I graduated in the Philippines and recently obtained an RN license in the U.S. I’m having trouble finding a job. Could the problem be that my professional references are from the Philippines?
Monday November 2, 2009
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I graduated in the Philippines and moved to San Diego. I obtained an RN license in August. I have been applying for jobs in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, LTCs, SNFs, and prisons. My professional references are in the Philippines, and I think that is contributing to lack of success in finding a job. Am I right?
Mark
The job market is tight for nurses in many parts of the country right now, especially for new nurses, because of economic and other conditions. Read “RN Job Squeeze” at http://news.nurse.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009310050036.
I recommend that you do more networking because this is a very effective way to find and get a job. Start by getting involved with your local chapter of the Philippine Nurses Association of America (www.philippinenursesaa.org/). There is a large and active Philippine nurses community in the U.S.
I also suggest that you start volunteering somewhere medical now while you continue to look for paid employment. Consider a blood bank, clinic, public health department, etc. This will help to build your skills, confidence, and contacts — not to mention your résumé.
Persistence and determination always will win out in the end!
Best wishes,
Donna
Donna Cardillo, RN, MA, well-known career guru, is Nursing Spectrum/NurseWeek’s “Dear Donna” and author of “Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional” and “The ULTIMATE Career Guide for Nurses: Practical Advice for Thriving at Every Stage of Your Career.” Information about the books is available at www.Nurse.com/CE/7010 and www.Nurse.com/CE/7250, respectively. To ask Donna your question, go to www.Nurse.com/asktheexperts/deardonna. Find a “Dear Donna” seminar near you: Call 800-866-0919 or visit http://events.nursingspectrum.com/Seminar.
