Advice for new grads searching for work

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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????

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:.

I totally agree that you have to keep calling them over and over. I have been calling the person I interviewed with and sending e-mails, but no response. I decided to back up a step and call the nurse recruiter who arranged the interview. As it turns out, they are waiting for one of my references to respond and that is all that is stopping them from making me an offer! So, I called my reference and asked them to PLEASE send the reference form back ASAP. "What form?" Aargh! So, I had the nurse recruiter refax the form to a different fax number. If I hadn't called the nurse recruiter I still wouldn't know what was going on. Hang in there, people!

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Specializes in ICU.
I totally agree that you have to keep calling them over and over. I have been calling the person I interviewed with and sending e-mails, but no response. I decided to back up a step and call the nurse recruiter who arranged the interview. As it turns out, they are waiting for one of my references to respond and that is all that is stopping them from making me an offer! So, I called my reference and asked them to PLEASE send the reference form back ASAP. "What form?" Aargh! So, I had the nurse recruiter refax the form to a different fax number. If I hadn't called the nurse recruiter I still wouldn't know what was going on. Hang in there, people!

Are yiou serious?!?! I had somewhat of a similar issue..It had to do with one of my instructors giving me a letter of recommendation. I knew she was busy with teaching and I told her if she couldn't that would be fine..to just let me know. It took her a month to give me one and I no longer needed it! Well good thing you talked to the nurse recruiter...When I first started applying, I had issues with HR not calling me back or answering their phones..I got sooo frustrated. Like my friends tell me, things happen for a reason!:p

I personally think its always good to touch base with a nurse manager after your interview...It shows that you are taking initiative and really want the job! Let me know how things go!

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Specializes in LTC.

Thank you, I will definitely try that site.

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Specializes in LTC.

I want to start calling managers but I really don't know how to go about it. Any advice.

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Specializes in LTC.

I will try them, thanks.

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Specializes in ICU.
I want to start calling managers but I really don't know how to go about it. Any advice.

Well if they didn't give you a contact number or an email address..I just call the hospital and ask the operator to transfer me to the unit..When the unit secretary picks up, I ask to be transferred to the manager's direct line..If they don't pick up, I leave a message.

I know it sounds kind of pushy and possibly blunt, but I feel like it leaves a lasting impression with them. If you feel uncomfortable, e-mail them..From my previous experience, their email is their first name initial last name @ hospital's name.org (example: manager's name is diane david. hospital is UCLA medical center= [email protected]) something like that.

Give usually 3-4 days post interview before trying to contact them. Good luck!

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Specializes in ICU.

NOTE: that isn't a real manager's name...well that I know of.

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Specializes in LTC.

Thanks, but I haven't had any interviews yet. Any advice for getting the interview in the first place.

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Specializes in ICU.
Thanks, but I haven't had any interviews yet. Any advice for getting the interview in the first place.

Contact the hospitals you are interested in and ask when they are having new grad events? I signed up for those and attended career fairs..You speak first hand with the recruiters there and schedule interviews... bring your resume and look professional.

Try Nurseweek.com or Nurse.com...or even aftercollege.com. Click careers/ job fairs/ events (usually one of those titles)

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