I am a new nurse in Philadelphia, PA. I graduated in May 2011 with a BSN and then successfully passed my state boards. As of now I have been unsuccessful in landing a job. So far I have had only 2 interviews. When asked why I was not chosen to be hired, they always reply "its due to my lack of experience". How in the world am I ever going to gain some experience if no one is willing to give me chance??? Fellow former classmates who have jobs now either were hired through a family member referral or had to move far away. It is now the end of the year and I am beginning to feel hopeless!! What am I to do

Try LTC.

You are not alone, keep at it. It can be very depressing, I know. I'm still looking myself.

I'm sorry you're experiencing this. Is relocation a possibility? Perhaps you can widen your search that way. Also, have you tried looking at doctor's offices, LTC, Assisted Living, Home Health, etc. etc. ? You may have to get creative to get in somewhere and get experience. Good luck.

Have you are you willing to come to Tacoma, WA? Were hiring and giving relocation and putting new grads through residency at on of our major medical centers. I have can help help. Let me know if you're interested? Jamie

If they are still doing that in Tacoma when I graduate- I might be taking you up on that--- I'd love to move to the west coast!

Thanks I'll give it a shot.

Have you are you willing to come to Tacoma, WA? Were hiring and giving relocation and putting new grads through residency at on of our major medical centers. I have can help help. Let me know if you're interested? Jamie

Tacoma wow!! yes I am willing to relocate.

I am a new nurse in Philadelphia, PA. I graduated in May 2011 with a BSN and then successfully passed my state boards. As of now I have been unsuccessful in landing a job. So far I have had only 2 interviews. When asked why I was not chosen to be hired, they always reply "its due to my lack of experience". How in the world am I ever going to gain some experience if no one is willing to give me chance??? Fellow former classmates who have jobs now either were hired through a family member referral or had to move far away. It is now the end of the year and I am beginning to feel hopeless!! What am I to do

I feel your struggle Robin, we are both on the same boat with the same experiences when applying. I just wonder sometimes... how can we get experience if they wont give us a chance... sometimes its kind of frustrating too to learn that someone else got their job because they knew someone from that hospital... Let's just pray for the best and keep on trying... one day we'll get our chance....

Let me know. Here is my email and we can exchange info and I have the contacts. [email protected]

Search for LTC units in all three counties(Phila,Montco& Bucks.) Fill out as many application forms as you can. Genesis nursing facilities usually welcomes new grads. try St Joseph's Manor(part of Holy Redeemer) hospital, they were recently hungry for nurses. Try ACTS facilities (Southampton Estates, Fort Washington Esates & Brittany Pointe) and approach PSA Healthcare (a pediatric home care agency.) Fact is there are countless facilities in the Phila &surrounding areas, problem is sometimes BSN grads shoot straight for hospitals,which for the most part, will not give new grads a chance straight ouuta school. Get experience somewhere, then perhaps aply into hospitals. Heard St Christopher's in North Philly was hiring. Goodluck! *and tell us when u start making those dollars*

It's [email protected]

Robin,

That's difficult to hear, especially with all the schooling and hard work you've put into it. Have you considered (if you didn't go to Tacoma) nursing abroad? I know there are many options on crusies (yes, cruises), organizations, maybe even relief work. This is a great way to both see the world and gain experience so that when you come back you're all set for a job. Good luck!