Any advice for a new grad in Wilmington, NC on the job hunt?

[seddy12]

I am freaking out. Absolutely convinced that I will never find a job as an RN in this area. I've applied, applied, and then applied some more. I thought it best to apply to Med/Surg jobs as much as possible since that was the type of unit I was on for my entire senior year of nursing school. I have also been applying to many other units that don't have a requirement of experience. I switched careers when I went into nursing school so I don't have prior experience in a clinical setting. It seemed like life was so hectic throughout nursing school that I never really stopped to think about what it would be like on the job hunt afterwards.

If there is anyone in the area that can help me out or guide me in the right direction I would be extremely grateful. I am really looking to work in a hospital but the only thing I am really set against is home care nursing. There really don't seem to be too many positions posted outside of the New Hanover Regional Medical network and I've have gone to as many facility websites as I could find.

I am so ready to work if only someone would give me a chance. I can't even seem to get an interview.

[rn710]

Have you tried Onslow Memorial Hospital? It's in Jacksonville, NC so depending on where you live it might be a little far, but I know they hire new grads.

[perioddrama]

I am really looking to work in a hospital but the only thing I am really set against is home care nursing. There really don't seem to be too many positions posted outside of the New Hanover Regional Medical network and I've have gone to as many facility websites as I could find.

I am so ready to work if only someone would give me a chance. I can't even seem to get an interview.

In these bleak economic times, I would expand my search to non-hospital settings as well if you are dead-set on working as an RN. I know in CA, many new grads have resorted to looking into LTC and SNF as well, and they still have no luck. Others are looking in blood banks or school nursing, even though their dream job is in the hospital.

And don't apply locally. Apply all over the region/county/state. You can always come back to your hometown after you get experience (if you don't fall in love with your new place).

Good luck in your job hunt. Broaden your criteria a little bit and you will eventually land an interview (and hopefully soon, a job thereafter).

[PatMac10,RN, RN]

The hospital I work at in Robeson County is always hiring. Also look at Mollen Immunization Clinics. They're the ones who give the flu shots in dept stores and etc..... A part if their recruitment is about how they hire new grads! Just a suggestion, I don't personally know anyone who is employed by them, but most if the stuff I read online is positive.