How did you get your job?

[Reese17]

I am having a hard time finding a job...I got my license in October. I was just wondering for the nurses that got hired within 3 months of getting their license, how did u get your job? Did you fill out an application online, did you go in and ask to speak with the DON, did a nursing recruiter contact you? I've tried those tactics and others. I keep wondering what am I doing wrong?

[tammy777]

I had to move 5 hours away. I had a friend interviewing for a position and they asked her if she had any friends also looking for a job. So I went to interview as well and they offered both of us positions. This was in Santa Maria, CA. (Marian Medical Center-CHW facility). I don't know how they had the positions listed on their website (new grad RN??) because I never looked (I wasn't actually planning on moving). But I believe it just looked like a regular staff nurse position that my friend applied for. SO you probably have to be willing to move... I believe CHW may have some new grad openings in Bakersfield that they find hard to fill because of the location?? just what I noticed in the last year... Anyway, good luck!!

[HollyHobby]

I graduated in 1997, and there was a severe nursing shortage where I lived. During my ICU clinical rotation, a crazy nurse (Mike McAfee, I love you) suggested I apply for a position there. Turns out they hired 25 new grads to work in that ICU. Talk about a crazy, unsafe, crazy time!

Well, I loved ICU, and I eventually became somewhat competent.

I hope the economy turns around soon, so these stellar new nurses have more choices and opportunity! If I were a new grad now, I doubt anyone would hire me.

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

There was a huge shortage when I graduated in 2003. So I had my pick of anything and everything. It sucks that it isn't like that now for all of the new grads.

[JenniferSews]

I talked my head off to everyone who would listen about finding a job. The wife of my husband's coworker was kind enough to take my resume to her boss, and every other person she knew. I got a job, although not as a nurse. Since most of my classmates are still looking I'm trying to be positive.

[francesca22]

This sounds crazy now, but: I graduated in 1959 from a S.F. Bay Area school that was renowned for turning out capable, battle ready nurses. As an IP, I worked nights in the ER at my home hospital, assuming an assignment that would befit an RN. [We were a designated trauma hospital; lots happening all the time.]

Upon receiving RN licenses, my college roomie and I walked into Herrick Memorial Hospital in Berkeley, CA, asked to see the DON [in those days, no such thing as HR]. She asked us where we went to school. We told her, whereupon she said, "can you start tomorrow?"

Our gross salaries were $325/mo. We felt like two millionaires.

[shortstuff_RN]

I graduated in June, wrote my Canadian boards in June and American boards in August. By the time I was fully registered in the state I wanted, it was end of September/early October. I started applying ASAP through their websites. I was really getting discouraged when I kept reading job postings that excluded new graduate nurses. Finally, i got a call back. It was my first interview, and i was offered the job on the spot. Totally didn't expect it! The hospital had just received Magnet recognition literally a week before my interview, and knowing that, and using it in one of my answers really impressed the manager.

So my advice is to go into an interview with confidence, and a knowledge about the hospital's values, vision, and achievements...Even individualize your cover letters to fit the hospitals values.

Best of luck!

[itsmejuli]

I graduated in August, got my LPN license in October and got a job today!

I had applied all over but nobody was hiring LPNs with less than year experience.

In statistics class, I just happened to sit beside 2 LPNs who are supervisors in an LTC, they suggested I apply. That's where I landed a job. :)

[ClumsyRN]

I graduated december of 2009 and I just started my orientation 3 weeks ago. I would have to say that hard work was the key to finding a job. I found out about a New RN Residency program through my school 2 days before the deadline. And i begged my instructors to write me recommendations letters and personally drove it to the HR department the day of deadline but they closed early for Christmas party. I had the security personnel write on my resume that i was there friday so i would make it ontime and slipped it under the door. i waited 3 weeks and received a call for HR and Manager interview. THat was the hardest thing that i had to prepare for. REMEMBER TO LOOK YOUR BEST AND DO YOUR RESEARCH ABOUT THE FACILITY BEFORE YOU GO. i told them how impressed i was that they were a teaching hospital etc. I didn't get a call back from them for 3 weeks. But got a peer interview and they called me back the next day to offer me a job. So the key is PERSERVERANCE.

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

In a word, Craigslist.

[jennifers]

i had to move across the country.

[Ace587RN, RN]

Godmother got me in. She was in the higher ups