Cant find a job

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Hello all,

I recently graduated and have gotten my license to practice as an RN but unfortunately I cant find a job. I have applied for over 10 jobs and havent even gotten a call. Any advice on what I can put in my resume/application to make myself worthy of at least a call. Anyone else experience this?

Thanks

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Specializes in HIV/AIDS, Dementia, Psych.

Wow! Where do you live? Usually places are breaking doors down to get employees. Have someone (maybe a nursing instructor?) take a look at your resume. Are you experienced with resume writing? Always include a cover letter to personalize your resume such as:

Dear __________,

I am looking forward to the opportunity to be interviewed for this position. I am very interested in (insert job specs here ie: Psychiatric nursing, med surg nursing) and I feel my interest and (insert special skills here ie: organizational skills) will have a positive impact on your facility should you choose me for this assignment.

Sincerely,

________________

Other than that...have you tried applying for a state or county position? They are usually in great need for employees and will always give a chance to a new graduate. The pay is a little lower than in the private sector, but the benefits are usually great and it's a wonderful stepping stone.

Good luck!

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Hello all,

I recently graduated and have gotten my license to practice as an RN but unfortunately I cant find a job. I have applied for over 10 jobs and havent even gotten a call. Any advice on what I can put in my resume/application to make myself worthy of at least a call. Anyone else experience this?

Thanks

Hi--

I'm sorry to hear you are having difficulty finding a job. I will say that I ran into the same problem....and realized it was due to the fact the most places had hired a whole bunch of new grads in the beginning of the summer. Facilities can only handle so many new grads per unit at a time. Hospitals tend to hire in cycles...so if nothing is available right now, there may be openings later.

Are you looking online at hospitals' websites for employment opportunities? Sometimes you can apply online and might have better luck getting a response than if you mailed out your resume.

Also, be open to the possibility that you might end up working in a different environment than you had imagined and don't limit yourself. I just started a job on a Pulmonary unit at a hospital (full time day shift, which I thought would be impossible to get.) I had a clinical rotation on this floor but it wasn't on my radar for places to apply because I was aiming in another direction. I'm excited about my new position and I'm hoping it works out.

Try not to get discouraged....be persistent, don't wait for your phone to ring, call THEM to follow up on your resume/application. Good luck!

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I should clarify my last post....

I offered that advice thinking the reason you haven't heard back from employers might be due to a lack of open positions. It may have nothing to do with your resume at all.

I hope things work out for you

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Have you tried job fairs? Sometimes if you meet the recruiter and bring your resume along it helps you get a foot in the door. Job fairs are always advertised in those little free regional nursing magazines. Check your school for copies. Ours always had them lying around.

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Ekk- how annoying!!

I agree with the other posters. Never give up! Remember you've done the hard yards now so you deserve a job!

All the best!

Rachel

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Specializes in CCU (Coronary Care); Clinical Research.

Have you contacted the nurse manager of the floors you are interested in? Our human resource people are useless...half the time, the apps never even get to the appropriate people...I would suggest giving the NM a call, letting her know that you are interested in working ask if you can come in for a tour of the unit, etc. At least that way she knows someone is interested, has a chance to meet you (and you can meet her/him) and can look for you application...better yet, give her a copy of your resume/cover letter too. If you are applying during the "busy time" along with all of the other new grads then this may set you apart as well, human resources just gets overloaded with resumes/apps/ setting up interviews etc...Good luck, there are jobs out there so don't give up.

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Thanks for the replies. I will try some of your suggestions and hopefully soon ill be able to start working.

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Never give up! I don't have my license yet but I was able to land a job under "limited permit". You're an RN, it won't be long - YOU'LL have a job!!!!

Lots of luck!

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Hello all,

I recently graduated and have gotten my license to practice as an RN but unfortunately I cant find a job. I have applied for over 10 jobs and havent even gotten a call. Any advice on what I can put in my resume/application to make myself worthy of at least a call. Anyone else experience this?

Thanks

Call back and follow up on your applications. I find this hard to believe the nursing shortage is terrible. Fill the applications out in person, and ask to meet the DON, and put a copy of your license and Cpr card with the application and place it in her hand. Internet applications are a waste of time. Gp to the unemployment office in your town they will get you a job same day. Take any position for now it is always easy easier to get a job when you have a job.. Thanks KIM

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