I want to cry! still can't find a nursing job...

Nurses Job Hunt

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A cloud of desperation is looming over my head, I am starting to regret the fact that I went to nursing school. I graduated last August (2012), got my license 8 months ago and still no job. Not even one interview. I have applied to over 100 positions already and yet not one call back. I realize that things are hard out there for new grads but I didn't think it would be so bad. I really feel inadequate because I am still not working. My sweet husband has been so supportive during nursing school is probably wondering why can't I find a job, although he is still very supportive, and won't admit that he needs me to step up and help out with the bills. I don't want to give you my whole life story but what can I do to get even one interview? That would surely boost my confidence. Also I should mention that most of my classmates who were able to secure a job had to move out of Massachusetts. I don't have that option because I am taking care of my elderly mother. Is there anything I can do to make my resume more attractive? Any hospital or nursing home you know of that is hiring new grad nurses? SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP!!!!! I am dying here. Any advise would be greatly appreciated...:cry::sour::bluecry1::cry:

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Specializes in public health.

I can take a look at your résumé if you want. Sometimes by inserting key words and tweak a little bit, you can at least get pass by the initial screening.

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Are you trying for specific positions or are you open to nursing homes/LTC? A bunch of my classmates have only heard back from LTC facilities.

Have you tried putting in apps/resumes in person? Ask if you can talk to the hiring manager and/or nurse recruiters.

Have someone look over your resume. Maybe they can reword it or give you advice that'll make you more marketable.

Apply for vaccine clinics. I recently applied for OccuVAX online and they said they'll be sending out emails with clinics listed that I can sign up for. I'm new grad too, so I know they accept them. Not sure if they operate in you area, but you can check into it. If anything, it'll bring some income in while you continue to look for a permanent job.

Good luck!

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I'm in your boat. I've applied for over 250 jobs. It's endlessly frustrating :(

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If you haven't already- look on Craigslist. I've gotten more than one job that way! Apply to small places that don't necessarily have an HR department and does not utilize online applications.

Personally, I am convinced that the key is a KILLER cover letter. Sell yourself by letting the employer know how you can make sure their patients are safe, well cared for and satisfied. Emphasize your excellent communication abilities, cheerful attitude and willingness to work hard until the job is done.

I may be wrong...but I truly think an awesome, specific and impeccably written letter is a way to get in the door!

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Cover letters and resume's are essential! You have to sell yourself on paper - they look at your papers / electronic submission and weed people out / decide who to contact for phone or in person interviews that way. Also, it appears in some cases, networking and/or knowing people can help. Do you have a strong list of references for your application (clinical instructors/professors/peceptors etc).

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Can you volunteer in a hospital or nursing home in the mean time? Start making connections that way and you can put volunteer work on your résumé.

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Specializes in ED.

Try linkedin or upload your resume in websites like careerbuilder :) Networking worked best for me. For my first job as a PCT I called the HR dept almost everyday, worked for me. :)

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Specializes in PDN; Burn; Phone triage.

Flu shot clinic season is starting up here shortly...helps with the bills in the short term, at least.

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Can you network with any of your former classmates or former nursing instructors? Also, try turning in applications in person to the hiring manager of the unit you are applying to. Be persistent...follow up with calls and e-mails after applying.

I don't know what the nursing market looks like in your area, but I also finished nursing school last August and landed an ICU job right away and have another prn job. Maybe you are just in an unfortunate area for hiring new nurses :(

I wish you the best of luck!

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Don't give up hope!! I know easier said then done. However up until 2 months ago I was in the exact same boat as you. I live in Canada and a pretty populated city. Hopes of finding a job here were hopeless but to be honest AN helped me alot! I came on the forums and read different advice regarding job searching, resume tips, etc. what really helped me even land interviews was having my résumé looked at by different people. I networked with old professors to help me tweak mine and I started some extra certification courses to help keep up my skills and make my résumé stand out. It worked :) I was offered 2 full time Rn positions in 2 great inner city hospitals here. Have patience but don't give up!! It took me 1.5 years to land this position and I could only find casual positions since graduation.

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Specializes in telemetry, ICU.

Go out of state. I moved from CA to LA, I know for a fact my hospital is hiring new grads in a few different areas, I work at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge Louisiana. Gonna get my one year experience and then see what's next.

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