Help, I still don't have a job!!

Nurses Job Hunt

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I'm so discouraged, its been over a year since I graduated nusing school and after moving to a new state and getting licensed in 2 states, I'm STILL unemployed. I now live with my wonderfully supportive parents, and I know many 20 somethings are doing the same so I don't feel so alone. I've barely been able to get nursing and non nursing interviews. I supported myself in college and I just really, really want to be able to provide for myself again.

I worked hard for this degree, I'm ready to start my career and serve in medicine! Should I just, pursue something else? Go back to school (my mother even suggested paramedic school)? I've been told the longer a RN is unemployed the more difficult it is to get a job. Ugh, its been such a low day. If anyone has words of encouragement or helpful suggestions I would love to read them. Thanks :(

Have you looked into new grad programs? They are basically like paid internships. Or student nurse positions?

Where are you applying?

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
HI Lizzie, have you tried smaller cities or rural areas in Georgia ( as per your post you live in GA)? Large cities (not just NYC!) are very competitive and will not let anyone on their floor to bug the NM for a job. Use Google to figure out the recruiter and NM's email and then send them a good resume and paragraph about yourself. To make your email more likely to be read have a catchy title...a fact about yourself that would attract an employer (for example, RN with commitment to patient satisfaction seeking RN position with InsertName Hospital.) Email helped me get 3 interviews as a new grad and I live in a very large metro area. Make sure you double check each email before hitting Send...you dont want to send an email to ABC Hospital and in the body say You really want to join the team at XYZ Hospital. Large cities and metro areas especially on the East coast as well as California have tight security and one cannot just walk onto a floor asking for the NM unless he or she knows your name. In large cities, online apps also lead to jobs for new grads but it may take longer and not to mention a lot of patience! I advise you to apply online as well as follow up the online app with emails to the NM and Recruiter.

Walking into HR will not work unless you are in a friendlier smaller community...for example a small to medium city or a rural area where security is not as tight and NMs are not as super busy and would be more likely to take a minute to chat with you. If you would like to work in Sub Acute Care, clinics, or nursing home/skilled nursing facilities then walking in may be a good idea. However consider where you are applying (what location and/or type of nursing) and proceed accordingly. A large busy hospital would not be too friendly to people walking in to a floor and interrupting the nurse manager while she is busy with her day to day work...either they wont let you in, you will get cold shoulder, or just plain old told "go to HR". A smaller community hospital may be cool with it and even grant you an interview.

Also try job fairs in your area and of course, if you have made any strong connections during clinicals use them as well. Keep your options open to different settings and locations. Good Luck!

Well said. :yes:

Keep looking at anything and everything; set up a LinkedIn account and look for potential job fairs in your area.

Most jobs aren't advertised, so reaching out to potential employers on LinkedIn may be a great option, especially if one can not show up in a big city hospital-can't do this in my area and have found LinkedIn to be a great way to reach out to recruiters at area agencies.

Best wishes! :up:

A lot of great advice out there. Refine your resume and tailor it to the job description posting. Some times in HR, the specialist will look at what's needed for a position and if you've got the skills and knowledge. If they were swamped with resumes and applicants and get only a few seconds to "browse" your resume, do you fulfill all the bullet points in his/her head on being able to accomplish the job? What makes you stand out? Also, be care about circumventing the HR department and going straight to the managers. I've seen this work against many applicants. Some managers automatically put this person on the "no" list because of it. I've also seen hospitals post videos or a posting of applicants doing this and how it can hurt one's chances. It may be difficult, but perhaps relocating if they offer financial assistance. It's not like you'll be there forever (unless you love it and establish your life in the area..). Don't forget about the nurse residency programs and volunteer work. Keep your attitude positive and others will pick up on it! You'll never know who's eye you'll catch. Good luck :)

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