Just moved to DC in Dec looking for a job with no luck yet.

RNBSN88 · Jan 13, 2011

To add the icing to the cake I think just about every person I graduated with out of 36 everyone has found a job back in Missouri except for me and two others whom all moved out of state!

0402 · Jan 13, 2011

Have you contacted Military to Medicine? (militarytomedicine.org) They help vets and spouses get jobs. They didn't necessarily help me get the job I have now (graduated in May and PCS'd here in July), but I did get a great deal of info from them. They also have "ins" with some hospitals. I believe the next set of new grad programs start next month, so many of them probably already figured out who they're hiring or at least interviewing, but I just looked, and Washington Hospital Center still has theirs listed. I don't know if they just haven't taken it down or if they're actually still taking applications, though. I actually work with a girl that lives on Bolling. =) Most of the new grad programs for June/ July starts haven't been posted, but I believe Georgetown's already has and they're well into their interview process (I think they choose in Jan or Feb who they are hiring for July- I was really surprised by that when I called out here in March in anticipation of our move).

0402 · Jan 13, 2011

Looks like Sibley also has some RN I jobs posted.

RNBSN88 · Jan 13, 2011

I contacted military to medicine and they told me to apply as a CNA. I worked as a CNA since I was 17...didin't go to nursing school to be a CNA. Also applied to the Washington Hospital Center and have heard nothing that was a month ago.

RNBSN88 · Jan 13, 2011

I also applied to Georgetown in November

RNBSN88 · Jan 13, 2011

I think I've applied to Sibley too, I'm gonna check...I've applied so much I can't even remember where or how many.

0402 · Jan 13, 2011

Military to medicine never suggested working as a CNA when I talked to them- that's BS. The only thing they really offered me was a job as CPOE "assistant" or something like that. I guess it was a decent alternative for temporary work, since it was $25/hr, 3- 12 hr shift/ wk but no benefits (which I really didn't need anyway, as a dependent), and they said that some RNs got hired after working there at that job, since they were on the floor and the managers saw them and got to know them. This job was at INOVA Alexandria, though, so I don't know if that's too far for you. And, they said it was expanding to other INOVAs, too. I have the contact number for that, if you want me to PM it to you.

I have heard that WHC can be slow to get back to people, so hopefully there's still hope there.

RNBSN88 · Jan 13, 2011

PS....we PCsd here in July too. But I went back to Missouri to finish my last semester. My husband and I have not had the ideal first year of marriage with 4 months in guam 7 months in iraq and 4 months of me in school. And this job thing is really starting to eat at me. Thanks for your help though, I really appreciate it.

RNBSN88 · Jan 13, 2011

Inova Alexandria was what I spoke to Military to Medicine about actually its only 10 min drive for me

0402 · Jan 13, 2011

It's definitely hard- I know what you mean. My husband got back from deployment in April, I graduated in May, took the NCLEX in June, 4 days later left CA and got here in mid-July. We have 3 little kids, so I purposely didn't look to start until the fall. I was pretty lucky, I guess- I applied for 2 jobs and got 2 offers (the hard part was picking between the 2, and when I have crappy days, I'll always be wondering if I should have picked the other option- oh well). It's an extra hurdle when you're looking in an area where you know nothing about the hospitals and don't know anyone. =(

RNBSN88 · Jan 13, 2011

Yea, not knowing anything is the bad part. I have no doubt that if I'd stayed in Missouri I would of had a job secured before graduation. I'm a perfectionist...type A personality (most nurses are), and its just killing me. I've never ever not gotten a job I've applied for. I've always gotten a call back the next day for an interview. Of course applying for professional jobs may be a whole new ball game. I just really hope I find something soon! I just don't understand why others would be getting a phone call for an interview and I'm not. I'm a honor student. In Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society. I have a good work history. No DUI's or anything on my record. I was even CNA of the year when I worked at the VA home. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, and for the next week I think I'm gonna take a break from applying. I want to be relaxed for the NCLEX next week.