Panicking about the job market

[JenniferSews]

I graduated and rushed to do my NCLEX, and passed on 12/23. I was hoping for some better responses and I do know it's only been a few days but I've been looking for works for months now with no luck. I still get the same "no thanks" response, even from openings that say they would consider new grads. All the job openings say BSN preferred even if they will consider new grads, but I have my ADN. I need a job, ANY job. I've applied to every hospital system within 1 hour drive, and every posted nursing home opening. What do I do now? Walk in? Cold call? I'm open to ANY suggestion.

[DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP]

this is a good reason to try to get your foot in the door at any hospital as a tech before graduation....

And how is this helpful to the OP?

[DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP]

OP,

I am sorry you are having problems finding a job. When I entered NS, I NEVER thought the job market would be so poor (Thankfully, I now have a job- have been an RN

Have you though about googling local job fairs? I am a firm believer in 'networking' and selling yourself 'in person.' If there are job fairs in your area, I would DEFINITELY attend!!

How about following up (via phone or in person) with some of the places where you've applied? It can't hurt. I cannot possibly imagine how many apps RN recruiters must have sitting on their desks.

In my former 'life' I was a recruiter (not healthcare). When applicants called me to check on their applications who were pleasant and genuinely interested, I would often set up a time to meet with them. It saved me the work of having to siphon through hundreds of applications in order to find good candidates.

Keep your chin up... I wish you all the best :redbeathe

Diane

[Jenzel27]

I would recommend calling everyday and talking to the nurse recruiter at the hospital, thats what I did and she fowarded my app to the floors that she knew would hire new grads. I got an interview almost immediatley and hired the day of the interview. I live in upstate NY and the job market is pretty slim around here too, I think its a matter of talking to the right person, dont just settle to talk to the HR receptionist.

[cbcle]

I know it sounds kind of unprofessional, but have you tried calling around to agencies and seeing if you can even pick up some temp jobs while you're looking? It'll put some cash in your pocket to tide you over and give you a little bit of RN experience to add to your resume. Try flu clinics and stuff.

[SKYSTHELIMIT]

Well considering the job shortage for new grads, I was able to land an interview at John Hopkins in MD and Cooper in Camden NJ. I got job offers for both but decided to go with Cooper in their Critical Care Unit for new grads. I graduatedin Dec 09 but now I just have to pass my boards. LISTEN GUYS, THERE ARE JOBS OUT THERE. I started my Job Search in October, two months before graduation. I think what helped me the most was an impeccable resume PLUS cover letter. Do not try to skimp on the COVER LETTER because you may be passed over due to it. I specialize in writing resumes on the side so I knew just how to format and what to put in it. THANK GOD. I was told by some that my resume looked professionally done. Next, register with a site like Indeed.com or careerbuilder and have an alert emails sent to you every day that SPECIFY new grads positions. I'm tellin ya I got about 5-10 a day. Also, if it states experience required DO NOT APPLY, if it states experience preferred then DO APPLY. Some jobs sent to me were 10 miles and no more than 30 miles away from me but they were NEW GRAD positions. Remember a beautifully written cover letter and resume gets you noticed and in the door, start with that first. GOOD LUCK to all and reme,ber tghere are jobs you just have to be unique in your approach and slither through the cracks. Oh by the way, the position at Cooper was not even posted on their website but I took initiative to call their HR and ask. They told me no not right now maybe later and 1 mos later they called me for an interview. I am truly blessed. Be patient.

[iamafutureRN]

hi i really need some advice...please?

[PediLove2147, BSN, RN]

this is a good reason to try to get your foot in the door at any hospital as a tech before graduation....

Having a job as a tech before graduation does not necessarily lead to a job after graduation. The hospital I worked for did not hire any new grads, although they had in the previous years.

OP: Have you tried private duty nursing? That is what I went into as a new grad.

[Leonardo Del Toro, RN]

Things will be better as they always change and change again. Every situation is temporary...the fact they don't need nurses right now is just a passing cloud. Use this time to prepare yourself. Think of why you are in nursing, think about the people who are sick, they are in a worst situation than you.