Seeking advice
Hi everyone, I’m a new graduate RN looking for some advice and encouragement. I graduated from nursing school in May and obtained my RN license at the beginning of July. Before becoming an RN, I worked as a PCT at a local big hospital for over two years. I worked per diem, mainly on weekends, while I was in nursing school.
After I passed the NCLEX, I told my manager, and she asked me to resign from my PCT position. I did so because I was eager to look for a RN job (I applied to the hospital nurse residency program for the August cohort earlier this year and was rejected. After passing the NCLEX, I applied again for the October cohort, but unfortunately, I was rejected again).
I’m confused and honestly discouraged because I consistently received positive feedback from my manager during my annual evaluations (however, I don’t think my manager likes me cuz I couldn’t take extra shift she asked me when I was in nursing school. During my final semester, I had two call out because I needed time to prepare for important nursing exams. I had requested those days off in advance, but the requests were not approved. I have wondered whether those call out may have affected my relationship with my manager or my chances of being selected for the residency program). I also graduated with honors, had a good GPA, and was one of the top students in my nursing class.I am a new immigrant, and English is my second language. I do have a Chinese accent, and although I’m improving my communication skills every day.
I have applied to several other hospitals as well, but I have mostly received rejections. So far, I have had only one interview for a hospital RN position. The offers I have received have mainly been from rehabilitation facilities and nursing homes. At this point, I’m feeling very confused and questioning whether I’m approaching my job search the right way. I really want to start my nursing career in a hospital, but I also don’t see any opportunities. For those of you who have been through this as a new graduate RN, what would you recommend? Should I continue trying to look for a hospital position, or should I accept any offer?
I would really appreciate any advice, especially from nurses who were in a similar situation as a new grad or second-language English speaker. Thank you so much for reading and for any advice you can share.