what can I do? A frustrated "old new grad"

[bestwish]

I graduated from ADN program in 2010. Couldn't find a hospital job. Later, I work in nursing home and later in home health for more than 2 years. I went back to school for RN-BSN. I got my bachelor's in Jan, 2013. I start looking for hospital job again. But the job market seems worse than before. I sent out so many applications that I can't remember. However, no response at all not even a phone call. I am not qualified for many new grad program because I have paid RN experiences. I am also not qualified for experienced RN positions neither; because I don't have one year acute hospital experience. I feel so frustrated that I invest so many time and money on nursing without a good outcome. This is my second career. I studied hard and work hard. I graduated with high GPA. I am never late for work all these years. My boss likes me. But no hospital would like to give me a chance. I don't know what to do with my career.

[perioddrama]

That is the crux of the problem. It is a Catch-22.

I am not sure what old new grads are supposed to do. A lot of the new grad programs have a "you must have been graduated by date." As an old new grad, that disqualifies me for those programs. Catch-22.

At least you have gotten some paid RN experience. Others, including myself, have yet to find one employer that is willing to take on a new grad RN and pay them.

All I can offer is support. Know you are not alone. *hugs*

[elprup, BSN, RN]

You are not alone.

[plinytheRN]

If you have the means, relocate. Go to a state or area that will train you, often there are relocating assistance, and you can probably work on the unit you want. Do your time, then after a year start applying in the area you want to work and keep trying and then move back. If you can't relocate- it's going to be a lot harder and longer to get a job.

[yoganurs]

I'm in the same boat. I'm moving out of state in 2 weeks because I had no other choice.

[asiki]

same here , i graduated in 2010 and worked in a nursing home. been looking for a hospital job but don't qualify for most because I don't have 1 year acute care yet no new grad residency program will give me a chance for that i year acute care because i'm not considered a new grad anymore! Bummer, it feels like you've hit a wall ! very frustrating indeed ! you are not alone

[Nursing_Student11]

It's so hard now days because hospitals require acute care experience.

[goingCOASTAL]

The Houston area is still hiring anyone with a license ... a lot of people who need general hospital experience for other things (grad school, specialty niche, certifications, etc.) will come and do their time and move on. No reason why you couldn't move here for 6mos to a year and move back with that coveted "recent hospital experience."

[bestwish]

Do I have to move to TX first, and then to find a job? Because I also submitted application to TX hospital online. But I got rejection letters.