Any tips for applying as a new nurse to residencies or fellowships?

[JLB1215]

Hi everyone, I just graduated with my BSN and am looking for residencies or fellowships preferably for OR (since that is where I have some experience) in NY. I will travel anywhere and do ANYTHING to get this opportunity. I have been applying to any OR position in hopes someone will call however I have heard nothing. I dont know what to do because they always say "apply online" but I have done this and NEVER get a response. I know its difficult getting a job as a nurse in NY but I was hoping maybe someone can give me any tips on what I could do to further my chances?? I have a really good GPA, some surgical experience (similar to a surg tech's responsibilities) and plan to take my boards in February. (PS I know I have to pass my boards before anything but I have heard of opportunities arising and employers give verbal agreements based on passing). Any tips or anything would be greatly appreciated!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

With many areas seeing more nursing applicants than available positions, it could be that since you do not have an active license, your application is being screened out by either software or HR. Since it's an employers' market, many are choosing not to hire those who may yet fail NCLEX (not saying you will, just that facilities are looking out for their own bottom line by not investing in someone who ends up not being allowed to do the job they hired them for) and only offering interviews to those with a license. It's possible you will have better luck once licensed, although nothing in life is 100% guaranteed. Understand that many new grads and experienced nurses are not being offered jobs in their preferred specialties, and that you may need to expand your search and take what is offered. Even if it's not your desired specialty, it will allow you to get your foot in the door of a facility and have the possibility of transferring into a position down the line. You may also want to expand your search area- many new grads are finding that in order to get that first job, they must relocate to an area where the job market isn't as saturated.