CALLING---Those who have Jobs- WE need you!

lbenjam1 · Jul 4, 2009

1.What kind of floor are you working on? Orthopedic med/surg

2.Where are you from? New York state, have to commute ~45 min though. Local hospitals declined to hire me, one had a freeze and one I already worked at & had an issue

3.HOW DID YOU GET THAT JOB?--Did you have connections?, Work there previously, application process, follow-up process, interview tips, anything at all would be helpful

I did not have connections, or work there previously. I sent an app in online with my resume attached (work on your resume, make it nice. Even if it's brief.) I was called to schedule an interview, I interviewed with two sets of two people- nurse educators and nurse managers. Dress up. If you don't own a business suit, go get one. Hospitals are air conditioned, the fact that it's summer doesn't excuse the lack of a blazer. It looks really sharp. Pay attention to personal grooming- looks shouldn't matter, but if your eyebrows are crazy and messy and your hair is frizzed up, you maybe don't have the image they want to project to the patients. You don't have to do your hair and makeup for work everyday, in fact, most times women need ponytails or clips to keep hair back and out of the way, but in the interview that does not apply. Back is fine, but just don't let it hang there however it dried, just do something with it. Always have questions. Always. Be prepared to answer some basics, like why you got into nursing, what's your favorite moment, what's your must frustrating moment so far, how would you fix your worst moment now knowing what you know, that kind of thing came up a lot. Humor is golden, just not too much. A little subtle mentions here and there to get them chuckling puts you over the top and releases the tension in the room (example, I spent time on an ortho floor in school and I was explaining the setup- one half was elective hips & knees, the other side was "whoopsies," then I clarified things that come in from the ED, the one interviewer who was kind of grumpy laughed and I had her the rest of the interview.) If you're not personable at all they'll wonder how personable you can be and how well you can connect with patients if you can't even deal with someone who you have a lot in common with (ie, another nurse.) Show interest- they won't offer you a job on the spot most likely. Call and follow up with HR within the week (not the morning after, too desperate) A good way is to say you're following up, grateful for the opportunity to interview, and you had a question about soandso. When you have the offer, get it in writing and go over EVERYTHING they give you. Don't accept and find out a week after orientation that you're working nights when you would rather die than work nights. Etc.

intuition · Jul 4, 2009

1.)Emergency Room

2.) Wisconsin

3.) I have worked with the organization for 10 years, I worked as a nurse tech. throughout my last year of school. It saved the company money by hiring me due to not having to do so much training. I had to fill out a transfer application, no interview was needed.

* I highly recommend trying to work as a nurse extern during, at least, the end of your schooling so that you have your foot in the door somewhere.

Perpetual Student · Jul 4, 2009

I've got a job, thankfully. Only by virtue of working for the agency as an LPN, though. I'll just get a nice little raise once I get my license (hopefully in less than a week--I take the NCLEX-RN on Wednesday).

Long term, I need to do something else in order to achieve my career goals, but for now this will do. I think that once I have my license things will be a bit easier. So far I've only been able to get one interview for a new job, and I didn't get it (they decided they were too new-grad heavy and that my experience wasn't high speed enough, but they invited me to apply again once I have some more hardcore experience). I've applied for tons of other positions without even getting interviewed. I think it's probably the fact that they have hordes of applicants who're already licensed that is keeping me out in the cold, though. If I could just get my butt in the door I think I could sell myself effectively. I really dislike these online applications.

I'm starting to wish that I had considered moving (out of state, I did apply at other areas in my state) sooner like some of you did. Now I'm kind of stuck here in this area for a while, though. I really want an ER or ICU position, but am now concerned that I won't be able to even get a med-surg position in a timely manner here.

getfit · Jul 4, 2009

1. Level II Nursery

2. The Bay Area

3. I knew a couple of people in the near by units and begged my instructor to place me in any of those units for my preceptorship. i was placed in the nursery. I was constantly asking questions, letting them know how happy I am there, etc. i inqured about any openings constantly....basically, be relentless!!

lsvalliant · Jul 5, 2009

i know its tough finding a job right now. i am sooo blessed i got this one. i know if your this assertive you will find something soon. here is my answers and how i think i got the job.

1.what kind of floor are you working on? pacu

2.where are you from? los angeles

3.how did you get that job?--

first, i just had to get my foot in the door somewhere, so i went to a new grad open house at the best hospital here in la. (i recommend going to all the open houses you can! if they meet you and your nice and presentable you have a better chance than some online application).

i dressed in appropriate business attire and practiced up on my interviewing skills. smiled a lot and looked pretty. i got the pacu job after being hired for a new grad training in med/surg (about 5 mos.). i went to another open house within the hospital and interviewed the same way. i researched the specialty so if they asked me unit specific questions i would be able to answer (and they did). also, i made it clear that i was 100% commited to learning that specialty.

also, i think it's really important to follow up after 2-3 business days after a open house or interview. one time my dad got a job just because he was the only one who followed up after an interview. apparently, the guy interviewing had lost the applications. oopps. good luck!

Kittyfeet · Jul 5, 2009

dear frustrated, jobless new grads... have hope, i was one of you a couple weeks ago and now i have a job!

1.what kind of floor are you working on? medical (their med/surg is split up into 2 diff units)

2.where are you from? texas

3.how did you get that job? i submitted an online application and they called me in for an interview! it does actually work sometimes!

the backstory... i was in the jobless new grad category just like everyone else. i was just as jealous, frustrated an angry as a lot of you still are. i totally understand! i started applying places in march, and didn't get my job until 6 weeks afer graduation.

i live in houston... a big and traffic filled city, so of course i applied to places that were closest to my house, along with all the hospitals i did clinicals at. after trying to pursue them... going by the hr, calling recruiters, trying to call managers...i got pretty fed up. i ended up branching out my application process to places that had good reputations but were not in my general area. and by that i mean over 20 miles away. i actually applied around some of the cities that are close-ish to houston. i got calls back from them as well. i even had a job offer that was over 3 hours away and i was considering moving for, but i ended up getting the call for my current job before i accepted that position. i'm glad i didn't have to move because it would have been a financial struggle, but if it was the only offer i got i would have definitely taken it. so my best advice is branch out more if a longer commute or moving would be a viable option for you.

good luck everyone! i have also heard a lot of places will start opening up to hire again in the fall... spring/summer is a terrible time for competition. i really thought i wasn't going to get a job for months. hang in there!

also, i did have a couple calls from skilled nursing and rehab places... maybe it isn't the job you wanted, but it's experience! some hospitals that didn't hire me told me they would even if i just had 6 months somewhere.

again, hang in there and good luck! don't give up!

*edited for spelling as i'm trying to eat and type at the same time, lol.

carolina4 · Jul 5, 2009

I landed a spot in the new grad residency program at UVA where I will start work on the Surgical Trauma Burn ICU..I am greatful.

I am from Charleston, SC but moved with my boyfriend to Charlottesville, VA b/c he is starting his radiology residency at UVA...which I think was a plus b/c they knew I would definitely be there for at least 4 years (the length of his program).

As far as following up, etc...I called them to "check up on my app" literally 1-2 times a week and when I finally got the job they called me "patiently persistent" aka really annoying, but whatever! Good luck!!!

Dreamer-RN · Jul 7, 2009

1.What kind of floor are you working on?

I will be starting a nurse residency program Sept. '09. The unit I was hired on is the Cardiothoracic SICU.

2.Where are you from?

Philadelphia, PA area (very tight market here)

3. HOW DID YOU GET THAT JOB?--Did you have connections?, Work there previously, application process, follow-up process, interview tips, anything at all would be helpful

I worked as a summer extern last year (did not worked during the school year). The recruiter mentioned she was only considering internal candidates for the Fall residency program. Follow-up is very important, show your enthusiasm for the position, and sending thank you's promptly after each encounter (e.g., after the interview, after shadowing, and the like). Another factor I think helped me to land the job was getting my ACLS certification soon after graduation. While interviewing, a couple of interviewers were impressed with this. I believe it demonstrates initiative and motivation.

Best wishes to those who are currently job hunting. It took nearly six months (started applying late Dec. '08) to land my first new grad job.

carmedjen · Jul 8, 2009

I have been looking for a job since April, Note that I have been working for this city hospital as an student nurse intern since last year. I went on an interview in May, they had around 3 orientations, I was not selected for none of them. I live in New York City, I know it's hard to find a job but these days, you gotta know somebody or you must be willing to kissing someone's butt for a job. People are hiring their friends/families and not promoting those who already work at the institution. Very Frustrating!!!!

GAcardiacRN · Jul 8, 2009

1. what kind of floor are you working on?

med/surg cardiology

2. where are you from?

atlanta, ga

3. how did you get that job? i applied online, was called by the rn recruiter for a prelim interview, was set up for 3 interviews in my top three picks, went to the interviews and was offered 2 jobs. this hospital has something similar to a service cancelable loan, but they make it clear they are under no obligation to provide the loan recipient with a job. the recipient is, of course, still responsible to pay them back. they came to our school, along with other such recruiters, and really gave us the "you may not get a job until you are a bsn, the market is so tough, don't take it personally and just keep trying."

(tips:) so, i was anxious. but, like others have said, research answers to typical interview questions, make them your own/practice, be yourself and realize they don't expect you to know a lot. they mainly want someone with a good personality who will get along well with others (team player) and be flexible. don't pester them with follow up calls. i have a classmate who did that and she was pretty much banned as a result (long story - she called the recruiter 5+ times). try not to sound desperate, overly anxious or as if you think they owe you a job (same friend got that feedback). send the recruiter a thank you letter (short, sweet, see online examples via a google search). put it on some nice stationary. send a thank you letter to each person you interview with. don't send it via email (they'll easily forget it with the hundreds of other emails). although i did follow up my letter to my top area of choice (cardiac) with an email letting them know, more specifically, what i learned from the shadowing experience they suggested after my interview. in the email, i requested them to let the recruiter know "if i may be a good fit, to increase my chances." that was borderline pestering, i know, but it worked. finally, think positive and be positive! it helps!

k.morris · Jul 8, 2009

I am so happy to see all of you have jobs, It is very ecouraging to see as hard as it is, it can be done. I have been working at a local hospital as a Nurse Extern and even though I am an internal employee, they have no openings to offer me, even though they liked me. WT*!.... I am so frustrated beyond belief, like most of you, and know not having my bachelor's doesn't help any, ASN graduates seem last on the New Graduate list, which is also last on hiring scale.

I am glad I started this thread because all of these stories are the only hope I have left. Applied to over 20 hospitals in multiple positions, and willing to relocate. We all have so much to give to nursing but no one to give it too, how long until I forget all my clinical experience, if I do get an interview, I am going to be like, Nursing school what??? whats that? It has been so long since clinical....

GOODLUCK to all and God speed!

Aradien · Jul 8, 2009

i was wondering from those of you lucky new rn's that have jobs:yeah:
1.what kind of floor are you working on? maternity well baby nursery.
2.where are you from? southeastern pa
3.how did you get that job?--did you have connections?, work there previously, application process, follow-up process, interview tips, anything at all would be helpful
i worked at a unit clerk/nursing assistant for about 2 years and was willing to go part-time. the position i applied for was full time. but i really wanted part time so that i could go to school and get my bsn. i think having the prior history, interviewing well, any having a friend who knew me for 16 years helped a lot.
i hope you can get the job you are looking for.
cherry ames, rn