with 12 patients- he may be the only RN but there will be experienced LPNs working with him. I keep telling him- worst case scenario- it's 12, not 40!

Thank you for sharing this.....it is very inspiring. Getting through school and becoming a seasoned RN is no cakewalk. Some people seriously underestimate it...they figure once they pass NCLEX its over....not even close.

Quote from ProBeeRN If not, our plan B is to move to California, live on the beach, and sell necklaces.

I loved reading your story and your words of encouragement for all the new grads out there. I hope the new grads and older new grads will find comfort in your post and keep trying!

I vote for plan B! Seriously, though, good job! I don't know where you all live, but it's tough in Washington State too.

Quote from ProBeeRNFINALLY! After almost 2 years, my hubby (a 2009 BSN grad) has been offered a nursing position! It's been a loooong road...May 2009- graduated BSNAugust 2009- failed NCLEX with 265 questionsOctober 2009- got married!- yeah, we like to cram all of life's big events together, makes it more exciting January 1 2010- passed NCLEX with 75 questionsJanuary-May 2010- submitted a bunch of applications to all major hospitals, not even a callbackMay 2010- offered a RN night position at a rehab/LTCJune-August 2010- worked fulltime nights with 40 patients and no orientation. Had panic attacks. Eventually quit after 8 weeksAugust 2010 to December 2010- a bunch more applications filled out. Resume looks even worse due to only 8 weeks at rehab. One interview at another rehab. No offer.January 2011- 2 interviews! 1 rejection letter, and 1 job offer! Offer accepted as of yesterday!!!!!Of course this position is almost an hour drive away. Per diem weekends, nights and evenings. 8 hour shifts. Locked psych unit (hey, he's over 6 feet and 250 pounds-- i wonder why they chose to take a chance on him... ) But it's a NURSING JOB!!!! And they are even giving him an orientation. Praying that this one works out for him! I'm so nervous that they will call and say "oops, we changed our mind, we actually don't want to hire you". Do hospitals ever do that? LOLIf not, our plan B is to move to California, live on the beach, and sell necklaces.

Thank you for sharing with us.I am believing before I see it for a breakthrough that I know God will provide for me.I just need a chance to show what I am capable of as a newly nurse with a lot of passion..I wish the best to everyoneGod Bless!!!"Its your time"thank you Lord Jesus....

Quote from BellaRoseRNI vote for plan B! Seriously, though, good job! I don't know where you all live, but it's tough in Washington State too.

Thanks so much for your post!! It's great to hear that there are really jobs out there! It could be a bridge to get to the next level, but it is a start. I wanted to ask, how did he prepare for the NCLEX the second time? Was he studying from his old material? Did he do a review course? Thanks and Congratulations!!!

Quote from april11Thanks so much for your post!! It's great to hear that there are really jobs out there! It could be a bridge to get to the next level, but it is a start. I wanted to ask, how did he prepare for the NCLEX the second time? Was he studying from his old material? Did he do a review course? Thanks and Congratulations!!!