Can't find job as New grad RN in WA!! Please help~

U.S.A. Washington

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I graduated from an ADN program and received my RN license last summer. I'm now in the RN to BSN program but finishing that up this coming June. I don't have any previous healthcare experience so I know that doesn't help but isn't there any hope with the BSN? I don't want to be unemployed after I graduate :cry:

I have been searching for a job for several months now and applied to over 60 positions. I know the job market is tough right now, but is it impossible? I've also been to several interveiws that went GREAT...I was given a nickname, told I was perfect, etc etc...then I get a email saying I didn't get the position. After going through this over and over again..I really need some motivation!!

I don't know what I'm doing wrong...

I really want to find a position in a hospital setting but at this point...anything...sigh*

Dnick,

Wondering if you are still looking for a residency in the Seattle area? I came from out of state as well and managed to land a job at Swedish. It's a rough road but it is very possible with a lot of effort. Let me know if you are still interested in some tips?

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I am not from out of state but would like a little tip on how to land a hospital position. Pretty please? :)

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Andrews_RN I'm a soon to be new Grad who is graduating in December from BSN nursing school in Michigan. I'm a WA state native (from Seattle-Bellevue area) who is looking to return home and I would absolutely *love* to get an position at Swedish. In November I'm going to be completing an ICU senior preceptorship at Swedish's First Hill Campus (via my school's contract with Swedish through a special program my school set up). I'm looking to use this as an opportunity to get my foot in the door through my experience there but I know I need to start working on possible employment now. I've done well in nursing school (I have a 4.0 thus far by the grace of God), did an externship at Mayo, and work as CNA/care aide on a cardiac floor here at the hospital in Michigan. I know all that doesn't mean a hill of beans in the world of WA state hospital new grad recruitment though lol. I do have a local address via my family home so I'm hoping they won't totally ignore my app, but I don't have the requisite "CNA within Swedish/Seattle hospital experience" they are always looking for, neither am I a graduate of a WA state nursing program, so the cards are stacked against me in that regard. If you have any advice or thoughts about how to land a new grad position at Swedish I would truly appreciate it! :) Any interview or application tips?

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

I just want to add an update to this thread. The original OP did land a job. She interviewed for a position at my hospital, and would have been offered the position. She also interviewed at another facility and accepted a job there on a floor she was more interested in.

Two interviews and a hire. It can happen. It did for her!

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Specializes in Cath Lab/ ICU.
Seattle Children's and UW probably won't even look at your application until you have a BSN.
Not true. At all...

I just want to add an update to this thread. The original OP did land a job. She interviewed for a position at my hospital, and would have been offered the position. She also interviewed at another facility and accepted a job there on a floor she was more interested in.

Two interviews and a hire. It can happen. It did for her!

Good to hear! Thx for the update...

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Specializes in pediatrics, women's health.

Andrews_RN,

I know this is a year later, but it's worth a shot! How did you land the job with Swedish from out of state? I'm in a similar position and was wondering if you had any advice!? I just submitted my application, is there anything specific you think I should include!? And do you know how I can learn more about the met and greet? I can't find the new dates anywhere? Thanks for anything you can offer!

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I graduated from UW. More than half of my graduating class found jobs about half a year after they graduated. A lot of them got their jobs from being CNAs or Nursetechs while they were in school. Some couldn't find jobs in the hospitals and got jobs in LTC, Home Health and subacute rehab facilities, worked there for a few months and then got jobs in hospitals close to a year after they graduated. A lot of my friends also have told me that connection is also key while finding a job in Washington. Starting from LTC or Home Health, or subacute hospitals like Kindred would be my suggestion.

Just read the above post that OP found a job. Congratulations!

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I would recommend new grads to work in LTC facility if they cannot find a job. I graduated last August with BSN. Couldn't find a job anywhere with 100+ applications. So I applied for nursing home, even nursing home it's hard to get a job unless they have a immediate opening. Their pays are about the same as a new grad RN in a hospital. Yes, it is tough to work in a nursing home as a new grad. But it has taught me how to manage time and prioritize. It also help me to land a job in ICU　residency for Multicare. I only received one wk of training in nursing home with 20 residents. First couple weeks is rough but nursing home is all about routine. Getting down to know what meds the residents take. Getting practice to call the MDs and give SBAR report to EMTs. 2 months working in nursing home has taught me the reality of nursing that school has never showed us. Good luck with job searching. I know it's tough out there and I feel lucky I got my dream job in ICU.

Hi HuangsoRN! I am also on the same boat as you were. I am now working in a nursing home and trying to get in a RN residency program in critical care. Any suggestions or tips? THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

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Hi there! I know this is an absolute longshot as this is six (!!) years old, but I have just moved to the Seattle area and am at an absolute loss when it comes to finding a job. I'm a new grad with some experience and cannot seem to land a job anywhere. I'll save the details to see if you're even still around/active, but figured you may be worth a shot if you're still at Swedish! Appreciate your time. :)

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