Discouraged during first job hunt

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So, I passed my NCLEX August 23rd and obtained my BSN shortly after. A week after passing, I decided to start looking for jobs. I must sent out applications for 30+ job openings (specifically for new RNs). Unfortunately, I received 5 rejections so far and one job interview (in a specialty and hospital I'm not too keen on). I know my resume isn't particularly competitive but I figured that I wouldn't be having so much difficulty. Many of my classmates secured jobs before even graduating so I feel a bit disheartened that most places are rejecting me. ?

I think part of the issue is that I have very little work experience. I mostly focused on college and was employed at a restaurant during the summer but that's about it. I do have a 3.7 gpa, multiple honor societies, strong cover letter, but not much else . Is this what is likely holding me back?

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Depending on your location, many hospitals hire during your last semester of school before you take the NCLEX. You may be too late for a new grad program.

If you get a job at a hospital in a specialty you don’t really care for, take it! It’s often easier to transfer units if you are in acute care than it is to transition from non-acute to acute.

Plus, nursing school is NOTHING like actual nursing. You may love a specialty you think you aren’t too keen on now. It happens frequently (you hate what you think you’ll love and love what you think you’ll hate). Whatever the specialty is, learn all you can because much is transferable. And your future coworkers will appreciate your knowledge in that specialty later.

If acute care turns out to be a dead end, take a look at other options, such as SNF, dialysis, clinics, rehab, etc. Learn as much as you can and try again in a year or two. There are jobs out there. A week of looking is nothing!

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41 minutes ago, beekee said:

Depending on your location, many hospitals hire during your last semester of school before you take the NCLEX. You may be too late for a new grad program.

If you get a job at a hospital in a specialty you don’t really care for, take it! It’s often easier to transfer units if you are in acute care than it is to transition from non-acute to acute.

Plus, nursing school is NOTHING like actual nursing. You may love a specialty you think you aren’t too keen on now. It happens frequently (you hate what you think you’ll love and love what you think you’ll hate). Whatever the specialty is, learn all you can because much is transferable. And your future coworkers will appreciate your knowledge in that specialty later.

If acute care turns out to be a dead end, take a look at other options, such as SNF, dialysis, clinics, rehab, etc. Learn as much as you can and try again in a year or two. There are jobs out there. A week of looking is nothing!

Thank you for your reply. ?

You're right. I should keep an open mind for that job. I am going for the interview next week so hopefully it goes smoothly. I have been applying to rehab places as well but have yet to receive any replies. I may just be inpatient...

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Be willing to expand you job search area to more remote rural hospitals that have trouble finding nurses.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

You wrote that most of your classmates had jobs lined up before graduation -- and YOU waited until after you passed the NCLEX to begin applying. It sounds to me as if your friends took most of the good available jobs, and you are being stuck with "what's left."

There are only so many attractive jobs available in a certain area at any one time. The longer you wait to apply, the fewer are left to choose from. It sounds like you waited too long to apply -- and the best jobs got taken.

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6 hours ago, llg said:

You wrote that most of your classmates had jobs lined up before graduation -- and YOU waited until after you passed the NCLEX to begin applying. It sounds to me as if your friends took most of the good available jobs, and you are being stuck with "what's left."

There are only so many attractive jobs available in a certain area at any one time. The longer you wait to apply, the fewer are left to choose from. It sounds like you waited too long to apply -- and the best jobs got taken.

You're right. I probably should've applied earlier but I was too afraid incase I didn't pass my NCLEX first time around. Thanks for your insight.

12 hours ago, RNperdiem said:

Be willing to expand you job search area to more remote rural hospitals that have trouble finding nurses.

Yeah, I've been applying to essentially any place within a 1 hr drive. It's hard because many of the rural hospitals don't want new grads either. ?

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Specializes in ER OR LTC Code Blue Trauma Dog.

"Nursing Shortage" hahaha.

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Specializes in BMT.

Many hospitals offer several starting times for new grads/nurses residency programs so students who graduate at different times of year can start. Have you checked for when those applications are due? Also, how willing are you to relocate for a job? Have you considered a position besides acute care?

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Specializes in Research, Neurology.

I'd take the hospital job you're not too keen on. Get your foot in the door somewhere. From there you can start to build upon your skills and experience. Like someone said earlier in the thread, you may end up liking the unit. That's what happened to me. I started on a medical unit w/ emphasis on GI conditions. Initially thought GI was a bit "gross" for me as a new grad, but after working in 3 other specialty units it's been my favorite so far and I'd like to eventually get back into GI. If you still don't like it after trying, you can transfer internally to a different unit (many employers prefer internal transfers first before hiring external applicants).

Good luck!

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Specializes in Psych.

I was in your boat like 2 weeks ago maybe 3. I found something after about a month thank God!

I digress. What I did was I ended up sending it to every hospital I can find, dialysis center and the nursing homes. If you're hard up for money then I would say go work at a nursing home. It's not the best option but it'll get you paid quick while you continue looking for something better. The first job is the most difficult from what I hear.

15 minutes ago, Kyla RN said:

I'd take the hospital job you're not too keen on. Get your foot in the door somewhere. From there you can start to build upon your skills and experience. Like someone said earlier in the thread, you may end up liking the unit. That's what happened to me. I started on a medical unit w/ emphasis on GI conditions. Initially thought GI was a bit "gross" for me as a new grad, but after working in 3 other specialty units it's been my favorite so far and I'd like to eventually get back into GI. If you still don't like it after trying, you can transfer internally to a different unit (many employers prefer internal transfers first before hiring external applicants).

Good luck!

I second what Kyla said. I'm not in the unit I want to work at in the hospital I'm in, but I went to speak to the ICU nurse manager and she said she would be willing to let me shadow a nurse and in 6 months if there's an opening she would consider it. Apply to every unit.

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Specializes in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology RN.

Well some of your classmates may have already been working at hospitals. Dont be discouraged. Dont compare. Keep going. I am in the same boat. I also have LPN experience. Keep on going.

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