RN in bay area struggling to land a job

[jon&cess 0]

I migrated here in the US January 18 earlier this year. Got my RN license February after giving the California BRN my US SSN. Since then, I've been struggling to land a job. I have received calls & even had an actual interview twice (with the same facility) but yeah, no one called back. I'm getting really depressed & frustrated and doesn't know what else to do. So here I am, hoping someone with a kind heart, would help me & respond to my post.

Here are some of the reasons why I think I wasn't offered the jobs I've applied to. First, I am educated outside the US (Philippines to be exact). Whenever I encounter the question "Did you graduate from an accredited nursing school?" whenever applying for a RN job, honestly, I don't know the answer. I took the NCLEX-RN exam when I was still in the Philippines (March 2010), a month before the California BRN implemented a law not to accept NCLEX applicants without US SSN. I'm still lucky I guess. Second, they, (the employers,) do not acknowledge my outside the US nursing experience. They are always looking for US paid nursing experience (in my understanding, even volunteer work here in the US isn't counted, am I right?). Third, I am a green card holder. Some of the jobs requires US citizenship. And fourth, someone said I am "too young" for the job. I mean, seriously? I am now 23 years old. Maybe I do not look that old but I am definitely not that young. Sigh!

I even applied for non-RN but healthcare related jobs. CNAs, LVNs, medical assistants, activities assistants, medical clerks, etc you name it. I was still hoping for a job close to my field so as not to forget what I've studied. I am not aspiring for a hospital job coz I know it is really impossible for me now. So I applied in different skilled nursing & long term care facilities, clinics. I went to every healthcare institution near to the place where I live and submitted applications, even they aren't looking/hiring.

Whenever applying for any job, I'm always using my RN resume. I know I'll be considered over qualified to work as a CNA or a LVN with my RN license, but that's the truth. Someone even advised me to lie. Just make another resume stating that I'm a highschool graduate (for clerical positions) so that I can get the job. I mean, can I do that? yes, I am desperate to have a job, but to lie in order to get one? I don't really know. I am confused.

Anyways, I was just wondering, can a licensed RN take the NA certification/exam? I am willing to take it but not sure if I can be allowed to do so. CNA jobs are a lot more available than RN jobs. I've been unemployed for 10months now. Please help me!

[hamigirl710 112]

Have you considered going to your local comunity college and enroling courses?

[jon&cess 0]

Have you considered going to your local comunity college and enroling courses?

Enroll to what courses? Do you mean CNA/LVN programs?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Have you had your resume evaluated by a professional agency? They could also help in interview coaching, and explain to you what accredited is so you know how to answer. Basically, they want to know if your degree is real or from some fake online university, and if you reply "uhhhhhhh" then it doesn't look good I bet an evaluation would do wonders.

Good luck.

[apple21 953]

You might want to consider jobs outside your field of knowledge ("odd" jobs so to speak). That's the easiest way to acquire a "US" working experience that you can add on your CV.

It's not easy to be an immigrant to a foreign country, you really have to start at the bottom and work your way up.

Good luck.

[Darnell 8,478]

Have you considered walking in to the Hospitals in your area, going direct to HR, and applying?

Face time, IMO, makes a world of difference.

[Bumbero 130]

I migrated here in the US January 18 earlier this year. Got my RN license February after giving the California BRN my US SSN. Since then, I've been struggling to land a job. I have received calls & even had an actual interview twice (with the same facility) but yeah, no one called back. I'm getting really depressed & frustrated and doesn't know what else to do. So here I am, hoping someone with a kind heart, would help me & respond to my post.

Here are some of the reasons why I think I wasn't offered the jobs I've applied to. First, I am educated outside the US (Philippines to be exact). Whenever I encounter the question "Did you graduate from an accredited nursing school?" whenever applying for a RN job, honestly, I don't know the answer. I took the NCLEX-RN exam when I was still in the Philippines (March 2010), a month before the California BRN implemented a law not to accept NCLEX applicants without US SSN. I'm still lucky I guess. Second, they, (the employers,) do not acknowledge my outside the US nursing experience. They are always looking for US paid nursing experience (in my understanding, even volunteer work here in the US isn't counted, am I right?). Third, I am a green card holder. Some of the jobs requires US citizenship. And fourth, someone said I am "too young" for the job. I mean, seriously? I am now 23 years old. Maybe I do not look that old but I am definitely not that young. Sigh!

I even applied for non-RN but healthcare related jobs. CNAs, LVNs, medical assistants, activities assistants, medical clerks, etc you name it. I was still hoping for a job close to my field so as not to forget what I've studied. I am not aspiring for a hospital job coz I know it is really impossible for me now. So I applied in different skilled nursing & long term care facilities, clinics. I went to every healthcare institution near to the place where I live and submitted applications, even they aren't looking/hiring.

Whenever applying for any job, I'm always using my RN resume. I know I'll be considered over qualified to work as a CNA or a LVN with my RN license, but that's the truth. Someone even advised me to lie. Just make another resume stating that I'm a highschool graduate (for clerical positions) so that I can get the job. I mean, can I do that? yes, I am desperate to have a job, but to lie in order to get one? I don't really know. I am confused.

Anyways, I was just wondering, can a licensed RN take the NA certification/exam? I am willing to take it but not sure if I can be allowed to do so. CNA jobs are a lot more available than RN jobs. I've been unemployed for 10months now. Please help me!

This seems to be happening a LOT. About 7 years ago, nurses were in HIGH demand and hired right out of school. Now, jobs are disappearing.

You are going to have to check your local state ordinances about obtaining a CNA certification. Some states require you to have completed a state recognized course before you can take the written exam. You may be able to "challenge" the test as well. So, contact your state Dept. of Health: Heathcare Professionals License and Credentials Department and ask what your options are.

If you HAVE to take a CNA job, you may be able to use that as a starting point in a company/organization to obtain a job as an RN after you prove your skills and experience with them. Might be able to transfer job titles within the organization is what I'm ATTEMPTING to say. I know a few nurses from other countries who had to start that way.

Something will work out for you soon if you keep trying!

Good luck!

[jon&cess 0]

Have you had your resume evaluated by a professional agency? They could also help in interview coaching, and explain to you what accredited is so you know how to answer. Basically, they want to know if your degree is real or from some fake online university, and if you reply "uhhhhhhh" then it doesn't look good I bet an evaluation would do wonders.

Good luck.

This is the first time I've encountered that a resume can be evaluated by a professional agency. Hmmm.

You might want to consider jobs outside your field of knowledge ("odd" jobs so to speak). That's the easiest way to acquire a "US" working experience that you can add on your CV.

It's not easy to be an immigrant to a foreign country, you really have to start at the bottom and work your way up.

Good luck.

Hi apple 21. Uhm, I know what you meant by starting at the bottom and work my way up. That's why I am considering on taking the NA certification/exam. The employers weren't just looking for US working experience but a "US paid nursing experience". I was really hoping and looking for a medical/nursing/healthcare related job. I'm not really after the pay/salary. All I wanted is a job that can serve as my stepping stone for my RN profession.

Have you considered walking in to the Hospitals in your area, going direct to HR, and applying?

Face time, IMO, makes a world of difference.

Hello there Darnell! And to answer your question, yes, I already did. I went to every possible hospital, skilled nursing and long term care facility and clinic near me. Even tough they weren't looking/hiring, I still fill out application forms and hand them over my resume.

This seems to be happening a LOT. About 7 years ago, nurses were in HIGH demand and hired right out of school. Now, jobs are disappearing.

You are going to have to check your local state ordinances about obtaining a CNA certification. Some states require you to have completed a state recognized course before you can take the written exam. You may be able to "challenge" the test as well. So, contact your state Dept. of Health: Heathcare Professionals License and Credentials Department and ask what your options are.

If you HAVE to take a CNA job, you may be able to use that as a starting point in a company/organization to obtain a job as an RN after you prove your skills and experience with them. Might be able to transfer job titles within the organization is what I'm ATTEMPTING to say. I know a few nurses from other countries who had to start that way.

Something will work out for you soon if you keep trying!

Good luck!

I sent my query to the California Department of Public Health. I asked them whether a licensed RN can take the NA certification/exam. I am now waiting for their response to my email. And yes, that's what I also have in mind. It'll be easier for me to transfer job titles if I am already inside the institution.

[hellINTIM 9]

experience experience you need to have a concrete experience. just upgrade ur profession it will be easier to get a job.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Started around 2009--before that New grads could pretty much start where ever they wanted! And of course it matters where you live. Some areas of the USA are short--while others have an abundance of RN's. have you checked out allnurses.com Informative site. Always good to have some one look over your resume. Best of luck.

[charlie471963 3]

Have you thought of leaving Cali maybe things are a bit to tough there how about some other state go online and take a look at indeed . com plenty of RN jobs there you know when ever a state has a glut of workers on hand they get very picky .

[justashooter 430]

RN work is dissappearing fast under threat of application of obamacare. hospitals are reducing staff nationwide.

[RFQ 110]

I suggest interview coaching and a resume review.

I don't see why you would need another certification to work as a CNA. It could be your area. I'm in a heavily flooded area for nurses and nursing schools and we still have jobs. Maybe working as a volunteer at the hospital would be beneficial.

Goodwill offers resume review and interview coaching and even help finding jobs.

http://www.goodwill.org/goodwill-for-you/specialized-services/immigrants/

[veronicaanalee 2]

Hello,

i recommend you to apply for the entri level position as a medical assistant or nurse assistant , because you have cero experience in this country...America health services are different, it is not the same . You really need to receive some instruccion in the community college, also you need your GED, you know that GED is requiered. I know you are a nurse in Phili but now you are in america , things are different here.

I am a dentist in peru , therefore I am working as a dental assistant for 9 months. I work with mexicans patients. you should contact a PHILI community and try to looking for a job there.

good luck

[Scarlet_ 0]

I migrated here in the US January 18 earlier this year. Got my RN license February after giving the California BRN my US SSN. Since then, I've been struggling to land a job. I have received calls & even had an actual interview twice (with the same facility) but yeah, no one called back. I'm getting really depressed & frustrated and doesn't know what else to do. So here I am, hoping someone with a kind heart, would help me & respond to my post.

Here are some of the reasons why I think I wasn't offered the jobs I've applied to. First, I am educated outside the US (Philippines to be exact). Whenever I encounter the question "Did you graduate from an accredited nursing school?" whenever applying for a RN job, honestly, I don't know the answer. I took the NCLEX-RN exam when I was still in the Philippines (March 2010), a month before the California BRN implemented a law not to accept NCLEX applicants without US SSN. I'm still lucky I guess. Second, they, (the employers,) do not acknowledge my outside the US nursing experience. They are always looking for US paid nursing experience (in my understanding, even volunteer work here in the US isn't counted, am I right?). Third, I am a green card holder. Some of the jobs requires US citizenship. And fourth, someone said I am "too young" for the job. I mean, seriously? I am now 23 years old. Maybe I do not look that old but I am definitely not that young. Sigh!

I even applied for non-RN but healthcare related jobs. CNAs, LVNs, medical assistants, activities assistants, medical clerks, etc you name it. I was still hoping for a job close to my field so as not to forget what I've studied. I am not aspiring for a hospital job coz I know it is really impossible for me now. So I applied in different skilled nursing & long term care facilities, clinics. I went to every healthcare institution near to the place where I live and submitted applications, even they aren't looking/hiring.

Whenever applying for any job, I'm always using my RN resume. I know I'll be considered over qualified to work as a CNA or a LVN with my RN license, but that's the truth. Someone even advised me to lie. Just make another resume stating that I'm a highschool graduate (for clerical positions) so that I can get the job. I mean, can I do that? yes, I am desperate to have a job, but to lie in order to get one? I don't really know. I am confused.

Anyways, I was just wondering, can a licensed RN take the NA certification/exam? I am willing to take it but not sure if I can be allowed to do so. CNA jobs are a lot more available than RN jobs. I've been unemployed for 10months now. Please help me!

you might ant to check this out. :)http://seeker.healthcallings.com/jobsearch/servlet/JobSearch?op=101&dockey=xml/1/6/160dcd74862222f5412099dc4b8647df@endecaindex&c=1&source=21&CMPID=AG_SH_PD_JS_AV_OG__&utm_source=SimplyHired&utm_medium=Aggregator&utm_content=&utm_campaign=Advocacy_Ongoing&DFA=1&cmpid=AG:4