New Grad / Difficult time

Nurses Career Support

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I graduated May 2013 and received my license July 2013 it is not the end of August and I still have NO job yet? I already hold a Business Admin Degree and previously found accounting job with no problem. I live in Atlanta but went to school in Alabama so I did receive offers from the Alabama hospitals but the 3 hour a day drive would be a bit much.

I had the perception that with this targeted degree there should be no problem....I was wrong. I have people to call me back but when we discuss about no previous experience (it reflects this on my resume as well) , I hear well maybe you can go and take some classes and get certified while I am willing to go to classes this cost money....I'm not clear on this challenge to obtain employment. My classmates mostly already LPN or CNA have obtained positions. One of them with no previous experience transferred her license to Alabama for the job and at the end of the day they said they were going to go with someone else...So I dont understand. Also my degree is ADN does that matter???? I am frustrated definitely praying about it. My professional demeanor is exact so Im lost...I can pay my dues of given the chance

I am in a similar situation like you. I have BSN RN still no job. I guess employers are looking for experienced nurses. Honestly there is no shortage of nurses like before. Any ways good luck with your Job Search

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I will be going to these meetings and things at these hospitals and network my way sounds like a great idea!!!

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Specializes in HIV.

It took me literally hundreds of apps before I got my first job as an ADN. 1 year and a second job later, I'm soon to be starting out in a hospital. So it just takes time and patience. Also, be willing to commute.

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I realize it's too late for you now, but the networking with potential employers should start while you are still in school, during your last semester or two. Waiting until after you graduate is way too late.

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I realize it's too late for you now, but the networking with potential employers should start while you are still in school, during your last semester or two. Waiting until after you graduate is way too late.

Certainly this information would have been useful during school. I blame no one but myself for being in this predicament. I have some wonderful suggestions for my RN program though if they should ever ask...lol!!!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I graduated in May 2012 with a BSN and am a year past passing boards and I still can't even get a job in a nursing home. This is a 2nd career for me as we'll and I think there may be some age discrimination going on here

All of my 35 yr or less cohorts have all found jobs and the 3 of us 'mature ' folks who have 20 plus years in our prior fields are still unemployed as nurses. I think they get your age by asking you on applications what year you graduated high school.

Very frustrating for sure.

Ageism in alive and well in nursing.
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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Certainly this information would have been useful during school. I blame no one but myself for being in this predicament. I have some wonderful suggestions for my RN program though if they should ever ask...lol!!!!
It is discouraging. Keep plugging away. Look at alternatives like LTACH/LTAC (long term acute care hospital) they are usually will hire and train new grads. Statistics show that it is taking 14-18 months for nurses in some areas of the country to find employment and in some parts of the country unemployment rates of new grads is as high as 47%. Hospitals can afford to be choosy with the plethora of new grads and are leaning towards BSN grads.

Get extra certifications like ACLS and PALS...unfortunately they do cost money.

YOU are not to blame for this......and you are not alone. ((HUGS))

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Specializes in Critical Care.

OMG I'm having the same problem. I get call backs but they don't count my clinical hours as experience. I have a friend at a major hospital in my city that is trying to get me on. I'm waiting patiently. I submitted almost 150 online applications and anticipating employment. I too was thinking about taking a dialysis course, trauma certification course, ect while I wait. However, I don't think it will make a difference because I still will be lacking experience. What do you all think?

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Update....I recently was offered a position and was called the next day to say we are going with someone with more experience. I'm just like ok....

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