BSN New Grad and No Jobs

[Happynurs3]

Hi everyone,

I graduated with my BSN in August 2014. Prior to that I was an associates degree RN and could not get a job since everyone wanted BSN, so I went back to school. During school I continued to work as an LPN at a nursing home. So far I have 3yrs LPN experience, but no RN experience. I have sent countless applications to hospitals in all five boroughs and so far have not received one interview. I applied to the NYP new grad program but did not succeed beyond the Nov 24th meet and greet. Most of the jobs I see require acute care experience; no one wants to hire new grads. I get daily headaches from the frustrations. I love NYC, but worse case scenario I am willing to relocate. However, I have been looking at the requirements for hire in other states and all of them seem to be asking for previous hospital experience as well. Does anyone know of anywhere that I could try?

Desperate RN

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

Maine and New Hampshire have entry level jobs for new nurses. Check indeed and monster.com

[Happynurs3]

ok, I will.

[SimoneB]

If you are willing to consider relocating anywhere, I would start looking for new grad residencies in smaller cities in many different states, including the south. I graduated in June in the SF bay where the job market is similarly bad and only started getting interviews when I gave up the idea that I was going to find my first job in a desirable major city. Also by focusing on residencies you will avoid the frustration of hospitals only looking for experienced nurses.

A few hospitals I would recommend from my own personal search:

Mission Hospital in Ashville NC just opened up their application for a new new grad cohort and it's supposed to be a great city.

Vanderbilt in Nashville TN is a great hospital and their application period is now open.

University of Virginia Charlottesville is hiring a lot of new grads. I just received an offer there.

Good luck on your search, don't loose heart. I know it's hard to let go of the idea of getting the ideal job right away but in such a tough market, you need to be realistic. Make sure your résumé and cover letter are compelling and personalized to each position and expand where you are applying and with your extensive LPN experience I think you will start getting interviews.

[Happynurs3]

A few hospitals I would recommend from my own personal search:

Mission Hospital in Ashville NC just opened up their application for a new new grad cohort and it's supposed to be a great city.

Vanderbilt in Nashville TN is a great hospital and their application period is now open.

University of Virginia Charlottesville is hiring a lot of new grads. I just received an offer there.

Thank u Simone, I was just searching for other jobs outside of nursing because I am beyond frustrated. Virginia is not to far away, so thanks for those options. I am about to check them now. Congrats on your offer!!! Did you accept? Do you have to have your license endorsed before you apply?

[SimoneB]

Thank u Simone, I was just searching for other jobs outside of nursing because I am beyond frustrated. Virginia is not to far away, so thanks for those options. I am about to check them now. Congrats on your offer!!! Did you accept? Do you have to have your license endorsed before you apply?

You're welcome, happy to help.

I haven't accepted yet because I haven't visited (webcam interview) and it is a 2 year commitment so I want to be sure but I am planning a trip there ASAP and the hospital is paying for my travel. I don't have my VA license yet but they don't seem concerned about it.

Good luck and let us know how things go. :)

[HopefulSRNA1234]

Have you ever thought about joining the NAVY as a commissioned officer in the Nurse Corps?

I looked into this as well as the Air Force. To be commissioned as an officer, you must have experience. So again, not new grad friendly unfortunately ?

[nur18]

After 4 years of applying to hospital and 3 years of Homecare, I'm leaving NY to pursue a position at Vanderbilt. I wasn't eligible for the new grad residency but was offered a job with 6 week of preceptorship. It's time to step out your comfort zone and apply to every job posting you see that don't say experience required. Google new grad residency all over the country and keep track of when the application timeframe start.

Also, reread your resume, I have updated my resume so many times and each time I would find mistakes. Start from the last sentence and read each one. What I also did was find a good job posting that fit was I'm doing now and took some keywords or line to add to my resume.

Good luck

[estrellaCR, BSN, RN]

Its not only new grads with tough job market. I am experienced RN with 2 years hospital experience and it is hard to get hired at another hospital and/or transition specialties. It seems new grads have it a little easier than someone already "stuck" in a specialty although nursing skills are similar for all types of hospital nursing.

[Chief.Diego.Diaz]

I know a lot of people never think about that option, so I'm not surprise on your reaction;)!

However, believe it or not there are jobs out there for RNs who want to explore a career in The Navy.

The Nurse Corps in the Navy is a lot more competitive than the civilian sector though! But usually new grads get the chance to join right after school with no experience required, instead your performance in school (GPA) comes more into play.