First job hunting blues

Published

  1. Do nurse assistants make better nurses?

    • 2
      Yes
    • 2
      No
    • 5
      Sometimes
    • 4
      Doesn't make a difference really

13 members have participated

I graduated aprox. 2 months ago (May '14) and I've applied for nearly 100 jobs throughout my region from ED, ICU, Med/surg, and long term. I've only had one interview and didn't land that position. I don't know if my resume or application is faulty or what. I'm not sure if there is anything I can do to "fluff/pad" my resume. Most of my classmates have landed jobs, granted most had some other form of experience whether it was EMT or nurse assistants. I have volunteered at a local clinic and besides that, and the clinical hours from my degree that's the only experience that I have. Any and all advice may be helpful. Thanks!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.

what is your region?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm in central Kentucky

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MedSurg, PACU, Maternal/Child Health.

Do you have RN license? If not that could be a reason. Also be open to other jobs besides hospital only. It takes several months for new graduates to get hospital jobs. Make certain your res is updated and is not in fancy format and/or font and does not have a border as this sometimes interferes with it being readable by online application systems.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for you response! I do have my license, and I have applied at one long term facility but I may need to broaden my search to more of the non-hospital settings. I think I'm comparing the success of my fellow students to my unsuccessful landing of a job at this point. Patience is needed I suppose!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Two months is not very long to be looking. Those who already have jobs in healthcare will naturally find jobs faster since they may transition to an RN position in their present company or have more contacts in the healthcare field. This doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. It might take a little longer but you'll find a job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Operating Room.

I had been looking for jobs in hospitals and had the same problem. I had no experience and kept wondering how I could get experience if no one was willing to hire me. I finally decided to apply to Assisted Living facilities and landed a job with one. It's not like a hospital but it gives me the tools to strengthen my assessment skills and communication skills. It feels good to be using the knowledge I learned in school and putting it into real life situations. Although I do not plan to be in the assisted living environment forever, I am thankful for the oppurtunity as it is a nice stepping stone to get me to where I want to be. I would start broadening your search, even if it has to be a for a few months or a year. Its frustrating to see classmates working, but your time is coming :-) Good Luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.
Two months is not very long to be looking. Those who already have jobs in healthcare will naturally find jobs faster since they may transition to an RN position in their present company or have more contacts in the healthcare field. This doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. It might take a little longer but you'll find a job.

I got a job within 2 weeks of actually applying because I was willing to go wherever.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion