Can't find a job - need to think outside the box

[stillnojob]

Hi all,

I graduated in May with my BSN....and even a few connections in a few different hospitals. I thought I'd have no problem getting a job. I did get a couple of interviews, which I didn't get the jobs....it wasn't hard figuring out why (one interview I just rambled b/c I was nervous and it was my first interview and the other interview I found out that they already knew they were hiring from with-in).

I did get a job at a nursing home, which was not at all what I wanted. However, it was all I had and I took it for the experience. The working conditions are okay but many of my friends have jobs in hospitals and I feel like I'm missing so much experience. As time goes by, I feel like I'm going to be in less marketable to the hospitals and they will see my resume and think "Why couldn't this person get into a hospital? What's wrong with her? She must not be very good." Some people tell me it's not necessarily a bad thing but other people (nurses at that) say it's not good in the eyes of nurse managers.

I know I need to get into a hospital before I forget everything I learned in my clinicals! However, I've used up my connections (believe me, I've tried) and I've sent out resume after resume online. It's discouraging with constant email rejections. Like I said, as time goes, and I'm not considered a 'new grad', I am nervous it will be impossible to get into a hospital. I'm not even picky....full or part time....any floor at this point....I'm open to anything....I just need an opportunity to interview again. My interviewing skills are much better, I'm more confident, and I know I can get a job if I can just get an interview. I've even mailed my resume directly to nurse managers like I heard was a good idea. I've had a few people look over my resume and said it looks very good.

Anyone have any other ideas? Inspiring stories to give me some hope that it will happen? Advice?

Thanks!

stillnojob

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Point of clarification - many organizations (including mine) determine 'new grad' status in terms of experience. Any nurse with

Don't limit yourself to employers/settings that have formal new grad programs. Any organization that hires inexperienced staff is probably very capable of providing the right resources for them. It may even be better than trying to fit in to a rigidly structured 'residency' program.

Wishing you the best of luck in your job search.