Finding a nursing job just out of school

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Hello -

I graduated in Sept 09, took NCLEX-PN in Nov 09 and have yet to find myself a job. It's very frustrating. Everyone keeps telling me that I need 1 year experience for the jobs that are out there. Of course I applied for them anyway, just in case :) I live in a small town in Central Ohio. So with it being a small town - I do expect the job market to be less. I have applied out of town as well.

I don't know if there is something wrong with my resume or what - but I'm so tired of sending out resumes and filling out applications. I'm just so frustrated that I don't seem to be getting anywhere.

I have been a stay at home mom for most of 13 years. So there is a fairly large time gap. It is specified that I am a SAHM on my resume. As well as my home business (photography & digital designs) is listed. The job I had from 1998-1999 was a dr. office receptionist - I was only there a year and left to have a baby. And shortly after, the dr quit private practice and went to the ER. So I have no references there because everyone and everything is gone. I do volunteer a lot at my kids schools and have for years. I was also a Volunteer EMT-B before I had kids.

Could my lack of employment for the last 13 years be causing a problem now? If so, how can I work around it?

Also - I worked my butt off in school - graduated 2nd in my class and got the 2 year perfect attendance award. Does any of those help show my character & work ethic?

I guess I'm just looking for a little encouragement and/or help. I'd like to change what I'm doing, but I don't know what to change. I've applied at home health, nursing homes, dr. offices and hospital.

Kathy

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, LTC.

Hi Kathy,

I too had a huge gap. An advisor at my nursing school revamped my resume and had me do a 'skills based' resume. In it you list all your skills as opposed to your actual jobs. Can your school help you? Look up resumes online and remake yours. Also, look into long term care facilities. They are always willing to give a new grad a chance. It's a great place to get that year of experience, thats what I am doing!

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Thanks! Our school does not have any advisors that can help with resumes. The director helped us with our resumes and said mine was good. I will try to find some skill based resumes online and see what you are talking about. I am looking at LTC as well - just haven't found anything yet.

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

It could be your resume. Try to get it done by a professional, it could be your ticket to becoming employed. Also try applying to all types of nursing jobs. Getting a job in a hospital might be difficult without nursing skills. Apply to nursing homes or clinics so you can add it to your resume and keep applying to your ideal job. Good Luck!

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The University of Pennsylvania has posted some terrific sample ideas for nurses -- newbies and veterans alike -- online. You might find some good ideas there on how to rephrase your experience and sell your skills.

Nurse and consultant Donna Cardillo's website is also a fantastic resource for job hunters. She offers great tips on everything from resumes to interviewing. I did not know until reading her website about the use of optical character recognition software to screen out job applicants without ever looking at their resumes. If you are applying for jobs online, this is must-read material.

Good luck!

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Thank you :) I will look at those websites and see what I can do.

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