What am I doing wrong? - page 2

Point proved.

I had the same trouble when I graduated from college, I had a near perfect GPA, and letters of recomendation. I sent out a lot of resumes, filled out many applications, even called to follow up. No one was the least bit interested in me even though they had open positions. This was also a time when it seemed many positions demanded experienced nurses, so it was very frustrating. It seemed, at the time, that the people getting the jobs were the ones who knew somebody. All I can say is keep trying, you may need to take a job in an area you aren't interested in just to get a paycheck and experience. Have you looked into a temp agency or traveling. Nursing homes seem to always be looking for RN's, even though it may not be what you are interested in. Good luck with the job hunt and Merry Christmas.

"anklebiters"... love it! And it's so right on the money too!!!!

I move around a lot due to my wife's job and have had a chance to interview at MANY facilities because of that. I have found a couple of things to be true:

1) The job market right now sucks. Be willing to work areas that might not be your first choice. Critical care sections and ER, while appealing, are getting harder and harder to get in to. For a long time these sections were closed off to new grads and the pendulum, it seems, is swinging back that way. Apply to them, sure, but also apply to non critical care areas as well. Spread your resume out.
2) KNOW THE FLOOR YOU ARE APPLYING TO. Understand what it is they do there. As a new grad you will have a general nursing knowledge, but do some research at least the night before you interview. Don't be ignorant when you show up. Care enough about the job to do some research
3) Do not go in with a chip on your shoulder. If you don't think they'll hire you because you are a guy, you are too good looking, whatever it will show. Likewise, you are not god's gift to nurses. As a new grad you know just enough to be dangerous and a perfect GPA does not a good nurse make. Be confident, not a prima donna.
4) Be on time, dress the part... I suppose this can go without being said, but seriously... You are applying for a job.
5) There are standard questions that you will be asked: "Where do you see yourself in x years", "What are your strengths", "What are your weaknesses", "Why do you want to work here at this hospita/this floor" Think about these. You WILL BE ASKED. Be honest, but this is not confession... don't unload your soul on a potential unit manager.
6) Be flexible. As stated above, your unit manager doesn't owe you anything and the interview is not the place to start making demands. Given the choice between two equally experienced employees the one who shows the most flexibility will be hired. You can apply to switch shifts, put in time off requests AFTER you get hired.
7) After being hired the process is not over. Make yourself valuable. Participate in unit activities, learn valuable skills when classes are offered. GET CERTIFIED. Make your current and future unit managers want and value you. Many nurses kind of float through their careers doing the bare minimum... don't be that person.