How did you land your first RN job?

[DL2013]

So.....how did you land your first RN job? Apparently what I'm doing isn't working. I live in the Austin, TX area and I graduated in December. The market in this area is flooded, and there are hundreds of applicants for every internship that is offered.

I applied to several internships in my area.....and nothing! I did get one interview, but wasn't chosen. So, I need some tips.

What are the nurse managers looking for? What should I not include in my resume? What has worked for you? How long did it take you to get your first RN job? Anything......

[DL2013]

Hmm, just out of curiosity do you have an ADN?

I actually have my BSN.

[DL2013]

Relocate. Seriously, that area is inundated as it is.

Yeah, the market here is quite flooded. But, moving is not an option. My husband has a great job here, and great jobs are hard to walk away from. I finally got a job though.....just took me hounding every recruiter in the area. :)

[DL2013]

I wish we had 80 positions open where I am from.

Here it's a less than one percent chance of getting a job for each open listing.

Wow! Sounds like jobs are hard to find in most places. Very thankful that I finally landed one. If you are looking.....hope you get something soon.

[DL2013]

I kept applying, everyday, everywhere.....

I applied like crazy too. But, I never heard back. Then my phone rang.....now it won't stop. lol! I also made contact with recruiters from all of the hospitals in the area. I think that is part of the trick! You need to hound the heck out of the recruiters to let them know that you are seriously interested.

[chownykRN13]

I've worked as an lvn for 2 years as a peds nurse. I graduated in June with my RN. I was just hired for a pediatric residency program in a level 3 NICU ...it was my dream job...be persistent and wait for a job u want.... They say if u find a job u love u will never work another day in ur life!!!! Good luck jobs are hard to come by