Discouraged new grad

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Are there any hospitals out there (any state) hiring new grads? I am willing and ready to relocate. Keep in mind that some states require a verification of employment as a RN documenting 500 hours or more of licensed practice as a registered nurse to apply for a license in their state. Even if I wanted to try to relocate, I couldn't because I don't have any experience. I am currently residing in Southern California and graduated in June 2009 with an ADN. California does not participate in compact licenses either.

I've revamped my resume and cover letter many times. I attended several career fairs and had my resumes critiqued by experts (resume writers) as well. I have gone in person to hospitals, adult day healthcare centers, skilled nursing facilities, convalescent homes, sub-acute rehabs, behavioral facilities, volunteered at a camp serving children living with HIV/AIDS, applied to flu clinics, etc. You name it, I've done it. There's a waiting list of RN's to be hospital volunteers at most hospitals as well. I'm not the only one. Not able to apply as an LVN or CNA due to state license regulations. I am not able to work as a student worker because I graduated. Suffice to say, I am very discouraged and frustrated with my job search. It's been a year since I graduated, not sure what I'm suppose to do now. Go into another field until the economy picks up?? I don't even think that would help. How are other new grads doing in other states?

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Specializes in PICU.

I'm from Illinois. I started applying for jobs months before graduation. The positions are all closed off now. I've honestly applied for so many jobs... and its horrible how so many positions state "not accepting new grads!" I took my NCLEX on July 10th and found out I passed... ever since after taking my NCLEX I've had calls from 3 hospitals to interview! I've only had one interview so far (with HR + the manager), one coming up next week, and the other is next month.

Hopefully something comes out of it, but we'll see. Its definitely tough out there because so many people need jobs and there aren't many positions opened for new graduates.

My advice: with your clinicals as a nursing student, your clinical instructors can be a great way to get your foot in the door! Contact them and see if they can help! If you had clinicals somewhere and were able to talk to the manager, try contacting them and explain your situation. You never know if they can help in some way. I've realized that getting a job is so dependent on networking and who you know or the people you've met.

Good luck! and don't give up. Just try to figure out what is best for you.

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If you're planning to relocate, don't come to NYC... there are no jobs for new grads here either. However, if you're willing to go to the upstate area that is far far from the city you might be able to find a job. I've had some classmates who relocated to Texas (seems like they're hiring all the time) and another relocated to South Carolina. Good luck with your search! It took me one year and I finally found one (but not at hospital).

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Things are just as bad in South Florida! I graduated in May, Passed my Nclex in June and have been applying since and only received 1 call despite having applied to over 150 positions [no exaggeration!]. I interviewed and got the job however the hospital was 67 miles away from my house and I am so broke that I can't afford to relocate by the time of Orientation/training starts and can't drive there every day [since training is Mon-Fri] so I had to decline. All the hospitals in Miami-Dade County and Broward are looking mainly for experienced nurses and there are very few opportunities for new graduates. One of the major health systems in south florida is bankrupt and laid off many nurses, not to mention there is a surplus of new graduates therefore it is practically impossible to get a job! I never thought it would be like this...and yet the media claims there is a "nursing shortage". I'm so frustrated and disappointed. If you're willing to relocate i'm sure there are places where there is an actual need and are willing to hire you, its just a matter of finding it. Have you found out about versant/residency programs for RNs? They have those in some hospitals in my area but are very selective. I'm waiting on an interview in the next coming weeks, but out of 300 aps they're only accepting 30 into the program so go figure! ::sigh::

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I live in upstate NY and just got hired at my local hospital as a new grad. Actually, they hired 13 new grads from my class. I here they will be hiring again in January.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing, Clinic Nursing.

I live in North Carolina and work in Virginia and I was able to get a new grad position before graduating. We graduated in May and the majority of my classmates are either working or have job offers and are starting work soon. It is not a bad area to live/work. Many hosptials in the area won't touch new grads but there are a few that accept us with open arms.

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If you're planning to relocate, don't come to NYC... there are no jobs for new grads here either. However, if you're willing to go to the upstate area that is far far from the city you might be able to find a job. I've had some classmates who relocated to Texas (seems like they're hiring all the time) and another relocated to South Carolina. Good luck with your search! It took me one year and I finally found one (but not at hospital).

If you don't mind me asking. What type of facility were you hired? I am an inactive nurse with no working experience and I too live in NYC. I noticed that most jobs are looking for experienced nurses. I received my license yesterday, hopefully it isn't too long before I begin to work! :)

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There are jobs in WV. The pay sounds really low compared to what I often seen on this site but it's actually very reasonable considering the cost of living. Hospitals are hiring and LTC is pretty much always an option if you are interested in that. Work in a clinic or doctor's office is a little more difficult to find.

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Im here in Michigan, im a new grad and got a job in the neurovascular unit.

Seems like during the orientations there a few new grads maybe 1-3, and some with experience.

At my wife's hospital its about the same plus there a lot of people doing a nurse externship or something like that.

However, i got 2 job offers at LTC's, seems those are a good bet where ever you go.

I know a lot of my classmates in found jobs in Ohio in only 2 months.

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Quite a few of my classmates, including myself, recently got jobs with Clarian Health in Indianapolis. Good starting pay, fairly low cost of living here. If you can handle snow and corn, it's a decent place to be.

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