No one wants to hire me as a new grad. how do i get the experience!

Katnip, RN · Sep 10, 2009

When you started school, the economy was probably stronger and at the time hospitals had a lot of openenings because many nurses were working in other fields. When the economy went south, many of those experienced former nurses lost their jobs in their new industries and went back to nursing. Or nurses' husbands lost their jobs and the nurses had to go back to work or pick up second jobs to make up for the loss of income.

The economy will start turning around, and in some areas already is. As that happens hospitals will start crying "shortage" again and hiring new grads again.

I remember several cycles like this in the past. Maybe not quite as severe as this, but it did happen.

abigail09 · Sep 10, 2009

I totally know how you feel. I graduated in April and I have yet to find a job. I too applied everywhere in every area. This past Tues I met with an agent from a temp agency specifically for health care. They are completely free and can place you at different jobs/assignments so you can get experience. Maybe there are agencies like this where you live.

Workedhard2bRN · Sep 10, 2009

I'd like to add some encouragement also. Although it's slow I hear at many hospitals things are turning around. Keep doing what you're doing and don't let up. Your persistence will pay off. Lastly, if necessary you can have your student loan payments put on hold until you're able to find employment. We're pulling for you here.

oslogirl · Sep 10, 2009

Hello. You can ask for a deferrment on your student loan repayment until you're working. Don't give up/ Keep trying. Things will turn around for you.

dannyc12 · Sep 10, 2009

The first time I graduated college, I received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This was in 1990 and the job market for new grads was dismal. It took me over a year to find a job. So frustrating.

But, I worked any job I could, kept at it and finally got an entry level job with a local company. Stayed there 15 years.

Keep trying, keep networking, keep doing anything you can to retain a positive attitude.

humanity · Sep 11, 2009

Right now, most of the hospitals does not have a enough budget so, they are trying to cut back the cost by not hiring new grads it takes a lot of money for the hospitals to train a new grad so, if they have someone who has a 3-4 years of experience they will hire that person rather than a new grad, hanging their you'll find one.

MissBrittanyRN · Sep 11, 2009

Nothing drives me crazier right now than when someone says "what do you mean nobody wants to hire an RN? I thought we needed nurses. I know someone who knows someone who was a charge nurse at that prestigious university hospital with her associates before she even took her boards. You should move here, they will hire you on the spot, and pay for your relocation, and for all of your school and $35 hr to start...."

I understand! I have filled out 35 applications so far. I graduated May '09 with my ADN and at times I feel like nursing school was a waste of time and money. I have been rather bitter that the hospital that I worked at as a tech for 3 years with a very good record, award nominations, came early / stayed lated, floated with a smile, excellent yearly reviews, etc....did not hire me because the hospital could not afford new grads, and they found other experienced nurses they don't have to train much, and their nurses are picking up more shifts. Their census has been lower too. I think people may be holding off on healthcare that they don't absolutely need right now, because of the lack of insurance, or funds for copays. I had to quit working after I took my boards because working as a CNA is "beneath my scope of practice." There is confliction with how I may act in a situation according to my job title and how I am required to act under my license....

But today I decided that I am finished feeling sorry for myself. I am going to spend the next however long that I am unemployed making myself more marketable for the future, because THIS WILL GET BETTER. I may have to take out loans myself! After getting through school without, but I am going to take ACLS, PALS, NRP, every class that I can afford. I am going to try to volunteer where ever they will let me follow a nurse - just to learn. I am going to keep reading my text (just what every new grad wants after NCLEX!) Maybe that will at least distract me from wanting to run into every college within 500 miles and screaming "don't do it! you will be unemployed! in debt! miss birthdays for that careplan"

I know that this posting probably has a very pessimistic vibe, but guess what? You passed! Congratulations, and WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS LULU997RN!!!!!!!

JStyles1 · Sep 11, 2009

link to your resume and cover letter?

lulu997RN · Sep 11, 2009

link to your resume and cover letter?

i don't understand what you mean by link to my resume & cover letter

Freedom42 · Sep 11, 2009

You might want to look into whether your state has an emergency health response system that's looking for licensed volunteers to give flu vaccinations. Presuming it does, and you register, most states protect you from any legal liability in exchange for your service at public clinics. No, it's not a hospital. But it's an easy way to get experience for your resume, and it shows prospective employers that you're out there honing your skills while looking for the right position.

JoblessRN · Sep 11, 2009

i am beyond frustrated. i can't get a job as a new grad rn. i have applied everywhere including ltc, homehealth agencies. i also applied where i use to work as a cna, the recruiter called me to schedule an interview yesterday, she then called me today to tell me that she didn't know that i was a new grad and that they are not hiring new grads right now (so why did she call me and get me all excited about the interview) she could have read through my resume first. i am so angry and i am trying not to be depressed about this, i feel like nursing school was a waste of my money, i have started paying for the loans that i took out for school and still, i have no job. i graduated w honors from nursing school, i was so excited about starting my career. please people do not believe the hype about shortage of nurses. there's no such thing. i think it's just a way for nursing schools to make money.

hi lulu,

i completely understand how you feel!!!! :crying2: i have been searching since may and have submitted to about 86 jobs thus far with no luck. i have never been so frustrated in my life. i am also beginning to feel that going to nursing school was a complete waste of time even though i have wanted to go into nursing for a very long time. i am so sick of people telling me "don't worry...this is a cycle of nursing...it will turn around...just be patient". :banghead:

anyway, even though it's hard for me to take my own advice, keep your head up and keep volunteering or trying to get a job as a cna or something.

good luck.