To get a job as a RN.

Nurses Career Support

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Hello,

I graduated with BSN in May of 2012 and got my RN license in July. However, I have not been able to get a job. I have applied more than I care to count (from May to December) but answer from the other end has been no. I would love if someone can help me out. I am desperate for a job!!! It is quite disheartening when you work so hard for than degree not been to get a job. I also do not know anyone who works at a hospital who would be able to reefer for me. Any tips?

Thanks,

A Desperate New Grad

chinacatRN

20 Posts

Specializes in None - yet ;).

I hate to say it, but you might have to get experience in a less desirable area before working at a hospital. I graduated in may as well and though the local hospitals always have RN openings, they seem to hire those with more experience over the new grads. The nursing homes and rehab facilities, however, are desperate for help and will hire almost anyone who fulfills the requirements. I know it stinks - I would much rather work in a hospital - but you could just work in a LTC facility and keep applying and when you get a better job then you can put in your notice. At least you'd have a job and some experience.

jjo9el

9 Posts

Thank you for replying. I have been applying at nursing homes around my area but they want experience nurses. Need at least One year of experience. Guess I live in the wrong part of the country.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Thank you for replying. I have been applying at nursing homes around my area but they want experience nurses. Need at least One year of experience. Guess I live in the wrong part of the country.

What part of the country you live in??? Most states are dealing with not being able to get a hospital job, even experienced nurses.

What does your résumé look like? Most places see THOUSANDS of resumes. Are you highlighting your clinical experiences; ie, hours in post-OP, management of IV meds, wound care, pt. teaching, care of a pt with a trach, etc. if you have prior non-nursing experience, what skills do you have that can contribute to your nursing career?

jjo9el

9 Posts

I live in Northeastern part of the country.I have my resume formatted in the way a nurse told me too.To be honest, I don't know what I'm doing wrong.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I live in Northeastern part of the country.I have my resume formatted in the way a nurse told me too.To be honest I don't know what I'm doing wrong.[/quote']

The Northeastern part of the country of the part is HEAVILY saturated with both new grads and experienced grads. I honestly cannot say what you are specifically "doing wrong," however, significant clinical experiences can be highlighted; for example, pt with a wound, surgical drainages, experiences in the OR PACU or ER, etc...summarize and be specific.

I also suggest (if you can) to have your résumé looked over by a nurse recruiter or someone who has experience reviewing resumes. They would honestly let you know what they are looking for. Go to a local open house and see If they are willing to assist you in giving résumé tips. I did this at nursing job fair, and the recruiter helped me tremendously. Once I tweaked my résumé, people called me, I went on interviews, and I am starting a job next month. The whole process of accepting a job took about 8 months. Also, keep your skills up...take an IV therapy course, look up some CEUs that may assist you in gaining familiarity, just so you are showing your potential employer that you are still increasing your base of knowledge.

jjo9el

9 Posts

Thank You :).I had my cousin( she is a nursing professor) look over my resume.I applied to every hospital in the city and out of state. As for skills, I graduated in May of 2012(8 months ago) and I'm scared that I will forget everything I have learned but I'm reading a lot of nursing articles though.

How were you able to get a job?

theantichick

320 Posts

Specializes in LTAC, ICU, ER, Informatics.

Are you in a position to move to another area of the country for a year or two to get experience? I know there are areas that are truly having a nursing shortage. If I'm not able to get a job as a nurse by the time my kiddo graduates from high school (2 years) which is also how long I'll be in my RN-BSN program, I'm planning to move either to the Texas-Mexico border or to North Dakota for a couple of years to get needed experience. My research indicates those areas are hurting for nurses. I'm sure there are others.

I'm also planning if I don't get a nursing job within a couple months of taking my NCLEX to try and find a county health clinic or similar where I can volunteer time and hopefully keep up enough skills that I'm not completely out of the element in two years.

The market is rough, and I think we new grads need to think outside the box sometimes and be willing to do the hard things to get that golden experience.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Thank You :).I had my cousin( she is a nursing professor) look over my resume.I applied to every hospital in the city and out of state. As for skills, I graduated in May of 2012(8 months ago) and I'm scared that I will forget everything I have learned but I'm reading a lot of nursing articles though.

How were you able to get a job?

I looked up on ANA site on who was hiring new grads, as well as kept updating my online profile. I really looked at which areas of nursing I would consider. I also took advantage if organizations that had new to practice programs. You may have until two years to be accepted in a new to practice program, so call around to area hospitals. I also started applying to unique jobs as well...Infusion companies will consider training new grads, after one has completed an IV therapy course. LTC nursing was how a lot of my classmates were able to get jobs...one trained as a dialysis nurse and LOVES it...a few got jobs within 3-4 months of passing the boards. I will be starting at a PICU at a Children's Hospital in my area. And I am grateful for that nurse recruiter who helped my style my résumé to get those interviews!!! I know your cousin is a nursing professor, but a recruiter WILL give you valuable tips in getting that interview...I interviewed for TWO positions in the same hospital, when before, I was getting 70-100 rejections in a week, after I followed the nurse recruiter's suggestions.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Oops: to clarify, I made the changes to my resume after bring rejected 70-100 times a week, got TWO interviews at ONE hospital, and I have accepted a position at this hospital in the PICU.

jjo9el

9 Posts

Congratulations!! I know it is not easy getting a job but you did it. :) I 'm going to try to find someone who can review my resume.Thank you so much for your help.

P.S. Do you have anyone recommend you for the position?

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Congratulations!! I know it is not easy getting a job but you did it. :) I 'm going to try to find someone who can review my resume.Thank you so much for your help.

P.S. Do you have anyone recommend you for the position?

Thanks...finding a job is not easy...a lot of persistence! No one recommended me for the position.

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