New grad RN can't find employment

U.S.A. Florida

Published

Hi everyone, I am an extremely frustrated new grad RN! :angrybird9: I graduated back in Dec 2013 and passed the boards April 2014. I have been job hunting ever since and nothing yet. I have applied to hundreds of ads including hospitals, home health agencies, long-term care facilities and haven't even been called for 1 interview.

Everyone wants at least 2-3 years of nursing experience but how can a new grad get experience when no one will give us a chance. I have called HR many times and have even dropped by and they all just kinda brush me off and tell me the same thing "if we are interested we will call you." Many will flat out tell me "sorry, we don't hire new grads". I am so disappointed with the way the job market is treating us. Where is the support for new grads?

I have also tried applying to two different new grad programs but unfortunately never received a call back. These new grad programs are very competitive and are only available a couple of times a year here in Florida, plus only a few hospitals participate. Is anyone having the same issue and what advice if any do you have for new grads looking for employment?

I started in a nursing home in SW Florida in May. They changed the ownership at the facility and also the DON, the old one left and took three of the evening ft nurses with to her new job. That only have been my lucky moment.

I am from Germany, worked there for more than 20 years as a nurse, made my graduation for the US in 2007, obtained my license after I moved here in January 2014. They have been in such a need for nurses that I started a couple of days after my interview.

I was treated like you before, as a new grade RN, with no US experience almost impossible to get a job. I only can encourage you not to give up, you will also find a lucky moment or meet somebody how can bring you forward! The nursing education for RNs in this country is very high, you are worth an employment and you will find one. Good luck!

Thank you Nica :-)

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Update: I finally got my 1st interview today at a cosmetic surgery center for the position of OR/recovery room RN. I'm happy to say that I received an offer for employment and I accepted it! It's bitter sweet I guess. It isn't the hospital position I was hoping for but beggars can't be choosers. Also, the pay is pretty low ($20/hr) even for a new RN in Florida. Just wanted to give you all an update and thank you once again for all of your comments. :-)

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Congrats!!.. What type of schedule will you be having? Hrs/wk? How many days/wk?.. Best of luck;)

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Good for you! Some pay is better than no pay, and experience is experience is experience. It should be a lot easier the next time you look for a job. Hope you like this one and that you are there for as long as you wish to be. Keep us updated.

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Update: I finally got my 1st interview today at a cosmetic surgery center for the position of OR/recovery room RN. I'm happy to say that I received an offer for employment and I accepted it! It's bitter sweet I guess. It isn't the hospital position I was hoping for but beggars can't be choosers. Also, the pay is pretty low ($20/hr) even for a new RN in Florida. Just wanted to give you all an update and thank you once again for all of your comments. :-)

Congrats!! You'll be getting valuable experience.

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Congrats! A start is a start and you will grow and get better opportunities! Good luck!

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Congrats!!.. What type of schedule will you be having? Hrs/wk? How many days/wk?.. Best of luck;)

Thank You! I will be working Mon-Fri 8a-5p.

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Specializes in hospice.
Thank You! I will be working Mon-Fri 8a-5p.

A lotta people would kill for that schedule. Enjoy it while lasts!

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Good luck! I would take that job when I graduate...at my age the perks of discounted face lifts would be wonderful!!

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I definitely agree with many of the above posters: If you live in an area where it's difficult to get that first job, you might have to move and take whatever you can, get the experience, and then re-apply to the place where you really want to work. If you go too long after graduation without actually working, it will get tougher and tougher.

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Hi there, I am also in the same boat. Graduated in 2013 tested in 2014. Still looking for work. BUT...I finally got an interview at a top hospital here's how:

Get your Cert up!

ACLS, IV, BLS, PALS even

TELL EVERYONE even people u might never see again no matter how embarrassing. Why??? Those people will meet someone who knows someone or hear something...

Get a business card of your own and ask for business cards.

Subscribe to Nursey web sites: nurse.com, nursezone etc

Become a member of the ANA

If you are not a bsn start the process for enrollment and get to the step where you are accepted.

Read an artical a month or get your free CE on. (might be an interview question, was for me)

ps. I have an Associates degree.

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