For those new grads who are employed, what's your method?

[grateful2010, LPN, LVN]

What did you do to get your current job? Did you carry a positive mindset? Did you ignore the hundred of threads of "no jobs for new grads"? Basically, what's your secret?

[jal1234, LPN, LVN]

Call....Call the nursing recruiter and find out if they are hiring. Do not rely on the websites! and yes, ignore the threads... Positions are always opening up. People change careers, change positions, move up, move down, things are always changing and opportunity is there. Keep going for it!

[JStollRN]

I met with a nursing recruiter at the hospital I wanted to work at...she liked me a lot so she called around to different units to see if anyone would be willing to take me. I met with a unit manager that day and was hired on the spot! I think it helped me that I had a "que sera, sera" kind of attitude. I told the nursing recruiter, "If this works out, great, if not, I'll know it wasn't meant to be for me right now." It's sort of my motto...haha.

[RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN]

I called the nurse recruiter every week until I got an interview.

[LuxCalidaNP]

skip calling....show up in business casual with a flawless cotton-paper resume in hand, humility in heart, and genuine enthusiasm. Got me the jobs I wanted. :)

[tainted1972, ASN, RN]

I was Hired on by a previous employer (where I worked as an aide) who happened to have an opening for a full time LPN position.. Never burn bridges with employers! :)

[dmoney2023]

skip calling....show up in business casual with a flawless cotton-paper resume in hand, humility in heart, and genuine enthusiasm. Got me the jobs I wanted. :)

Exactly.

[CareteamRN70]

Perseverance.

In the two months after I passed boards I put out 55 applications.

I attended two healthcare job fairs, utilized my nursing schools career services, used internet job sites, and handwalked resumes in.

I was able to get 5 interviews. The most heart breaking job I almost got I interviewed for twice, did two job shadows, and did followup phone calls only to never have my calls returned. Out of frustration I actually applied for the same exact job with the same company only a different facility. Turns out this company had multiple recruiters based on location of individual facilities. This time around I was hired within 3 days of my first interview. If I had written off this company, after my first try at employment with them bombed, I would probably still be looking for work.

So like the above posters stressed don't burn bridges and don't give up...and yes i was starting to slump into depression but failure to obtain a job was just not an option.

[Miller86]

Never losing hope of finding a job, that was key for me. I went to numerous job fairs and repeatedly got told "we're not looking for new grads at the moment" but continued to attend in surrounding cities. I sent resumes, completed on-line applications, contacted recruiters and asked questions as many questions around as possible. I finally got a job through an agency but I did not feel comfortable working with them as a new grad. I continued to look and left a message for a recruiter, from one of the hospitals I worked at through the agency, and got an interview a few days later. I also called HR to follow up on my applications. It shows that you are interested. They may be annoyed but it just might get you a job.

Just keep trying and something will come up for you. Best of luck in finding a job:D

[FrogKissingNurse]

ok who are these nurse recruiters everyone is talking about? are they people in hr? how do you get their number?

[2126]

You can usually look up nurse recruiter numbers online. Also, has anyone heard of linkedin? I signed up for it and I see so many nurse recruiters on there, but it says you have to know the person to make a "connection". Part of me really wants to contact them through here, but somehow I doubt they'll respond.

[RLeeRN]

Don't listen to the negative comments. I do however think employers are looking for a little something more among new grads. Maturity, life experiences, military service, good prior work history, etc etc. Something that says you are a step above the others. I have contacted the nurse recruiter at one hospital by just walking in and asking to speak to her. I was in town for a week and moving to the area soon. She told me to call her when I got into town. I did and she was able to help me find a position available for a new grad. After moving again I applied online at the local hospital for a postion that said RN, and got a call 2 days later and was offered the job. Sadly, we are moving again. We are a military family, and have had a whirlwind of changes over the last year or two. Also, call the local VA hospital Healthcare recruiter, find out how to submit an application, they stay on file for six months and call as openings come up. Hope you find a job. God bless, and Merry Christmas!

Lee