About to graduate with BSN

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · May 1, 2012

Have you received any feedback from hospitals about why you aren't being hired? Speak to the Human Resources department in your currently hospital and ask what they are looking for in an RN candidate.

The biggest problem that I see with your applications is that you are still in school and don't have a license yet. Therefore you can't work as an graduate nurse (until you graduate) or an RN (until you are licensed). Many hospitals don't hire RN's until they are licensed because they don't want to worry about their new employee failing the NCLEX. So you might be overlooked because you're applying without a license.

Have a trusted instructor or your career services counselor at your school review your resume and cover letter. A well written resume and cover letter can go a long way toward getting you noticed, and a poorly written resume can get you automatically tossed out.

Finally, the reality for new graduate nurses is that many of them are looking for jobs for months after graduation. You'll have to amend your expectations about your first job as an RN. You might not get an ER or ICU or a specialty position. You'll have to apply at skilled facilities, LTC's, and units that aren't your first choice.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · May 1, 2012

That's a sign of how bad the market has become...it used to be that working as a tech or CNA at a hospital would all but guarantee a job after graduation. Now you're lucky if it even gets you an interview :/

Ashley is right in that many employers nowadays won't even look at you if you don't have your license in hand. So definitely keep up the job hunt, but your immediate goals should be graduation and then passing the NCLEX.

LindseyRN86 · May 1, 2012

I am sorry to hear this. I have been looking for gainful employment since last October. No luck. I graduated May 2011 and was laid off from my first RN job at a LTC facility. It's hard out there but not impossible. Definately do what the other previous posters said and please don't lose hope. :nurse:

allnurses Guide · May 1, 2012

Are you also looking outside of hospitals? Long term care? SNFs? Home Health? Are you looking outside of your immediate area and into the rural areas that tend to have more of a demand for nurses?

Pneumothorax, BSN, RN · May 2, 2012

lets just say that there are ppl in my graduating class who are bartenders and got hired. So it may or may not be true about the license thing idk.

Ive applied EVERYWHERE, well, within reason of the area i live in , i can only drive so far and when winter comes around.

im def. focusing on graduating because its not gonna mean crap unless i do hahah!..and passing NCLEX..thats the bread and butter.

perhaps it'll be a bit better when i grad? idk. im not going to give up but grrr! its frustrating u know? like i dont want to sound like a jealous b , but these said people who got hired (a few in particular) have horrible attendance, arent really the smartest (one asked me what norco was for....c'mon on now people) and just have s****y bedside manner. im honestly not saying this out of jealously, its true. and then theres me w/ healthcare experience, critical care at that and i cant get a job counting sheets! UGGGGHHHHH

the lord is testing me. he must be. i just have to continue to say to myself that something better is waiting for me, and that even tho i dont see it now. its gonna happen.

I hope. I wont have insurance once i turn 30 so ive got a year and sometime, but that something im worried about, besides not having a legit grown up job, and having to pay these effing student loans & regular bills!

blah.

thanks for listenting/reading :)

LindseyRN86 · May 3, 2012

Keep your head held high!! Something will come our way...all of these positions that others are getting aren't right for us!! We WILL get a job!!

RiRi03 · May 4, 2012

I understand your frustration. Right here with you. :hug:The best we can do is try our best to remain positive and focus our energy towards passing that licensing exam! Good luck to you, I am sure you will get something you love!