Graduate Nurse, can't find a job

[teatree13]

So I'm a graduate nurse, have my RN license, and I cannot find a job. I've been looking since January. Is anyone else having this issue? Many of my friends have found jobs. I have 3 resumes, I've put in over 50 applications, and all I get are rejection letters.

Granted I don't have the minimum 1 year experience, but I'm applying to GN positions.

I have great letters of recommendations from instructors, and also gained lots of experience during clinicals and especially during practicum. I'm so depressed, I don't know what to do. I just want to cry.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[nurse.darcy]

I heard from a friend recently that it is more difficult lately for new grads to get jobs. It seems crazy that last year at this time I was being recruited like crazy and then suddenly the recruiting stopped. The economy is so crazy that I think the hospitals are just trying to tighten their purse strings a bit. Pretty soon the fact that most hospitals are still running short staffed will shake down and the hospitals will have to begin hiring again. If you are able to move to another location, that would make finding a job sooooo much easier.

Here are some tips:

1. Make sure your resume is bullet pointed and reflects what you actually did in nursing school.

2. Use the Hospital's website to apply for jobs. Apply to any nursing specialty, regardless.

3. Find a nurse recruiting company and place an application with them so you have more options.

4. Walk in to HR at some local hospitals and ask questions. Talk to the secretary at the front desk and ask the best way to get hired.

5. Volunteer at your local hospital, or a hospital where you might be interested in working. The ol' "foot in the door" policy.

Most of all, don't get discouraged. It will happen.

[LUFC]

I feel for all of you out there not finding a job. I have an AS degree in Paralegal Studies, a BA degree in Legal Studies with a minor in Criminal Justice, speak two languages no not Spanish and that is my downfall here in Florida. I can not find work without experience. At this point reading all these comments here I am not even considering Nursing school anymore. I don't want to do all the work and spent money only to be looking for work again. I have been out of work since 2007, and many people look into Nursing out of desperation which can be a big mistake. Pretty soon the health care field will shed more jobs, more and more people are unemployed, underemployed and can not afford health care. States are making major cuts in Medicare and Medicaid and Florida is leading by example privatizing hospitals and health clinics. With the economy not recovering a total collapse of the economy is inevitable. Astronomical gas prices force people to decide between gas, food, lights and health care. So I suggest to think very long and hard before committing many hours and thousands of dollars feeding schools. I learned that colleges sell you all these job opportunities that may not exist, they are educational dealerships. Again, I have learned the electricians trade in Europe and the way people are trained over there just gives people a better chance for work. People Germany work for three years daily in the health field and attend school one day a week. After three years you have a well educated and well trained professional. Why don't we do that here? Greed and nearsightedness of employers not willing to invest long term in its work force. I am sure each and everyone of you here is dedicated has done all the hard work only to be denied a job because you are lacking experience. It is saddening to read these posts here of people not finding work. I wish all of you the best.