New Grads: how long did it take you to find a job, or how long have you been ...

StayingHopefulRN · Aug 9, 2014

It's hard, but I am hopeful. We can always have faith. Our day will come.

Revan · Aug 11, 2014

I am also in the same shoes....shrugs....best of luck

sunny_days · Aug 12, 2014

I think the key is networking and trying to get your foot in the door at a place. I personally went with another experienced RN at a hospital and went around and looked at the different units and met staff and unit directors. Another time I contacted the nurse recruiter and had them show me around different units. My view was that I couldn't change my resume and how I looked on paper, but I could change how they read my application and views on me after meeting me.

onedayitllbeme · Aug 12, 2014

In NJ. About 5 months after passing NCLEX. Oct passed offer in March started April. At a hospital.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Aug 12, 2014

Philadelphia, PA
Graduated with my BSN and honors on May 18, 2014
Passed NCLEX 7/1
I have BLS and I externed at a hospital for a year
I have applied to about 30 or more positions
All rejections even for a job at the hospital I externed at (worked hard and never even had a problem there)
It's rough out here

It takes about 6 months-year to get and start a position in the area.

You may have to look beyond the hospital setting as well.

StayingHopefulRN · Aug 15, 2014

It takes about 6 months-year to get and start a position in the area.
You may have to look beyond the hospital setting as well.

I have applied to many jobs in other areas such as nursing homes, LTC, and physician offices. It is very discouraging. I cannot relocate because I do not have the funds to do so and I rely on public transportation to travel. I am trying very hard.

flyersfan88 · Aug 23, 2014

Philadelphia/South Jersey

Graduated May 2014

Passed NCLEX 6/11/2014

Applied to only about 7 different places....got really lazy and discouraged really fast with applying

Interviewed at University of MD medical center and a philly hospital....accepted offer at philly hospital on 8/20 and start 9/8

This area is rough and very discouraging. Most of my classmates are not so lucky and still looking.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Aug 23, 2014

I have applied to many jobs in other areas such as nursing homes, LTC, and physician offices. It is very discouraging. I cannot relocate because I do not have the funds to do so and I rely on public transportation to travel. I am trying very hard.

I am in the same position as you; I kept pounding the pavement; went to job fairs and connected with recruiters; I got a LinkedIn account and was able to connect with recruiters there. I looked into out of the box positions that would help me gain experience; I was an LPN for 7 years and even THAT didn't get me into the door faster :no: it finally took me having my current positions outside of a hospital setting in which I ended up getting a position a part of a large health system in the area; but it took me two years to get a foot in the door; it just takes time.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Aug 23, 2014

Philadelphia/South Jersey
Graduated May 2014
Passed NCLEX 6/11/2014
Applied to only about 7 different places....got really lazy and discouraged really fast with applying
Interviewed at University of MD medical center and a philly hospital....accepted offer at philly hospital on 8/20 and start 9/8
This area is rough and very discouraging. Most of my classmates are not so lucky and still looking.

This area has been saturated with nurses and haven't had a true shortage for about 20 years, then the closing and merging of hospitals and health systems negated that. When I was a new grad LPN they stopped hiring LPNs at the hospital I worked; I had to think out if the box and ended up with two positions; that was due to connecting at job fairs and persistence; most recruiters will say it's all about timing these days; my new position was certainly all about timing. :yes:

flyersfan88 · Aug 23, 2014

This area has been saturated with nurses and haven't had a true shortage for about 20 years, then the closing and merging of hospitals and health systems negated that. When I was a new grad LPN they stopped hiring LPNs at the hospital I worked; I had to think out if the box and ended up with two positions; that was due to connecting at job fairs and persistence; most recruiters will say it's all about timing these days; my new position was certainly all about timing.

Absolutely. I mean, pretty much the only reason I got this job was because back in May a friend of a family member forwarded my resume to someone. Even then, it wasn't until the end of July where they called me. I'm still in disbelief, and counting my lucky stars every minute. From what I've gathered it seems that this hospital doesnt even look at the online applications. .. they just go internally or you have to know someone.

BiotoBSNtoFNP · Aug 23, 2014

I'm in the philly/south jersey area and it takes a lot of perseverance to find a job here! Even for an experienced nurse! When I graduated last march, it took me over 150 applications about 3 months and then finally it seemed like everyone was calling me. I could list my entire application and references (phone numbers and emails) by memory after filling all of those applications!! Haha But what really helped me was my elevator speech and persistence with following up with HR after application. A lot of people are afraid to do this but just call the hospital, ask to talk to the nurse recruiter. You will probably have to leave a voicemail bc no one ever wants to talk with a new grad, but if you have a great elevator speech and can really sell yourself, it pays off! Think about this: How are you different then all those other new grads? Did you graduate at the top of your class? Do you have bls, acls, and pals which shows initiative (people have mixed views on this and paying out of pocket for these) or do you have prior experience or another background that will be beneficial? Did you do clinical at that hospital? Work on your speech and tell everyone you are looking for a job!

And then, finally, when you get an interview-PRACTICEPRACTICEPRACTICE your interview questions(tell me about a time when...). You dont want to be kicking yourself when you finally get an interview and it goes poorly (ugh, what a horrible experience that was!!). And finally (for real this time)-keep going and dont get too down! It will be unbelievable obnoxious to see your other classmates get jobs when you arent, but it's not about whos better than who, its about luck and interviewing abilities and a good 30 second speech! :):) goodluck!!

StayingHopefulRN · Aug 24, 2014

I'm in the philly/south jersey area and it takes a lot of perseverance to find a job here! Even for an experienced nurse! When I graduated last march, it took me over 150 applications about 3 months and then finally it seemed like everyone was calling me. I could list my entire application and references (phone numbers and emails) by memory after filling all of those applications!! Haha But what really helped me was my elevator speech and persistence with following up with HR after application. A lot of people are afraid to do this but just call the hospital, ask to talk to the nurse recruiter. You will probably have to leave a voicemail bc no one ever wants to talk with a new grad, but if you have a great elevator speech and can really sell yourself, it pays off! Think about this: How are you different then all those other new grads? Did you graduate at the top of your class? Do you have bls, acls, and pals which shows initiative (people have mixed views on this and paying out of pocket for these) or do you have prior experience or another background that will be beneficial? Did you do clinical at that hospital? Work on your speech and tell everyone you are looking for a job!
And then, finally, when you get an interview-PRACTICEPRACTICEPRACTICE your interview questions(tell me about a time when...). You dont want to be kicking yourself when you finally get an interview and it goes poorly (ugh, what a horrible experience that was!!). And finally (for real this time)-keep going and dont get too down! It will be unbelievable obnoxious to see your other classmates get jobs when you arent, but it's not about whos better than who, its about luck and interviewing abilities and a good 30 second speech! :):) goodluck!!

I have been doing that and will continue to do it until someone sees my perseverance! Awesome advice!