[Yendis]

I'm from Jersey and I just graduated in May 2008 with a BSN. Most of my classmates started job searching in January and they have a job now! I didn't! I applied to several hospitals in NJ including Hackensack University Medical Center. I even went to St. Joseph's and fill out the app., the secretary told me I should hear from them in 2-3 weeks. It's been 7 weeks now!! For other hospitals, I fill the app. online, I call HR and they usually say that if your qualifications meet one of our positions, we'll contact you. This has discouraged me so much that I am now looking at hospitals in NY. I'm really interested in Mount Sinai, Montefiore, NYU Medical Center. Somebody please help me!! What am I doing wrong? Did I start applying too late? Any information on those hospitals, how to better market my self, any hospitals hiring in the NJ/NY area would be helpful!! Thanks a bunch!

[abundantjoy07]

Those HR people can be really tough. The generic "if your application meets our standards etc etc we will contact you" is frustrating to hear. Especially when you've been waiting for so long.
The waiting and the uncertainty is the worst part of job hunting.
I also graduated with my BSN, but it honestly doesn't seem to make a bit of difference. People just want those nurses that have been nursing for years. Experience seems to be more important.

Sometimes going to the HR office and asking to fill out an application online at their office can make a difference. Other times asking those nurses you know for recommendations can help too. If your classmate graduated with you and already has a job, ask him/her to recommend you to their manager for job consideration.

Or...you might want to consider the smaller hospitals in your area.

Also, look at your resume, maybe it needs to be revised. There are lots of sites on the internet devoted to writing resumes. Don't be afraid to ask a friend for constructive criticism. Also, your teachers might be avaliable to give you pointers for finding a job as well.

[ChangeofPace]

Although I'm an LPN working on my RN, I had the same issue after graduating. Like the pp said, they want experience but no one is willing to give it!
Grab a newspaper and look though it- some hospitals advertise internship programs for new RN nurses. If you have done that, then I suggest calling everywhere. Get fax #'s, names ect and fax over your resume, leave messages, look for smaller places.

My situation is different since LPN's in my area are mainly hired in LTC facilities. I ended up calling about 30+ places and only ONE of them gave me a chance. I stayed with them for 1 year and now the opportunities are flooding in... from home health positions to corrections to more LTC. Also consider rehab hospitals like HealthSouth. Something has got to give so don't give up- be persistant.

[cmh25]

I too am a recent grad, associate degree. I started to apply after I knew I passed the NCLEX. Just like you, it seems I am the only one w/o a job!

The local newspapers have not had anything for RN's. I have been using Monster.com, CareerBuilder and the hospital career sites.

I have been told, the best thing to do, is follow up on your apps. Send a letter or call to find the status of the app. What county are you in?
check out meridian health, saint barnabas health care system if you haven't already.

Best of luck to you.
Christine

[Yendis]

I haven't checked Meridian Health but I did check out St. Barnabas Health Care System. Still nothing!! I don't know what to do at this point!! I'm waiting for my license in NY to start applying there because I havent' been lucky in NJ and I've used every resource that I know of: monster, careerbuilder, and hospital websites! Hopefully, something will come through!! Good luck on your search!!

Marsha

[ukstudent]

A lot of hospitals, not all, but a lot have set times for the orientation for new grads. They are only started either 2 or 3 times a year.

Next time you call HR ask if they start new grads at a certain time and when you should apply for it.

[cmh25]

I have never heard of any hospital near me having specific 'new grad orientation'. In some of the other forums, I came across various states that offer residency programs for new nurses, but definitely not NJ.
Some friends of mine just got hired at Kimball Medical Center. Not my first choice, but apparently they are willing to take on a lot of new nurses.
(I have had some not so nice experiences in that area and am choosing not to apply there).

If anyone has more info of the orientations or residency programs, please let us know where to find them.
Thank you.

Christine