Advice for new grads searching for work

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Specializes in LTC.

I graduated in May with my BSN, finally passed my boards in October and here it is approaching January and I am still searching for work. Any advice on what I should be doing because I am trying not to get discouraged but times are hard and I have a heavy load on my back due to the student loans I took trying to get this degree.

I thought after I passed my boards things would start to look better but all I keep hearing is that all of their new grad positions are filled and keep trying. I have applied to hospitals in Phila where I live as well as in surrounding areas to no avail. I have also applied to LTC facilities and have recieved no call backs. I contacted a recruiter but of course I have to have experience but she did look over my resume and told me it looked fine so I am at my wits end. What do I do????

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Specializes in ICU, ED.

Tay,

Would you be willing to relocate? UCLA has a great new grad program, that hires groups (of about 15 or so per unit) of new grads twice a year (August and February).

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Specializes in LTC.

Unfortunately I am not willing to relocate at this time. I have a son so therefore I need my support system that I have here. Thank you for that info.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Congratulations! I'd find out when the schools are graduating students in your area because the hospitals are likely to have new grad orientation programs starting then that you would be eligible for. The other thing I always recommend is revisiting any units where you did a clinical if there was a certain nurse that took a liking to you. I got my first job that way. Good luck and don't let all the bad news scare you.

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I, too, am a new grad looking for work. I have interviewed with a hospital that is looking for a replacement for a nurse going on maternity leave, but everyone else says they are not hiring new grads at this time. According to other posts on this site, January and July/August are the most likely times for new grads to get hired. Remember, everybody will be starting with a new budget as of today. Hopefully some positions for new grads will be open soon because of this. Keep trying!:)

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Specializes in LTC.

I will try that. Thanks for the advice.

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Specializes in LTC.

Thats what everyone keeps telling me. Thanks for the advice and good luck with your job search too.

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Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.

Also look at www.aftercollege.com They actually list new grad rn jobs specifically. And this is definately the time to apply. I'm in the same boat. I'm very much hoping all the places I applied to over the past month starts calling now that the new year is here.

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

I would keep calling hospitals and LTCs that you apply to and make a pest out of yourself, that's the ticket. most new grad jobs are filled, but places know that grads get out in december too. just keep plugging away that's all you can do. good luck!

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Specializes in NICU Level III.

call call call them! find someone you know that works for them and have them recommend you to HR. find out the NM's number and call them!

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Specializes in ICU.

Hang in there! I graduated in June and took my boards in August..I wasn't planning on doing a new grad program in summer bc I went to Europe in September. Unfortunately, I didn't pass the first time around and retook the test in October..I passed then. The moment I passed, I started applying..I did about 8 interviews in November and was offered 5 out of the 8 that wouldn't start until february 2009..I of course finally settled on one..But don't lose hope..It's hard right now with what's going on with the economy and the fact that there are other ppl graduating in December..Be patient and have faith that the right job will pop up... Best of luck to you. Like the others said, take initiative and call those HR people or Managers :wink2:.

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Horizon House Inc. is hiring RNs and LPN's they are located in Philly. They are a non-profit organization..

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