Hi, I am a GN (May 08) from Philadelphia, PA and I cannot find a job. I didn't start applying until the beginning of January because I had surgery in November. Most of the hospitals I looked at weren't hiring new graduates (had to have 1-2 yrs exp) and the ones that said no experience necessary never called me. I haven't taken the NCLEX and am scared to take it because I DONT REMEMBER A THING.... I have looked at a few questions and they might as well be written in Greek. I have a Saunders book and am looking through it but I feel like I need to go back to school again.

The worse part is financially I can't afford to pay for my test or the review course that my school require us to take before they will send off our paperwork for the test. My advisor suggested getting a job somewhere that will pay for my test but I can't seem to find one. I don't know what to do. My CPR cert expired and I can't even afford to renew that. I am so frustrated and feel like giving up. What happened to the nursing shortage...I guess there isn't one in Philly. I have noticed most other states and even in upstate PA they have GN programs but I can't afford to relocate and don't have a decent car to travel to these places like Hershey, and Harrisburg which are about 3 hrs from PHilly. You would think a major city like PHilly would have more GN programs. I also would like to know why doesn't our clinicals count towards experience.

If anyone has any advice or suggestions I would greatly appreciate it. I have my temporary permit which expires in May and at this point I will take a job anywhere. Hours don't matter...Thank you for any advice. Or job offers...