Applying Without Any Luck, What Now?

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I'll be graduating in May and I'd appreciate any advice. I don't want to get into the fact that I've applied to 48 positions since February without receiving a call for an interview. It is frustrating, but what should I do now? I'll keep applying, but if I don't get any offers what should I do? It's not an option for me to move out of state (I have some very sick family I help take care of). It's a very helpless feeling. Should I keep applying for medical jobs that I'm over qualified for? Should I apply to jobs totally outside of nursing that pay better than an Aide position (Which would absolutely kill me, but this girls got to pay the bills.)? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

I understand what you are going through. I graduated in January and have my license and I just cannot find a job. I have sent out hundreds of application so far and no luck.

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If you don't mind me asking, what have you been doing since January? Like job wise?

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I graduated in MAY 2009! I have a license, I haven't got hired. I've been doing babysitting jobs. I don't have kids. Thankfully I'm still living with the old folks and just vacationing . ha.....

I can't wait to start my career!

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I graduated in MAY 2009! I have a license, I haven't got hired. I've been doing babysitting jobs. I don't have kids. Thankfully I'm still living with the old folks and just vacationing . ha.....

I can't wait to start my career!

I graduated in May 2009 as well. Moved to California where my husband is stationed in June took the NCLEX got my license and still don't have a job after several applications. We don't have any kids either so I babysit and job hunt everyday. I'm so ready to have a job.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I'm an unemployed May 2009 grad as well! Moved half way across the country to be with my BF while he's in med school (and the hospitals back home weren't hiring GNs anyways). During the fall I worked doing flu shots, but that only lasted about three weeks in my area. During the holidays I worked at the mall in a clothing store, but I was cut after the new year. Since then I've had NO-ZIP-ZERO luck finding anything, let alone nursing related. My parents are keeping a roof over my head and food in my belly, but I'm so wracked with guilt for being such a failure at finding a job, if I can't find a nursing job by the end of May I'm going to move back home to where I at least have some connections in the hospitals.. The money I'll save in rent will allow me to hopefully see my boyfriend once a month.. :(

I was even told on an interview by the HR rep that since I'm an 'old' new grad now (not a shiny new one), they're going to be less inclined to hire me. *****!! UGH!

I am near the end of my rope..not to mention the most helpless, hopeless, and depressed I've ever felt in my life.

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I'm an unemployed May 2009 grad as well! Moved half way across the country to be with my BF while he's in med school (and the hospitals back home weren't hiring GNs anyways). During the fall I worked doing flu shots, but that only lasted about three weeks in my area. During the holidays I worked at the mall in a clothing store, but I was cut after the new year. Since then I've had NO-ZIP-ZERO luck finding anything, let alone nursing related. My parents are keeping a roof over my head and food in my belly, but I'm so wracked with guilt for being such a failure at finding a job, if I can't find a nursing job by the end of May I'm going to move back home to where I at least have some connections in the hospitals.. The money I'll save in rent will allow me to hopefully see my boyfriend once a month.. :(

I was even told on an interview by the HR rep that since I'm an 'old' new grad now (not a shiny new one), they're going to be less inclined to hire me. *****!! UGH!

I am near the end of my rope..not to mention the most helpless, hopeless, and depressed I've ever felt in my life.

Yeah my husband is due to deploy like the beginning of fall if I haven't found anything by then back to the East Coast I go I have many connects over there. The "old" new grad concept really scares me and ticks me off because its not our fault I'm getting really discouraged :(.

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Specializes in Telemetry.
If you don't mind me asking, what have you been doing since January? Like job wise?

I have been sending out application online and going to nursing homes, assisted living facilities and hospitals in person begging for jobs, but to no avail. This agency called me to give me a peds job but I will go this week and see what's up.

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it's very frustrating. I applied to most, if not all, of CA's hospitals that even considered new grads and I didn't have any luck. So I applied to a bunch of out of state hospitals and some nurse recruiters have contacted me back asking if I applied for their state's RN license...but that was a negative. I guess I should stick to a state or two? I'm not sure when to endorse a license; before or after you apply for a position at a hospital out of state.

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Specializes in Ortho/Neuro/Trauma, LDRP.
it's very frustrating. I applied to most, if not all, of CA's hospitals that even considered new grads and I didn't have any luck. So I applied to a bunch of out of state hospitals and some nurse recruiters have contacted me back asking if I applied for their state's RN license...but that was a negative. I guess I should stick to a state or two? I'm not sure when to endorse a license; before or after you apply for a position at a hospital out of state.
.

I was wondering the same thing. In this economy when new graduate nurses are trying to find a job "anywhere", how does endorsement of licensure work? When applying for positions out of state, should you apply for endorsement of your license to that state before you start looking for jobs in that state or after you've gotten a position in that state? I've been indicating in my cover letter that I will be moving to that state. Would the time factor involved in the endorsement process (in some states, it may take 5-6 weeks) make employers hesitant to hire nurses from out of state?

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Specializes in ED.

May 2009 graduate here, and i just started working in February. While i was unemployed. I was trying to get CEU's done which is required here in FL, took ACLS and EKG classes. I had to beg everyone in HR. Use all my contacts and bug the living days out of them. It finally paid off. Its not easy at all!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Just wanted to add this:

I've had trouble even getting a non-nursing job b/c most managers ask, "well, you're a nurse, are you still looking for a nursing job?" They are reluctant to hire me because they know I'll jump ship at the first nursing job offer.

However! My mom suggested I apply to work for the census while I'm searching for a nursing job. It's temporary (only 5-12 weeks), which is seems to be the amount of time HR at any hospital needs to get their stuff together anyways. It's part-time (up to full time), with very flexible hours. AND! In metropolitan areas, the pay is pretty darn good (17.50/hour here in New Orleans), and they even pay for your mileage incurred.

Just throwing that out there. It's always good to be able to pay rent/car insurance/have food on the table, right?

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