Finding a Job as a New Grad

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What is happening in today's job market? I am a new graduate RN LOOKING for a job. I graduated in May and passed my NCLEX on the frist try in August. Regardless of what all the news is saying about the nursing market being one of the positions still thriving, it doesn't seem so for me. Yes, there are a lot of Ad's out for nurses, but in order to be considered you have to have at least one year acute care experience. At this point with a dual BSN I am applying for nursing assistant positions and being turned down from that as well.... This market is very discouraging for new grads! Any suggestions? My loan repayment will start in Dec.

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What state are you in, can you relocate? The job market is pretty grim for new grads these days most of my class and last years class of RNS are still unemployed.

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I am in California in the San Fernando Valley. I really can't relocate because my fiance' has his job here. Its scarey!!

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Specializes in ER, peds, gi, case mgmt..

I really wish MSM would let everyone know about the nursing glut we are currently experiencing. For years, the mantra has been nurse=job security,

nurse=shortage. This has not been the case for AT LEAST 18 months now.

Hospitals want an experienced nurse with a BSN. ( I've been an ADN for 16 yrs, I too am having trouble finding a new position since relocating) My sister is about to graduate. Her instructor notified them in their final semester that they probably won't find jobs. In 1994 my classmates had to leave the state to find work, it has always been cyclical. It does the unemployed no good to tell them things will be different a few years from now. The bills won't wait that long.

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Same Boat! I graduated in May passed the NCLEX in June. Thank GOD I have a good paying job, too bad it isn't in Nursing. I really want to work as an RN, but at the end of the day I have to pay the bills.

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Since you can't move and you can't change the economy, you could go back to school for your Master's and defer loan payment. In my area, there are a lot of postings for NP's but not many for RN's. I don't know if you have any interest in that area but it is something to consider.

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I'm in the same boat in NYC, graduated in June passed in July, starting working, yesterday was my fist day at a dialysis office. I'm still hoping something in a hospital opens up soon but how long can I wait. It's a bit of a income cut from hospital job but a less paying job is better than no job at all. Good luck everyone

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Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.

Keep the idea of relocation open in your mind.

A student I graduated with got the very best position out in the middle of CA. (we went to school in So CA) His wife is in another state. They will work things out because they have a strong relationship. Love endures all things :)

When I read his posts he talks about flying out to see her, and about how fabulous his new grad job is, what he is doing this week, how he held a human heart in his hands. And now that his all around orientation has ended he will specialize.

He and his wife obviously have a very good relationship to be so far apart but they make it work. So don't sell yourself short by not thinking of the possibilities. I'm married with children and cannot go anywhere but others can. Remember, you're only a New Grad for one year. After that, you can no longer apply for these positions so go for it. I hope it all works out for you.

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Yes your right, I know what he is going through, I graduated from Purdue, so I lived away from my fiance' for two years. We have a strong relationship and have been together for almost 10yrs but I really just want to stay home with him now if possible. I'm applying for grad programs when they come available. Hopefully one of the 4 I applied to so far wil hire me!

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Have you tried all your networking options? I've found in my job search you need to know someone in order to be considered for jobs, especially for new grads. Give copies of your resume to every family member and loved one and ask them to ask around for you and distribute them. Everyone knows at least one nurse right? And maybe one of them will pass your resume along and it will land on the right person's desk at the right time. It worked for me. I met a nurse at my cousins party and gave her my resume. Two weeks later, I got a call from HR and was hired into a new grad residency program on the spot! The hospital never even advertised that they hiring for the program and denied the program existed when I asked HR at a career fair! You had to know someone to get in! Let everyone know you are looking for a job. Even try sites like linkedin.com to network and connect to even more people, former co-workers, alumni, anyone you can think of. There's no harm is asking for some help. Stay Positive and Good Luck!!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Hopefully one of the 4 I applied to so far wil hire me!
You've only applied to 4 new grad programs? You've got to submit many more applications and resumes if you ever wish to find a job in southern California. You've also got to hit the pavement and apply to jobs outside the hospital that might not interest you, such as hospice, home health, nursing homes, SNFs, private duty, etc.

Southern CA new grad hospital programs usually garner 1,000+ applications for less than 20 available positions. The pickings are slim and it is difficult to get noticed unless you think outside the box. Good luck to you!

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I have been a little bit but I'll try harder, thanks for the advice!

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