All I want for Christmas is a job :(

[HopelessinBHM]

This year started off with so much hope. I was going to graduate from nursing school and get an RN job.Well, I did graduate and become an RN but the job is another story. I've applied to over 250 jobs and had four interviews. I have to start paying my student loans back soon and have been forced to take a job at a Taco Bell. I'm so depressed, discouraged and $16,000 in debt .

[iPink, BSN, RN]

Hugs...have you applied everywhere, meaning LTC, rehabs, nursing homes besides hospitals? When you went on those interviews, how did you feel? Have you gotten immediate feedback? Is relocating an option for you?

Send direct emails to nursing managers. It's a tough economy, especially for new grads but you have to keep applying.

[scaredsilly, BSN, RN]

Hugs...have you applied everywhere, meaning LTC, rehabs, nursing homes besides hospitals? When you went on those interviews, how did you feel? Have you gotten immediate feedback? Is relocating an option for you?

Send direct emails to nursing managers. It's a tough economy, especially for new grads but you have to keep applying.

This!

Also, be aware that the online application process weeds out new grads and our applications are tossed before they get to a human. HR is not new grad friendly in most facilities either. You didn't say where you are, and I have heard that this doesn't work on the east coast, but where I am, most of my class got jobs by walking in and handing their resumes to NMs. That's how I got my job after trying online applications for a couple of months and hearing nothing back.

[caliotter3]

You are in the company of many unemployed nurses. Good luck in the New Year!

[~Shrek~]

I took a job for half the pay of a normal RN in a clinic. I don't want to work nights, so for me it is worth it. I would rather get a year or two of experience in that setting while applying for day hospital jobs or go into public health--I don't ever want to do nights again lol.

Just apply everywhere, including non-acute care jobs and jobs that ask for experience outside the acute care world.

[sadiemae1123]

Depending on the type of loan you have you may be eligible for a deferral, or at least a reduction in your monthly payment. You should contact the loan agency to find out.

Best of luck in the job hunt.

[MidLifeRN2012]

I feel for you OP. It took me 2 years after graduation to finally land a nursing job.

Hang in there. It will come. Apply to and tailor your resume and cover letter to units you worked in during

clinicals.

Try areas like psych. They seem most likely to give a new grad a chance. Even 2 yrs out of school like I was. In the meantime try volunteering at community clinics to put something nursing current on your resume. Good luck :)