New Grad RN still no job

Nurses Job Hunt

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Hello, i am a new graduate RN i graduated December 2011 and i still dnt have a job ive been geeting rejection letters one after another i dnt no what i am doing wrong i am getting really frustrated on top of that i cant find any more hospitals that hire new grads im feeling very helpless and hopeless any advise would help. thanks!

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I hear you. Even though I did everything right, professional resume, deans list, suit for interviews, thank you notes, researched job, etc etc I too became an old grad. Oh and I have a BSN and my PHN. It really sucks out there. We really need to start telling our stories to everyone out there that, because this has been going on since I graduated in 2008. And once you become a stale new (old) grad, it gets even worse. Keep trying, i know it is really really frustrating. I am so ready to give up too.

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Specializes in Medsurg, LTC.

Hello there, is there a particular specialty you want to work? If not, flexibility of any nursing job including nursing homes can be a start. I suggest you try ltc. Take heart, this happened to me too when I first graduated. I wish you all the best.

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Try applying to a nursing home or a staffing agency at least. Your problem might be that you don't have any experience in the nursing field, besides your clinicals. Most hospitals won't hire any one without proper experience hospitals get busy and they don't have time to train. Don't give up. I'm a CNA grad and I'm in college taking my nursing pre reqs. So I know how it is I still haven't found a job but the experience as a CNA will help me when I become a RN. Good luck!!!

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Are you willing to relocate wherever? I applied to all hospital positions in all states....

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Volunteer!!!

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I agree volunteer, 60-80% of new entry level RNS get their jobs through savvy networking. It can be through your professors, volunteering positions, friends that already have jobs in hospitals... they can talk to their nurse manager and give you a lead or a referral. Trust me, get out there and network, don't wait to get lucky. If you dont know anyone, get yourself out there! Go to recruiting events, have your resume ready... or sometimes go directly to the hospital and look for the unit manager, although some managers are too busy and won't like it. You gotta take your chances, even if it's just 1%. Good luck!

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You definitely need to start out at the very bottom you are young you can do it. just work your way up. start at a nursing home first, or agency like what was said above...

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Specializes in Neuro ICU/Trauma/Emergency.

I don't mean to be the "devil in Prada" ,but stop taking the rejection letters personally. Yes, you want to get to work. I know it was a lot of hard work completing nursing school, and bills are stacking up. This should only fuel your drive to find a position. Maybe you need to reevaluate your resume, interviewing skills, do more research on professional nursing resumes. Also, join some agencies and organizations that enable you to network. This post should have lead with location, positions applied for, and whether anyone had any contacts in your geographical region.

Also, revise your cover letter to show your eagerness to learn. Continue reading your nursing guides, invest in additional training to boost your resume & credentials.

It's memoral day weekend, so not many HR personnel offices are open. But, as soon as Tuesday comes around call in to figure out if they're hiring for new graduates & to what positions.

Job hunting takes approximately 6-12 months in the professional arena. This is not Customer Service where you can read a module & easily be hired within 2-3 months.

Sorry to say, Stop crying & get to work!

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See if you can get a private duty case,or nursing home. It may not be what you want but you def need the experience.

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It is frustrating, but hang in there. Perhaps there are RN residencies available? I've been seeing more of those opportunities open up in various hospitals. A friend of mine had a hard time as well, but was accepted into a residency program rotating between the different ICUs. Others have posted inquiries about relocation options if you're able to do so. Instead of RN experience, would you consider other healthcare related positions until you can get an RN position (e.g. CNA, transcriptionist, medical scribe, etc.). Maybe even obtaining an advanced degree (APRN, PA, etc.).... Good luck, sweetie!

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Wish I could help you, but I am on the same boat. You are not alone. Stay positive and eventually we'll get a job. Best of luck to you!

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