Could you new grads that had trouble with job search do me a favor.

pinkiepie_RN · May 22, 2009

Maybe this isn't what you're looking for, but here's my story. I started applying for jobs in early January/February for this summer. I just graduated and after 6 interviews, deciding that I didn't want to do med/surg but still settling for a specialty that wasn't my first pick (psych over peds), and what felt like a million applications, I was offered a job on Wednesday, the day before graduation from my BSN program. I know my classmates are seeing an increase in interviews and job offer within the past month or so; I think you're onto something. :)

llg, PhD, RN · May 22, 2009

Good idea for a thread. I hope to see some good news posted. But even if the news is not good, please post so that we may continue to keep you in our thoughts.

prudence09 · May 23, 2009

Well here's my story. I started applying for jobs in January and just found a job this week. I really wanted to work in L&D but the world we live in will not let me be picky so I got hired on a Med/Surg/Peds floor which I am happy about. I see it as a way for me to get a foundation and then I can move on to L&D. Another problem I was having is that where I live you have to know somebody to even get hired on somewhere. Most hospitals where I live are not hiring new grads or they are only hiring internally. :down: I was getting really discouraged when I was searching for jobs because right now in the economic climate we are living in it seems hospitals are not giving new grads a chance. I was lucky that I had a classmate who gave me the number to the hiring manager where I will be working and told me to give her a call and I got hired. If it wasn't for this classmate I would still be looking for a job. :bow:

melsman1904 · May 23, 2009

I started applying in late Feb/ early March for primarily ICU jobs. I had 3 interviews that led nowhere. I started applying for Med-Surg, LTC, Psych, pretty much anything that was open. I also started calling HR, nurse managers, anybody I knew who worked where I had applied. This week, I had 2 job offers-- LTC and Med-Surg/Ortho. I accepted the Med-Surg/Ortho job. I don't know if the tight job market is easing up or not, but there are still some jobs available in my area. PM me and I'll be happy to share the details of the jobs that I know are considering new grads.

ButterPeacanRican · May 23, 2009

Well i've been very blessed to have had it fairly easy. I currently work as a clerk on a unit in a hospital and i spoke to my manager early in the year about my interest in working on the unit and 4 interviews later i got the job. i thought it was going to be a piece of cake to get the job but i soon realized that i had to go through the interview process just like everyone else. Unfortunately we live in a world where who you know kinda gets you further than what you know. But i wish everyone the very best in their job hunt.

jennjenn013 · May 24, 2009

I started applying for jobs in February with no luck at all until last week. I went on 2 interviews, the first in the ICU and the second on a tele floor. I didn't get the ICU job but I got my job offer for the tele job a few days before graduation! I am so excited about it and I start as a new grad tech on June 1st. I think the job market is starting to get better. A lot of my classmates are getting interviews now.

crazychyck86 · May 24, 2009

Did any of you do any type of student tech programs while still in school to try to gain knowledge and hands-on experience?

pinkiepie_RN · May 24, 2009

I had 2 PRN tech jobs, one in an acute care hospital and one in a psychiatric hospital. In the acute care hospital, I worked in same day surgery for six months and peds for six months. My job offer was in psych and I think my tech experience definitely helped.

melsman1904 · May 24, 2009

I didn't have a tech job or anything like that. The only "hands-on" type of experience(aside from clinicals) I had during nursing school was EMS.

june2009 · May 25, 2009

My story is similar to others who have posted in this thread. I didn't start applying until March (it was recommended that we start applying in January) I had around 40 applications between 13 different hospitals (yes some were "RN" positions but the vast majority were GN positions). I received one job interview and lots of "thanks-but-no-thanks" emails. It took about six weeks but I was finally offered a position at my first choice facility. I wanted to work in one of the ICUs at my facility, but was offered med-surge. I'm fine with that - it will give me a good foundation so that I can transfer to one of the ICUs later. A lot of my friends that were having trouble finding a job are now slowly being offered positions. Most of the positions are med-surge but at least they are being offered. I still have a few friends that haven't heard about a job yet. I hope they do get a job.

Michelle

oramar · May 25, 2009

I started applying for jobs in February with no luck at all until last week. I went on 2 interviews, the first in the ICU and the second on a tele floor. I didn't get the ICU job but I got my job offer for the tele job a few days before graduation! I am so excited about it and I start as a new grad tech on June 1st. I think the job market is starting to get better. A lot of my classmates are getting interviews now.

Thank goodness, it does look like the ice jam is starting to break up. I don't know if it is because census is looking better or if they are looking down the road at the pending pandemic and realize they better prepare. Congratulations by the way, I am so happy for everyone who is starting to see offers.