Applying to everything, smart or a huge waste of time?

jpeters84 · Dec 12, 2011

Apply to the jobs that say new grad welcome. If there's a job that you're really interested in and qualified for, call and talk to the RN recruiter to see if they are open to looking at your resume as a new grad for the position. Talking with the RN recruiters is an important piece rather than just sending your application out again and again to all different positions. Might I also suggest that you look for jobs out of the geographical area you are in that has so many new grads vying for so few spots. I moved thousands of miles away for my job and it was so worth it! My hospital even paid for me to move. Good luck! I know how hard the process of getting a job can be so keep your head up and keep working hard. You will land that dream job!

allnurses Guide · Dec 13, 2011

They will not appreciate you applying to any and every job despite what the stated requirements are.

Generally speaking, if it uses the verbage of "preferred" (ie: One year ICU experience preferred), go ahead and apply. They are acknowledging it is a wishlist but not a dealbreaker. If it says "required" (ie: One year ICU experience required), don't waste their time or your own unless you know someone on the inside who is going to get you past all the hurdles. Good luck.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 13, 2011

This is how I would tackle it if I were a new grad...actually, it's kind of how I did tackle it as a new grad.

If you're applying to a RN position requiring a minimum of three years' experience: waste of time.

If you're applying to a RN position requiring a year of specialized experience (e.g., psych, ICU, peds): also a waste of time...unless you worked as a LVN/CNA/tech in that specific field. If you have done so, then IMO it's worth a shot since at least you'd have some experience and exposure to the specialty (albeit not as a RN) and could maybe sell yourself enough. But it's a long shot.

If you're applying to a RN position requiring a year of acute experience: may be possible but the reality is that it is also a long shot. Your call as to whether to apply.

If you're applying to a RN position stating that experience is preferred: go for it.

If something says "No New Grads": waste of time unless you know someone on the inside that can help you get past this or have a lot of experience as a tech/CNA/LVN that could help carry you through. Again, another long shot.

Substitute "LVN" for "RN" if you're a LVN reading this.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Dec 13, 2011

don't apply to anything that you wouldn't be willing to work at for a year.

SushiRN · Dec 13, 2011

So I followed the steps from this thread that I found back in November: https://allnurses.com/success-stories-nursing/i-got-job-532817.html

and in the poster talks about how she super stalks recruiters and sends them her resumes thus scoring her dream job. All in the span of 3 weeks. It took me 2 weeks!! Ha!

I GOT A JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I followed her suggestions and created a Linked In account, searched for recruiters, DONs, PCDs, at all the hospitals I wanted to work at. Snazzed up my resume and wrote a really great CL w/ an eye catching opening sentence "So&So Hospital is known for their mission in providing high-class patient care and satisfaction." Yup, I researched the hospitals and implemented their "vision" or "mission" statement in my CL. I used the tricks for the email addresses and verified them on verify-email.org sent them away on November 28th and 29th. I got 2 emails back from one hospital from the DONs saying that they are happy that I'm interested and I should apply online, yada, yada, yada. Wrote them back thanking them for their response. Then BOOM the 30th I got a call from a recruiter at their hospital! Coincidence?! I think not!!! Especially since I applied at this hospital 2 months prior with no call backs. Had a phone interview w/ the nurse recruiter. I really let my charismatic personality shine. She told me she would send mY resume to the PCD and I would hear back within the week. BOOM!! The VERY next morning I got a call back from her to set up an interview. Interviewed for the Total Joint Replacement Unit on Med/Surg on December 2nd. The interview went great. I met with the recruiter and we discussed benefits, interviewed with the PCD, had a panel interview with the nurses on the unit after the unit tour. Again, I let my sparkling personality shine and really pressed about my passion for patient care and team work. Met with the PCD again who said she wanted to hire me and would like me to continue in the hiring process. Did a drug screen that day and another phone interview the following monday. Then I got my official "You're Hired" call yesterday!! I start orientation on Jan. 9 making $10 more than I make now. I got my 12s on the night shift PLUS they are willing to work around my schedule w/ church and give me Thursday & Saturday nights off. And the HUGE plus is they want me to pursue my BSN and will pay 100% if I go to George Mason. What?!?!?! AND a $500 bonus once I get my BSN. DOUBLE WHAT?!?! The only thing is they require a 2 year contract after my 90 days, but I'm totally ok with that! They told me I can transfer to different units if it doesn't work out. So ecstatic!! Happy Dance!!! WHOOP WHOOP!!!

:clpty: :dncgbby::dancgrp::[anb]::monkeydance:

BOOOOO YOOOOOOOW!!!!

I hope her thread helps! It helped me and I've been job hunting since August and then tried her suggestions 2 weeks ago. BOOM! Hello Dream Job!!

Good Luck!

lilcampy310 · Jan 1, 2012

Wow! Thanks for all the info!

That's what I've been told as well. I HATE bugging people and feeling like I have to beg for a job or 'know someone,' but that's really what you have to do!

nhnurse · Jan 6, 2012

In my area the competition is fierce and I've found it's best to be AGGRESSIVE! Most new grads start in LTC/SNF as hospitals will not hire them. I did LTC for 2 years and finally got a med surg job at a local hospital. Now, I am attempting to get into the ICU, which is why I originally went to nursing school 3 years ago. I filled out many online apps with no response. Then, I started sending emails to two ICU nurse managers detailing my interest and desire to work in critical care. I got immediate response from them both and had my second interview today! Nurse managers have a lot on their plates and if you don't have the experience, you MUST make yourself stand out from the other dime a dozen applicants. Good luck!