New Grad RNs - Don't give up.

Nurses Job Hunt

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zorabanks

103 Posts

Specializes in Geriatrics.

I live in TN and started out at $23.50 per hour in a nursing home as a new RN. I replyed to this question because the cost of living here is very simular to Tx. If you are a new nurse (meaning not LPN going to RN) I would suggest that you try to find a job in the acute care setting for your first year. I know that jobs are hard to come by, but once you start out in a nursing home it will be hard to change to another setting, at least that was my exp. If you can't get into a hospital try rehab or dialysis or some setting in which you will be using your skills and perfecting you assessement skills. In nursing home nurses run the facility so you wll learn a lot about managing staff, medication administration, and maybe wound care, but the orientation is usually very poor 3-7 days only, many times a new nurse is just thrown out there...sink or swim. However, if you know that the elderly population is where you want to spend your career, that you want to eventually enter management, then a nursing home may be for you. Research the nursing home before you take the job, ask about shadowing for a day or 2 first. Nursing homes usually pay much better than hospitals....Just my 2 cents...:-) Good Luck!

Robin, RN

18 Posts

Hello, I graduated with my BSN in May of 2011 and then passed my PA state boards. It is now Feb. 2012 and unfortunately I am still unemployed. I am beginning to lose hope :cry:

nettypo

15 Posts

Thnks everyone...i have some medical background...i have been in the medical setting since 93...i havd my cna, emt-basic and I have my certified medication aide that I need to take a refresher course to renew...i havent been working for 1 yr and a half...

lefty19

15 Posts

Congrats! Thanks for posting about your success! It gives me hope in this long Job Search! I guess I'll keep on applying and looking at each interview as an experience to fine tune my interviewing skills.

maria25

18 Posts

Hello, I graduated with my BSN in May of 2011 and then passed my PA state boards. It is now Feb. 2012 and unfortunately I am still unemployed. I am beginning to lose hope :cry:

Robin, don't get too discouraged! I also graduated in May, took NCLEX in July and had ONE interview in 2011 that did not result in an offer. However, in the last 2 weeks, I have had phone interviews with three recruiters leading to 2 face-to-face interviews and shadowing experiences and I'm anticipating an offer for at least one of the positions, if not both. I know it sucks waiting, but things will eventually fall in place. I was getting very discouraged until I got that first phone call last week...now I feel like I haven't stopped running all week long with interviewing/shadowing.

I hope your offer is just around the corner!

nettypo

15 Posts

Ok I passed the NCLEX, now im really looking for a job...i got 2 good prospects...one is a sustitute nurse for my youngest school district and the other at Texana where my oldest goes to for home supportive services...anyway I will continue to put in applications and follow up on the others

nursejaneRN

76 Posts

rcv88 While I was looking for work I was focusing primarily on obtaining additional certifications and figuring out ways to make ends meet to pay the bills. I heard about many individuals doing volunteer work, but this just didn't fit my schedule so I was unable. I did go to many job fairs, called all the HRs, wandered around the web for openings, joined various Job Search organizations, and I jumped up and applied for any opportunity that I could try for. The market is tough, but if you persevere the job will come.

Robin, RN Don't lose hope!! I know it's easier said than done, but I honestly do believe it. The struggle makes the success that much sweeter. You've worked so hard to get to where you are - don't let the situation steer you away from your passion!

maria25 Looking at your current shadowing endeavor, it seems the offer is right around the corner :) Best of luck to you!

nettypo Congrats on passing NCLEX, that's a huge accomplishment in itself! & I'm sure your medical background will make getting a job far easier for you. Good luck with your prospects!!

Robin, RN

18 Posts

@ maria25 and nursejaneRN Thanks a lot for the encouraging words. I needed to hear that :)

lmhendersonrn

10 Posts

Thank You!!!

nettypo

15 Posts

Thnks nursejaneRN

Rags2Riches RN

77 Posts

Specializes in Psychiatric, Med-Surg, Operating Room.
hello, i graduated with my bsn in may of 2011 and then passed my pa state boards. it is now feb. 2012 and unfortunately i am still unemployed. i am beginning to lose hope :cry:

don't lose hope, you will find something. can you relocate? upmc in pittsburgh hires new grads and they run a lot of different facilities including a psych center.

nettypo

15 Posts

Thnks but I cant relocate...i just got my youngest in an Autism program...

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