broken hearted new grad

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Hi All,

All the new grad out there who are frustratedly looking for a job can definitely relate to me. This is my story. I graduated with my RN degree last December of 2008 and have not yet found a job. I have probably applied to approximately 200 positions to date to no avail. I took all my certification classes ACLS, BLS, and PALS. I volunteered to the emergency department cleaning beds, diabetes society as a health educator, and at a camp with children with chronic illnesses. I talked to CNO at the hospital that I'm currently employed at as a lab assistant but due to budget deficits they can't absorb me. To my desperation, I'm applying as a patient registrar in all the surrounding hospitals in vicinities so I can be considered as an internal employee when the new grad program comes around.

I'm physically and emotionally drained for the last couple of months. I've worked so hard for this degree (just like everybody else) and I am about to give up on my dreams of becoming a nurse. I have been crying for the last few months and its tearing me apart:bluecry1:. What else do I need to do to find a job in this horrid economy. I've eaten my pride in approaching managers on the unit and I've done dirty works volunteering in all areas. I'm broken, I'm hurt, I'm down, and I'm stress. Sorry to vent but I just need it to avert from slipping into depression.

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Specializes in GYN M/S,Tele,Oncology.

What state are you in? Maybe you should try another county, maybe a move?

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I currently live in California and tried to applied all over.

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What area in CA?? I live in southern California and we are still hiring new grads down here. Did you really apply to 200 positions? That seems ridiculous.

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I am new grad as you, but you did a lot of stuff than me. Now I am gonna do PALS and ACLS, to increase my chances. I am not even thinking about volunteer at all. I am impressed with all you have done and still nothing?????I am here in NY, I have gotten interview about 4 places so far, tomorrow I am going for 2 interviews, one for agence another one for a clinic. 3 people I knew got jobs at Homecare and they pay really good. I was not up for homecare and Nursing home , but now I ma seriously thinking about it. So I don't know where you live, you have done so much.

When I read your post, I felt like I want to hire you because you are so determined and persistent. Please don't give up, lets all just hung in there. Something will come our way!!

Maybe if people know what state you live in, they can help you with agency to contact or something!!

Good Luck

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I live in northern california, San Jose to be exact. Yeah, I did applied to 200 positions: hospice care, LTC, SNF, all acute care settings (down LA too), school, prisons (got interviewed but after seeing me in personal, they told me I can't work there for my own safety), clinics, psych units, and nonprofit organizations with no results. I also approached placement agencies around the area with my resume and cover letter and still waiting for their calls.

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Specializes in Professional Development Specialist.

I haven't even started looking, as I won't graduate until December. But I know a lot of new grads who are getting desperate. It really brings me down, I got on the waiting list for school in 2004, before my first child was born. Three kids later I'm finally ready to fulfill a lifelong dream at the age of 35, and I find no jobs available for new grads. It stinks, and I hope it's just a temporary setback.

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Have you tried Washington State? Evergeen Hospital in Seattle Vicinity has a new grad orientation. They are hiring. Try there. Also, I belive the Franciscan Health system in the Tacoma area (about 25 miles south of Seattle), was hiring new grads, as was Southwestern Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington, a stone's throw from the Oregon border. Hope that helps. By the way, Washington State has NO state income tax.

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Spokane, Washington

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I'm in a very similar boat....I have been actively searching for a job for about at least two months now...granted I got licensed August 24 but still I feel I should have had landed some interviews as new grad..anyway I'm working as transported at one of the magnet awsome hospital and I would love to work there as a nurse but I would have to wait for the position until next August so I'm applying everywhere else...I send out maybe 100 applications no calls back whatsoever...finally today a flu clinic called me...so I will talk to them tommorow,wish me luck!!!!

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What area in CA?? I live in southern California and we are still hiring new grads down here. Did you really apply to 200 positions? That seems ridiculous.

Why do you say it's ridiculous? I know several people in her situation, and they HAVE applied to over 100 positions, some even more than 200. It is possible to apply that much, since in just one hospital website there could be 5-10 positions that a person can submit a resume to, and a different hospital, another few positions, etc. etc. So in one month someone can send 20-30 resumes, to different places, and sometimes the same place but a different position.

In 9 mos, 20-30 applications per month easily can equal 200.

There are many new grads applying to the same positions, so there is also alot of competition.

Just because I know a few new grads that got positions doesn't mean they all are getting them.

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Brokenheartern, I completely understand how you feel. It is tough for many new grads to find jobs. I graduated before you did, and haven't been able to find a hospital job, and it seems that the more time passes, the worse it looks on my resume. I am doing long term nursing home care since I had no other choice, but still looking for another opportunity. Have you looked in LTC?

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Oh I am so sorry. I graduate next June and I am so worried about the job market. One of my coworkers worked as a CNA for almost a year and finally got hired in Olympia Washington, the Providence system has a new grad program there.

Are you able to relocate? That is my biggest worry of all, I am unable to relocate due to being a single parent and family is my daycare

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