New Grad RNs - Don't give up.

Nurses Job Hunt

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I graduated December 2010, obtained my license in February 2011, and looked for jobs for over 1 year. I must have submitted far over 100 applications to new graduate RN programs and far over 300 to everywhere else, for any position; and really came close to giving up on this career. After 7 interviews (yes, only 7 in 15 months), I have finally landed a job. I don't know how many times I told myself that I was going to give up on nursing because of my inability to find a position that would accept a new grad, or a position that had 3000 applicants with the same resumes as myself. Great support systems really got me through this, and I'm posting here to tell you all that it does happen if you persevere. Don't let the economic difficulties in the health care industry make you feel that you are insufficient or unqualified. Everyone gets a break, you just need to keep working at it till you obtain it. We've all gone through the same training, we've passed N-CLEX, WE CAN DO THIS.

"To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe." Give it your best shot and be prepared for opportunity once it knocks on your door. It may take longer than you expected, but it will come. Stay positive my fellow nurses!

Love,

NurseJaneRN

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab.

Congrats!!!

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Congrats! we can do it!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Congats on finally landing a new job! Usually nurses, even new grads can find some type of nursing job although it may not be in an area that you want. What state where you looking in?

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Congrats! Did you have to leave your area? I wish you luck.

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Thanks everyone!!

zorabanks I live in Los Angeles so I was looking for work all over California, Washington, and Colorado.

mzjazeej Luckily I was able to stay in Los Angeles and I'm very thankful.

One thing that I realized was that even though I didn't get the jobs I had previous interviews for, I became quite skilled with interviews. If I can give you all tips of any kind just let me know :)

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what did you learn from all the interviews ?

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Inspiring story Nurse Jane, thanks for sharing it. Best wishes to you. Also, a post regarding the important things you learned about interviews would be a great additional contribution to all of us.

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What I learned from the interviews:

1.) Be confident, but humble.

2.) It is obvious that we do not know everything in those 1000s of pages we've read in nursing school, but if they ask you a question regarding something you do not know - don't say you don't know! Say that you will use your resources to find the answers, i.e. policies and procedures, textbooks, etc. They want to see that you're resourceful and independent - autonomy is big in nursing.

3.) When you're thinking about questions and how to answer them, ALWAYS think about the individual that you would hire and the qualities that they possess. We all generally look for the same things (honesty, reliability, professionalism, responsibility, motivation to learn, self-motivated, eager to succeed, etc.).

4.) My parents are both supervisors and my father told me that he always looks for the "I can do it attitude" my mother looks at how they carry themselves and how they answer questions. I always considered both of these on my interview preparations. They both would also ask me questions at home for practice.

5.) Clothes: DRESS PROFESSIONAL. I don't know how many times I've seen peep toe heels, bohemian dress, and messy attire on other applicants. I'm all for individuality - but when it comes to interviews, ALWAYS dress your best. Make sure everything fits well, is ironed, and tucked in where needed.

6.) Come prepared. Always do research on the facility you want to work for, they know your applying for hundreds of positions, but when you know things about their hospital it shows interest. They want to know that you WANT this.

7.) Come with a set of resumes and cover letters, if its a panel of 2, bring 2 extra sets in case you get others sitting in as well. It makes you look organized and prepared (which are extremely good qualities to have in this field).

8.) I read somewhere that you should always come in with a toolbox. In nursing interviews this toolbox includes situational answers for clinical questions that they ALWAYS ask you during these interviews. Be prepared for any and every "Give me an example of when..."

Ok, I that is all that I can think of for now. If I have any more come to mind, I will surely post it up here :)

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Great post, Jane!

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I have a question do anyone know the average hrly wage for an Tx RN nursing home job? I live in Richmond will be taking and passing my NCLEX on Jan 31 and i am considering working for a nursing home?

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Congrats!

Can I ask what you did between graduating and landing your job? Like volunteer work, etc.

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