New Grad RN CAN'T FIND WORK!! What should I do?

Nurses New Nurse

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Hello,

I graduated with my BSN in May of 2010 and passed my boards in September. I have applied to OVER 30 positions without being picky at all. I've applied to hospitals up to an hour away from where I live, all departments, all shifts, part-time etc... I looked into nursing homes and prison positions as well and there just aren't any opportunities out there. Anything I apply for requires experience as you all know, what an awful catch-22!!

While I wait patiently and keep on applying do you have any recommendations as to what I should be occupying myself with? I need some sort of income because my loans are going to start billing me. What should I do? I'm contemplating applying for holiday temp retail work because i just CANNOT find anything health related... but is this something I should do? Will it effect how future hospitals reviewing my apps will view me?

HELP! I need something to do while I wait for an RN job to hopefully turn up. Thoughts? Ideas? Opinions? HELP!

I live in Denver. It is almost impossible to find a job here as a new grad. I think if you go to school here you have better chances. I didn't get a job in a hospital but it is so hard to find a job that I am just happy to have one.

Specializes in being a Credible Source.
...we scheduled a actual interview later in the phone conversation. but i ended not getting the job ;(. I apparentely cancelled my interview because it was like terrible weather and they said i wouldjust call out sick anytime.

Let this be a warning to any and all:

Do not be even one millisecond late to an interview and do not (not, not, not) cancel or reschedule. There are simply far too many qualified applicants and if you give them any reason at all to skip over you to the next one, they very likely will.

Far better to be two days early (as in safely parked in a nearby motel) than one second late. I always try to be nearby for a few hours before hand and then get changed into my interview duds in a restaurant bathroom just after brushing my teeth about an hour before the interview. Arrive in the lobby 20-30 min early, quick trip to the head to make sure that everything is perfect and then wait patiently. Tell 'em I'm there about 10 mins before we're scheduled.

It's all about reducing the stress for me and controlling what I'm able.

Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.
Just an unsolicited tip:

I've read through many of the posts on this thread and one thing rings through VERY clear: frustration.

When on an interview, be careful not to let that frustration show. There are enough whiners/complainers/bad attitudes on the floor already and there's no nursing manager alive who wants another gloomy complainer on their staff.

You must be EXCITED and HAPPY about any opportunity and show smiles and eagerness. You are a hard worker, EAGER to learn more and serve. Answer questions with the thoughts of teamwork, not entitlement....and you will increase your chances of turning that interview into an offer.

Remember, if you've been invited to an interview, they are already CONSIDERING you....its up to you to SELL yourself.

Best of luck to the new grads!

I think this is some of the best advice right here. I went on my job hunt very motivated, excited, enthusiastic and appreciative. The feedback I got was the reason I was picked (I am a new grad with no previous experience) was because of that. The HR lady that pre-screened me said she was so excited for me because of how much my enthusiasm rubbed off on her. A positive attitude can get you far. I got the first job I interviewed for.

Specializes in being a Credible Source.

Agreed with Mi Vida Loca and slave_diver, RN but (BUT)...

I still want to point out that some people are doing the right things and still not getting hired. It's simply a numbers game.

The reason that I feel the need to post said caution is simply that I read many posts which, in one sense or another, seem to state that those people who aren't able to get hired are in said position because of some shortcoming about themselves or their application.

By all means, attitude is critical (as are appearance and timeliness and grades and portfolios and hygiene and all the other stuff). At that, it can still come down to a simple matter of too many people fighting for too few positions.

Congratulations to those who've found jobs and much luck to those who still haven't.

Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.
Agreed with Mi Vida Loca and slave_diver, RN but (BUT)...

I still want to point out that some people are doing the right things and still not getting hired. It's simply a numbers game.

The reason that I feel the need to post said caution is simply that I read many posts which, in one sense or another, seem to state that those people who aren't able to get hired are in said position because of some shortcoming about themselves or their application.

By all means, attitude is critical (as are appearance and timeliness and grades and portfolios and hygiene and all the other stuff). At that, it can still come down to a simple matter of too many people fighting for too few positions.

Congratulations to those who've found jobs and much luck to those who still haven't.

Oh I can agree with this. I know many people still not having any luck that are doing all the right things. They aren't getting that initial call back for even the pre-screening. My grades were never looked at and not even my references or was I asked to turn in letters of recommendation. But I don't think any of that would have hurt me had I provided it. I think the hardest part is getting that initial call back and given the chance to shine.

Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

But when you are given that chance to shine give it all you got and show them why they should hire you. Smile, show how excited you are. I was AMAZED at what the HR lady had told me some of the biggest turn offs she has had regarding new grads. I kept thinking, "I worked so hard to get to this point, why on earth would I then turn around and think I can be super selective and have an I don't give a care attitude about getting my first job". That first job is everything, it's your "in", your stepping stone. But if you do have a bad attitude I suppose that is good so you can make room for those that really want it.

Specializes in acute care.

I agree. With every interview I had, I applied for the job online, that's it. No follow up with HR. The places I DID follow up with, I got nowhere with.

Agreed with Mi Vida Loca and slave_diver, RN but (BUT)...

I still want to point out that some people are doing the right things and still not getting hired. It's simply a numbers game.

The reason that I feel the need to post said caution is simply that I read many posts which, in one sense or another, seem to state that those people who aren't able to get hired are in said position because of some shortcoming about themselves or their application.

By all means, attitude is critical (as are appearance and timeliness and grades and portfolios and hygiene and all the other stuff). At that, it can still come down to a simple matter of too many people fighting for too few positions.

Congratulations to those who've found jobs and much luck to those who still haven't.

Specializes in OR.

I have been applying to new grad jobs for quite some time (graduated in December 2010) and the only places that called me were Home Health Agencies... although willing to hire me they cancelled because I don't have the "1 year experience"

I am still waiting for that initial phone call from an HR professional... I followed up, left messages, and still waiting.

Nowadays, who you know in a hospital puts you way ahead of the crowd.

"I'm not upset... I'm incandescent with rage"

This is an unseen phenomenon when going into nursing. I have two associate degrees (RN associate and AA) and LPN diploma along with PALS, ACLS, first responder and a nice looking resume. I would like to know where all of these forecasted RN jobs are for the new grads, including myself. Every employment website states they want 3-5 years acute care experience. How in the world are we going to get experience if were are not even going to be given the chance to be hired? Clinical experience is not valid in employers eyes either. Minnesota has the highest rate of RN graduates. If you are considering going to school to be a nurse do not count your chickens thinking that you will have employers smiling and eagerly greeting you into their office to offer you a job after you pass your boards. Colleges make great money through the world of nursing, don't kid yourself... A college is a business too... They will go where the money is just the same as any other wise business.

Wow this is to crazy!! I have been a licensed RN since September of 2009 and haven't been able to get into the hospital yet!!! I was fortunate enough to get a job as a supervising RN at a community clinic, so I advise all of you to go out on foot and walk in with resume in hand and ask everywhere if they have any positions available for RNs. Anyone have any advice for a 2yr RN with no hospital experience on how to get in the hospital? I have applied I think to almost every hospital in southern california, the prisons, out of state hospitals,...I mean everywhere and I keep getting the whole "experience is required!!" It's devastating to know that I went to school for my passion to help people and politics wont let me help people. How can I get experience if nobody is willing to give it to me? Most experienced nurses say that experience trumps everything but I think it's a shame that as a profession we don't support our future nurses which are the future of nursing....I'm currently getting my master in Nurse-Midwifery and I hope that I don't get the cold shoulder so intensely in that community.

Best of luck to us all :)

I'm a new LVN grad. I'm currently looking for a job. ANY job. I feel like it is definitely who you know.

Someone I know called me this morning...said can you come over today. Heck yeah!

she had talked me up to the hiring manager...

so I have 2nd interview tomorrow after a "look and see" shift to see if #1 I think I can handle the unit being a new grad. #2 if I think it's a good fit for me..and if they think it's a good fit for them.

Pray for me! I would love to work at this facility. It's not a hospital but a step down....so heavy on skill use and good experience for my future. Really great hours and close to home too.

It's ideal providing I can do it....and I think I can! :)

Wish me luck!!!

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