Been an RN for more than a year now... Still jobless :(

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 19, 2015

Where are you applying for jobs? In order to find a job, you may need to broaden your search- LTC, home health, outpatient, etc.

How about networking? Sometimes it's more about who you know than what you know. Try joining your state nursing association or specialty organizations and attending meetings as an opportunity to network with the people who do the hiring or with people who can give you inside info about job openings.

What about relocating? Some areas have a surplus of nurses with hundreds applying for one position. Other areas have open positions that can't be filled because no one is applying. Look around the state- you may find an area more in need of nurses than the area you are currently in.

AJJKRN · Dec 19, 2015

ALWAYS pay the money to keep your license current!

caliotter3 · Dec 19, 2015

Did you look for flu shot positions in your area? That was my very first nursing job. Not great shakes, but it made for an initial entry on my nursing resume and I developed my first nursing reference from that job.

RunBabyRN · Dec 19, 2015

I agree about a broad search. I went to school to be in labor and delivery, but I applied to every job that wouldn't make me gag. I did end up in a job in LTC for a bit, which was a BAD fit for me, but I did it. I did health fairs, flu shot clinics, infusion nursing (thankfully I have other healthcare experience that got me that job), anything to build my resume a bit. I finally got a FT job in outpatient urology earlier this year, and now I am transferring within the company to labor and delivery next month. Keep your eyes peeled, go on Craigslist, network, network, network. The longer you're unemployed, the harder things will be for you.

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Dec 19, 2015

As other haves said, definitely broaden your search. You might have to start out in an area that isn't necessarily your dream job but it it will make things easier once you get experience.

mordap15 · Dec 20, 2015

Get an infusion certificate and apply for home health. They are always in need of nurses (pay is not good)

runner502 · Dec 20, 2015

I live in Maryland and am also having a hard time getting my first RN job. I am looking at jobs in Florida as well as MD and currently work as a PCT in a hospital outpatient Cancer center. They don't hire new grads, so I need to get at least 1 yr inpatient experience. You mentioned getting an infusion certificate. Could you give me more information about how to do this, the cost, how long it takes. I was wondering though, if places would still require experience despite the fact that I would have an infusion certificate. I actually think I'd enjoy doing infusions, iv therapy etc...once I received training, but without experience, again, it seems no one is willing to hire. Any information you have would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

db2xs · Dec 21, 2015

I cannot stress enough the power of networking. 70+% of jobs are acquired through networking. Do you have any particular specialties that you're passionate about? Join a professional group and attend their local chapter meetings. I met several experienced nurses--both on the clinical side and the administrative side--who were very helpful and willing to try and help me out when I was fresh out of nursing school.

You might have to relocate as well, as well as expand your reach of jobs other than acute care, as others have suggested.

Krither · Dec 25, 2015

Try applying to places outside of the acute care hospital such as long-term care areas like nursing home, facilities for people with developmental disabilities, and rehab facilities. The more desirable places that own would want to be wil require a year or two of experience. You may have to work somewhere you don't want to until you can find a spot where you do want to be. Give it a try. As nurse with little experience, just get what you can until you can get what you want. ^_^

Scarlettz, BSN, RN · Dec 27, 2015

It took me a year to find my first nursing job and it was on the other side of the country. However, I went straight into an RN-to-BSN program so I was not idle during that year gap. I would look into additional schooling, volunteer work, ACLS, PALS, etc. while applying to keep yourself current and to be more desirable to a potential employer.

I would recommend looking into Texas or New Mexico. This is the area that is willing to hire new graduates/new nurses. I don't have a lot of money but I was able to relocate from saving money from my part time retail job. I also was offered a sign-on bonus which also helped me move. After you have gained some experience here, you can try to relocate to another state of your liking.

Oh, and I agree with a previous poster. Do not let your license expire. If you happen to have a potential job offer around this time and they see it expired that will slow the hiring process or they may not even consider you to begin with.