So say you pass NCLEX and can't obtain a new grad job right away what should you do?

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Do you just get a job anywhere even if it's totally unrelated to nursing? Or do you work as a CNA or unit secretary? Or do you go to longterm care and try to get a RN job in a nursing home? I mean what should you do when you absolutely need to work? Are any of these going to hurt your chances as you're applying to new grad positions in the future? Has anyone had to do any of this, and were you successful in getting hired as a RN at a hospital later? I absolutely need to work I can't just sit at home every day filling out applications for RN jobs that i never hear back on. It's consuming my life and my happiness.

I hear you. I'm in Texas in a busy city and there is nurse saturation. Those working as a LVN is experience so that's good for that poster. I was a new grad in May 2010 and I was beginning to think, what have I done wrong, us there a curse word in my resume, do I have a criminal " case" against me I'm not aware of. I don't know many folks and even scoring on the 98 percentille- no job. I did flu shot clinics and health and wellness. I began to volunteer for a hospice company and I got a position doing private duty nursing. I love this because I was placed in a foster home that had several medically fragile children which meant several nurses and thus I was never alone. Kind of like a mini pedi med surg. Started in Nov and love it! I applied to a geri-psych hospital 2 weeks ago and started last Monday. Not what I imagined but I like it. I always said I like my patients in diapers.

Sorry, I digress, is there any community free clinics- actually I know there are in the DC area, I used to teach in Baltimore. Also, you qualify for substitute school nurse. Good luck and try to stay encouraged!!!

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No offense to you all, but where do you live??? There are a million nursing job opportunities in NY, where I live. I'm sorry to hear that :(

Washington State, Seattle-Tacoma area, and like someone said were New grad. Those "millions" of jobs are you sure they are for new grads or for those that have at least one or more years experience? Because I have found some hospitals out hear with 20 or more posting, but not for us newbies.

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I agree, it is very frustrating to work so hard and not be able to get a job. It's incredibly disappointing. There is hope though. After 7 months, I just got 2 offers in different hospitals, so I believe it will happen for you. While I was going through the application process (every day), I started nannying part-time as well. It made me feel useful, brought me some joy, and helped keep me financially afloat. I also had an volunteer RN internship lined up as well. Check with some hospitals if they have any programs like this to keep you involved in the hospital while you are waiting for an offer (it could also lead into something if they like you). Then you can still work doing something else, and keep a foot in the hospital door. I also recommend keeping your mind completely open, and applying for positions that would mean re-locating (if that is an option for you at all). Some job markets are better for new grads right now than others. I know it's hard - I wish you the absolute best!

Unfortunately I cannot relocate....My husband is military and after 11 months of being apart due to deployments I do NOT want to spend any more time apart! We are practically still newlyweds since we have spent anytime together since our wedding.

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.
Sadly I am in this position also. I graduated in May 2010 but I was lucky to find a RN job in a LTC facility in November but I just got fired from this job last week for something I think was kinda unfair. Now I am back at square one and I am afraid also I won't find anything. I try to apply for other jobs in hospitals such as a CNA or what not but no call backs. For me I'm just going to get a job in a store somewhere and pray I find something as an RN.

I would suggest looking at your state gov't website and look for nursing jobs. I am looking into that and am hoping for the best.

Have you tried to draw unemployment????

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Specializes in LTC, Family Practice, Meg/Surg.
Washington State, Seattle-Tacoma area, and like someone said were New grad. Those "millions" of jobs are you sure they are for new grads or for those that have at least one or more years experience? Because I have found some hospitals out hear with 20 or more posting, but not for us newbies.

Most of them do say at least one year experience required here in Upstate NY too. I did find a few that would hire new grads. We'll see though.... I guess I shouldn't speak before I'm even in that position trying to apply as a new grad :( I just have never heard of anyone I know here not being able to find SOMETHING, ya know? Well, good luck to you, me, or whoever else needs it!

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I worked as a home health RN while filling out as many applications as possible for positions all over the country and...whamo two months later I had a job. I had to move cross country...but it was so worth it! So my piece of advice is...TO MOVE!!! Trying to get a job in one geographical area-especially if it's a very slammed area such as Cali, Portland, Seattle, NYC, Boston, Philly, Miami, Chicago-is incredibly tough and so limiting. If you want a job and STAT then adopt the attitude I will move anywhere for the right job. Worked for me and I hope it works for you. Good luck!

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Us new grads are not alone! I work as a home health aide right now which is horrible pay but better than nothing. But to be honest it can be extremely demeaning when some clients call me their "house keeper" instead of their care giver. I am a registered nurse with a BSN who graduated with honors for crying out loud please don't call me a house keeper not that I have anything against anyone who is a house keeper but I worked my butt off for my title. Here in Las Vegas if you don't know anyone your going to be hard pressed to find a RN position (its a fact someone in my program who did poorly but passed and who was in my opinion lazy, for example, always trying to bribe the instructor into letting her go home early from clinical ect already has a job because her family is well established here!) Its so depressing, luckily my fiance works nights and I can enjoy my pitty party by myself def tired of feeling like a loser! and crying because I can't find a darn job, I have decided to no longer check my emails for rejections and hopefully if someone wants to hire me they decide to call. So here is to the job hunt and hoping that something good happens soon, and sending out hopes to anyone else who is in my current position. =D FYI I am not a woe is me person normally but after spending 4 days filling out over 100 apps and getting most of them replied to automatically with the "your not experienced enough" comment its really just frustrating.

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No offense to you all, but where do you live??? There are a million nursing job opportunities in NY, where I live. I'm sorry to hear that :(

exactly WHERE in NY??? :confused:

I have heard some upstate hospitals buffalo and 1 other nearby city (forgot name) have begun to hire new grads, other than that dry.

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Specializes in LTC, Family Practice, Meg/Surg.
exactly WHERE in NY??? :confused:

I have heard some upstate hospitals buffalo and 1 other nearby city (forgot name) have begun to hire new grads, other than that dry.

Syracuse, NY. Upstate University Hospital, Crouse Hospital, and Community General Hospital are all hospitals within 10 miles from me that are hiring new grads. St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center is another one within 5 miles, but it looks like they are currently hiring nurses with at least 1 year of hospital experience, unless you went to their school of nursing, of course.

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