I just don't understand

amber_energy_RN · Mar 2, 2014

I graduated in December, passed boards in January, and got hired last week (in St. Louis, MO - which is a HORRIBLE state for nurses....The hospitals have just gone through hiring freezes, layoffs, and most won't even consider you unless you are a BSN WITH TECH EXPERIENCE.) With that being said, I was not a tech and I graduated with an associates. How did I do this? Here are the steps that worked for me:

1. Blitz the scene. Some people will argue, "No - don't do that. You will seem desperate for a job and managers are looking for people that are passionate for their specific specialty." Well I am PASSIONATE ABOUT NURSING, PERIOD. And if you call me in for an interview, give me about 3 days to research your hospital and your floor and I will be able to tell you why I am passionate about med-surge nursing (or cardiac, or oncology, or LTC, or whatever position it is that you're interviewing me for.)

2. Don't get discouraged. You will have to kiss a lot of frogs to marry your prince. Remember - you will hear A LOT of "No's", but it only takes one "Yes" to make your dreams come true.

3. Network. Knowing people in the right places may not get you the job...but it MAY get your application in the right hands...as opposed to the trash can....Some positions can get up to 200+ applicants, so you need all the help you can get...

4. Volunteer. If you don't know anyone, this can be your bridge to meeting the right people...

5. Pray. And be a good person. There are a lot of people on this forum that are genuinely ugly people (inside and out.) Ignore them. They have been beaten up by the world and are inclined to bring you down (instead of lifting you up.)

stephdRN · Mar 3, 2014

I'm going through a similar thing! Just passed my NCLEX RN and went to school in NY and received a diploma from the last nursing school in NY state. I now live in Palm Beach County and having terrible trouble fining a job, even an interview. Although I see dozens of postings of RN jobs available, everything requires "experience". Now I know I'm fresh out of school, but that doesn't discredit the experience I gained throughout my education process and let me tell you I got a good dose of whole lot of crazy critical situations. So I am FURIOUS that this is what I get after 3 years of blood, sweat, tears, and a broken up family to get my education, to get that RN in my hand. I'm moving on to applying to RN jobs other than acute hospital although I know I am more than capable of working in a hospital setting. I have a lot to offer to the nursing world and not to mention a family to support and this is rather infuriating.

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Mar 4, 2014

Although I see dozens of postings of RN jobs available, everything requires "experience".

What do you suppose happens if/when there are NO applicants with experience? My unit - a very high acuity pediatric ICU/cardiac ICU - is faced with this scenario all the time. When that happens, the screening manager makes a pile of "unqualified" applicants who have solid resumes and good cover letters, and a pile of "no way, no how" applicants. The first pile is reviewed again and the second pile is tossed. Some of the people from the first pile get interviews and some of the interviewed are offered jobs. So my advice is APPLY ANYWAY! You have absolutely nothing to lose, and possibly a lot to gain.

stephdRN · Mar 4, 2014

Yes I completely know what you are saying! I have applied to most med-surg, telemetry, and even numerous pediatric positions due to receiving an award in excellent pediatric care during school, but still nothing. Now I have to admit that I've stayed away from anything critical care or with sign on bonuses because frankly I figured there was no chance at all of getting anything like that without experience, although I'd be more than happy to work in critical care. But maybe I'm wrong about that! Who knows. I will keep applying of course in hopes of a possible lack of experienced applicants (like you said) and always keep that in mind. Frustrating none the less!

SlightlyHumerus · Mar 4, 2014

1. Blitz the scene. Some people will argue, "No - don't do that.
***ME*** I'm 43, so probably older than most new grads, but when I started out in my 20s the best way to get a job was to go MEET PEOPLE! Everyone, anyone, everywhere and anywhere. just joined my states' Nurses' Association and went to my 1st meeting... and guess who was on the panel? The DIRECTOR OF HR at THE facility of my dreams and... to be continued
2. Don't get discouraged. You will have to kiss a lot of frogs to marry your prince. Remember - you will hear A LOT of "No's", but it only takes one "Yes" to make your dreams come true.
***ME*** This goes without saying :)
3. Network. Knowing people in the right places may not get you the job...but it MAY get your application in the right hands...
***ME*** AND you never know who someone else might know! I have a friend who is a big admin director of my dream facility, so she called the Director of HR the next day and they got to talking about me and .... to be continued
4. Volunteer. If you don't know anyone, this can be your bridge to meeting the right people...
***ME*** Definitely! Join American Red Cross, your local blood bank, your local shelter, your church nurse's office, shadow a nurse-friend, become a visitor to a LTC facility, etc
5. Pray. And be a good person. There are a lot of people on this forum that are genuinely ugly people (inside and out.) Ignore them.
***ME*** So true. Just like everywhere in life, there will be people who can make you feel good or bad. Surround yourself with the ones who make you laugh. Life is too short!
They have been beaten up by the world and are inclined to bring you down (instead of lifting you up.)
***ME*** Take pity on those who aren't happy... and when you can, try to lift them too.

***ME*** So I've done most of the above and the best part of this story is I got a call from HR of my 2nd choice facility today. She informed me that she had received "feedback" from some NMs and Directors that I was passing out my resume at their facility and that this was not the "process" I should be using... blah blah blah. And in the same breath she asked if I could come in to interview (Ahem! With one of the NMs I introduced myself to.... :yes: ) So it just goes to show you, you have to hoof it! Get out there! Introduce yourself! Smile! And NEVER EVER FORGET: Tell them you want the job!

***I graduated Dec, passed boards Feb, 1st interview this Thursday (2nd choice facility)! And the Dir of HR (1st choice facility) is forwarding my info/resume with a recommendation to THREE units and the New Grad program! I am so excited! I have been hoofin' it like a fat-headed politician, but one offer is all it takes, right? :nurse:

...to be continued

Nadroujj · Jul 9, 2014

Graduated May 5, 2014. Passed NCLEX May 27, 2014. Interviewed for 2 jobs on June 26. Got offered both jobs on July 9 - both are new grad programs in critical care. It can be done. Don't limit yourself. Apply everywhere, make sure you have an awesome resume, get extra certs if you can (I got my Acls and pals to be more marketable), have confidence and a positive mindset, network and pray!! :-) good luck!

bellafsu89 · Jul 14, 2014

I graduated from Keiser this past April but I am a bit north of you on the treasure coast. My best advice is get on the phone with recruiters at the hospitals. Also, Keiser is really good about looking for jobs for you so I would visit them to see what they can come up with. Good luck! Don't get discouraged and just keep looking!