New Grad RN-->No Jobs, Then what?

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jcolumber

2 Posts

just thought i would add my name in the hat as well...I have been a licensed RN since Jan 2010 and still have no job. I graduated in 2009. It seems as though, if you don't have a least 1yr exp, no one will hire. I can't get a 1yr exp, if no one hires me.... help please???

joanna73, BSN, RN

4,767 Posts

Specializes in geriatrics.

I think you just have to be willing to take whatever you can get. And try networking as much as you can....faculty, friends of friends....even people on this message board. I got very lucky because I met someone here and got a job. After the interview, I had another potential offer come in for OR nursing in another Province (I'm in Canada). I am relocating for this job, and very happy to do it.

Aside from myself, I know of friends who either got lucky from someone they met, or they were hired out of their placements. If you are sending resumes, try to follow up. Just sending the resume won't cut it right now.

Things will start to open up probably by mid year next year, but when you have loans to pay, that's a long time to wait. Good luck to all of you.

magnolia nurse

151 Posts

Specializes in ICU, ER, RESEARCH, REHAB, HOME HEALTH, QUALITY.

its been tough out there this year.. I have an friend who is experienced and is also having difficulty finding work..

go to www.usajobs.gov. if you are willing to move I bet you will find one..

good luck..

Akeos

131 Posts

Specializes in Pediatrics, Home health.

I've been out of school for 7 months and no job prospects yet. I know I'm losing my skills so I was going to volunteer at the local health fair, and they asked what I am qualified to do, well I'm an RN but i dont feel qualified for anything because I haven't been able to do skills or assessment for so long. Any ideas on how i can start using my skills even without a job?

bekindtokittens

353 Posts

Specializes in Psych..

I just spent my first year of nursing in psych, and decided I wanted to get a med/surg job because I wanted something new, something to refresh and keep my skills. I've been to so many interviews and been lied to so many times, that once again, I'm angry with the hospital systems in my area. I feel like cattle, herded into a group interview, told how wonderfully I interviewed, how they love me and that HR will be calling me with a job offer, and then...nothing. Well, not exactly nothing -- an email four weeks later saying I didn't get the job. I've sent thank you notes, called these nurse managers who praised me in order to get feedback...nothing, no feedback whatsoever.

I just took a job at a facility that does LTC, rehab, and sub-acute. I'll be on sub-acute and get experience with trachs, vents, PICCs, PEGs, and other good stuff. I applied for the company on a Tuesday, interviewed on Wednesday, and was offered a job on Thursday. I'm a "the cup's half empty" kind of person, so I'm wondering, are they desperate? But no, all the nurses there were pleasant and no one was rushing around.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't focus solely on hospitals. There are opportunities out there; you just have to be creative in your search. I found my new job on craigslist.

nursepenelope

90 Posts

Dear "bekindtokittens" Where did you land a job where you will have trachs at the sn level? I work in LTC but the best I get is IV therapy. I feel so cheated not having an acute care experience.

Preez

1 Post

Hi everyone. Um i have just recently come across this website and have come to known how much you all help each other well I am in some serious need of help. I have just started attendign SENECA COLLEGE in Ontario, CA and I am doing the RPN..PRACTICAL NUSRING PROGRAM. Though I have attended high school here i did not have the grades to qualify but i went and did the PRE-HEALTH SCIENCES PROGRAM AND BASICALLY WASTED A YEAR WELL I graduated with the gpa of 2.6 and clearly that is not high enough to get in to BScN so i have un-answere questions..

1. Can a RPN work in pediatrics? b/c i really want to work and help children

2. And if i do upgrade to a degree will i be able to work in pediatrics? And if so after how long after receiving my diploma in Nursing do i have too wait to apply for my BScN Degree.

3. Will I be acknowledged as under qualified after receiving my degree in RPN and still have to work under an RN?

nursepenelope

90 Posts

PREEZ, you can apply in peds as an lpn/lvn. units are still hiring them. At least i see job positions for them. I looked on Oakland Childrens Hospital last night and they had several openings for LVN positions.

You should start the app position to take your boards before graduation. At least that is true for RN liensure (I am not an lvn).

I personally think that working your way throught he system: NA to LVN to RN. In hindsight I would have done that. Really need to get decent grades tho because the nursing programs (from what I've heard) are very competitive and hard to get into, even associates programs. If you need extra help, get it, don't be embarrassed. Nursing school is hard work and if you have no medical experience, it is like learning a foriegn language. Good luck and hope this helps.:)

bekindtokittens

353 Posts

Specializes in Psych..
Dear "bekindtokittens" Where did you land a job where you will have trachs at the sn level? I work in LTC but the best I get is IV therapy. I feel so cheated not having an acute care experience.

Well, I live in Colorado, and that's about as much detail as I like to give out on a huge public board like this.

I haven't started the job yet, but the ADON who interviewed me said there would be trachs and trach care. I'm pretty excited about it, and nervous too. I'm trying not to get my hopes up.

nursepenelope

90 Posts

Congratulations!!! That sounds like great experience. Have fun!!

Stu_RNSOON

5 Posts

For all of you Nursing Students out there I would say get a job as a CNA first, even if you are planning to graduate in 6 months. I just started my new job 3 months ago, and graduate in 3 months (December). I have already been offered an RN position by my manager, on the high acuity med/surg floor where I work.

Not saying I wont apply other places, but I do feel safe inhaving a job!

Stu_RNSOON

mazuchira

7 Posts

Reading all your posts ... No wonder why I'm still where I am - -" ... but it's great to know I'm still under this warming shelter although surrounded with sad/discouraging environment ... Taking a breath until I can no longer do it ... sighhhhh!!!!

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