Job Help!

[ctam28]

I passed my NCLEX in July and I'm still trying to find a job! I feel that because I wasn't a CNA when I was at school my chances of getting a job in the hospital setting is very slim.

Has anybody been in the same situation? Any suggestions on how to effectively job search would be greatly appreciated!!

[cardiacnurse12]

I also passed in July and searched for jobs over the summer. I just got hired with no healthcare experience on an acute care floor at a large hospital, so your chances are not that slim.

In my opinion, the key is to zero in on a couple/few more local hospitals and show initiative. Call the clinical recruiter, ask for his/her advice on positions that they are accepting new grads for. Apply, and apply again. Once they are familiar with you and see that you have more than a passing interest, you may have success. Don't be pushy, though; show enthusiasm and an appreciation for the recruiter's advice and help.

In the interview, be ready to show how your previous work experience applies to nursing; how you have worked with teams, in leadership roles, emphasize detail-oriented aspects of your work, and your ability to organize and plan. Show enthusiasm, and just how you can contribute.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

What school did you go to/what degree do you have? Contact some old clinical instructors, they might be able to help you with connections. Where did you do your preceptorship? Places where you have connections are often your best bet. It's September so most of the new grad jobs are probably gone by now- I had my job in March of my senior year when I was a new grad.

[ctam28]

I got my RN license at a college in Boston. When you say clinical recruiter do you mean the nurse recruiter or the nurse manager on the units? Also would you suggest trying to look for a nursing/rehabilitation position first?

Thank you for the advice & good luck at your new job!

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

The recruiter is the person in the HR Department or the separate Nurse Recruitment department if the hospital is big enough to warrant one. Do you have your ADN or your BSN? If you don't have a BSN, you won't really have a shot at any of the hospitals in Boston. Where have you been applying?

[cardiacnurse12]

I'm referring to the nurse recruiter. Sometimes it may be helpful to contact the nurse manager directly, if they allow that.

I would go for wherever you want to work, if rehab is easier to get into it may be a good idea, especially if you need employment soon. However, i don't know how well experience there will help you to move to an area you really want to work in.

Thanks, and good luck with your search!

[ctam28]

I have my BSN. I've been applying to hospitals in Boston where I had my clinicals, but I'm at a standstill. I think it's also my fault too because I haven't really been following up with HR after submitting my online application. So after reading what you guys did..I'm pretty sure I'll be calling HR and asking to speak to the nurse recruiter!

Thanks so much!

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I'd also contact your preceptor from your senior practicum. If the floor you did it on isn't hiring, maybe elsewhere in the hospital is and he/she might be able to help at least point you in the right direction.

You also might need to branch out from just the big Boston hospitals. They have, by and large, been hiring fewer new grads in the last 5 years or so than they were when I graduated. Where do you live?