Do new grad have a limited shelf life

CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2009

I feel your pain! I am an unemployed experienced nurse and finding it difficult to find new work. Times are hard, especially when all work search is done online nowadays, you can't even grin with resume in hand at any HR without being considered a loon. Good luck, don't give up hope for the both of us!!!

nyteshade, BSN · Dec 12, 2009

That's a good question...once employers start hiring new grads again, they are probably going to ask you what have you done to stay current...I would look into a med-surg refresher if it's been more than 6 months if I were in a new grad's shoes right now. :twocents:

Jules A, MSN · Dec 12, 2009

I think that if you can show you have been serious about looking that should help. Times are different now I know but in the past I recall delays in working as a nurse after graduation such as "I took time off to relax and travel" raising eyebrows but if you are trying I hope they give you credit for that. Maybe get creative, volunteer, get a job at a flu vaccine clinic etc. Keep trying, this will happen for you!

paacollins · Dec 12, 2009

The problem with taking refresher courses is they cost money. If you aren't employed it might be a tad difficult to pay for such a course. I think even reading back over nursing textbooks or your NCLEX book will help.

+one · Dec 12, 2009

hang in there and try applying for LTC positions, they usually hire new grads and its a good place to start gaining some experience. Thats what i did. aw.

want2banurse35 · Dec 12, 2009

hang in there and try applying for LTC positions, they usually hire new grads and its a good place to start gaining some experience. Thats what i did. aw.

Applying to LTC/SNF's would be all good and dandy but all the other thousands of other new grads that cant find hospital jobs are applying to LTC as well and even those have began to ask for experience only. My friend does the interviewing for her LTC facility and she says that they are getting so many apps from new grads that there is no way they can hire them. She says she remembers the days when it was hard to find RN's to work but now they are swamped with applications. Go figure. Hopefully this ends soon. Good luck to the OP.

Jules A, MSN · Dec 12, 2009

Applying to LTC/SNF's would be all good and dandy but all the other thousands of other new grads that cant find hospital jobs are applying to LTC as well and even those have began to ask for experience only.

So are you saying don't bother? :confused:

birdgardner · Dec 12, 2009

Around here LTC were asking for 6 months, now 12 month experience. I do volunteer EMS - at least my emergency assessment skills and ABCs are honed. And maybe you can find some private duty nursing? Just make sure you have your insurance.

Katie5 · Dec 13, 2009

Around here LTC were asking for 6 months, now 12 month experience. I do volunteer EMS - at least my emergency assessment skills and ABCs are honed. And maybe you can find some private duty nursing? Just make sure you have your insurance.

Where's "here"?

fiveofpeep · Dec 13, 2009

in california new grad programs specifically say you must have graduated within 6 months

Freedom42 · Dec 13, 2009

You might want to find out if your state is looking for nurses who volunteer to work during emergencies. It's an easy way to get experience, such as working in flu clinics, and it looks good on a resume. My state waives liability for nurses who volunteer. I worked at a half-dozen clinics in the fall, got some different experience, and really enjoyed working with kids. It's also a good way to meet other professionals, and the networking just might help you find some job leads.