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

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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?

Specializes in Peds heme/onc.

I agree with most of the posters... find out who the nurse recruiter is and ask her what the process is for hiring new grads. Start early!! At least 2 months before you graduate. And make contacts with anyone you can who works at the institution where you want to work. Sometimes people who already work at an institution can give you a recommendation, or at least push your resume through to the right person. Many institutions in my area are mostly only hiring through internal recommendation. Plus, they may know how to find the name of the nurse recruiter who is in charge of hiring new grads.

Calling HR to ask if there is a nurse recruiter is another way to get in touch with him/her. Also, emailing a cover letter an resume to the nurse recruiter once you find out who it is may be a good idea. Nurse recruiters are very busy so emailing is sometimes the best way for them to answer you quickly. Good Luck!

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Specializes in Step Down.
I agree with most of the posters... find out who the nurse recruiter is and ask her what the process is for hiring new grads. Start early!! At least 2 months before you graduate. And make contacts with anyone you can who works at the institution where you want to work. Sometimes people who already work at an institution can give you a recommendation, or at least push your resume through to the right person. Many institutions in my area are mostly only hiring through internal recommendation. Plus, they may know how to find the name of the nurse recruiter who is in charge of hiring new grads.

Calling HR to ask if there is a nurse recruiter is another way to get in touch with him/her. Also, emailing a cover letter an resume to the nurse recruiter once you find out who it is may be a good idea. Nurse recruiters are very busy so emailing is sometimes the best way for them to answer you quickly. Good Luck!

We were told to wait until we have an ATT number to apply for jobs....that they will throw our application out without it.

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Specializes in Mental Health.

I was looking for a job for 6 months, the only job I got was the one I followed up with about 3 days after the interview with a telephone call again showing my intrest! :yeah:

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Specializes in Emergency, Internal Medicine, Sports Med.

It's all about who you know. And you know more people then you might think.

That poster getting hired through people her instructor knew is a classic example: contacts. Maybe it's not who you know; maybe it's who knows the person you know. Networking I have found to be way more valuable then almost anything else out there.

When I was in my final preceptorships (we had 2; 3 months long each) I would get to know the manager of that unit- WELL. Well enough by the end of that time I was there, we could almost joke around on a personal level. Sometimes I didn't have 3 months, but I used my friendships with nurses I knew who DID know other managers to take me around on slow time/"tour" of the hospital and met with other managers from other departments, and doing this I met a lot of managers and got to make my initial first impression that way. This was by far the best thing I could of done for myself.

I also think if you show a genuine interest in your field instead of "whatever" (ie, I like Emergency and my education reflects this, as does my intentions for future education). However if I were to jump at scraps (med surg, or whatever) I think this may come off as not being genuinely interested in my job, and it would show.

The result:

I got hired into the exact position I wanted (Emergency), and after I consolidate my experience there I can float up to ICU/CCU if I so choose, because I am on a good footing with the manager.

I think there is an underemphasis on professional interpersonal relationships, and how they can be your greatest advantage or greatest demise (in some cases). They are worth far more then any piece of paper.

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Specializes in Peds heme/onc.

2126,

It must depend on your area or region and the preference of the hospital because I do not yet have my ATT but I got the job offer around Thanksgiving. I graduated December 10th.

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Specializes in Step Down.
2126,

It must depend on your area or region and the preference of the hospital because I do not yet have my ATT but I have been hired since Thanksgiving. I graduated December 10th.

Wow, congrats! I would LOVE to have a job lined up before I graduate.....but who wouldn't?

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Specializes in Peds heme/onc.
Wow, congrats! I would LOVE to have a job lined up before I graduate.....but who wouldn't?

Thanks!! I feel very blessed :)

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Specializes in med/surg and dialysis.

I applied at several jobs before I was offered 2 positions. I went to each with a positive attitude and eager attitude to learn. In the end I was offered a position in a geriatric psych hospital and dialysis. I chose dialysis and though it is a tough specialty :eek: I am enjoying it. :D

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Specializes in geriatrics.

First of all, as someone else mentioned, do not get discouraged by all the negative threads on here, including the "new grad, not hiring" variety. BS! I can attest to the fact that this downturn is cyclical, as I am older than many of you, and I have experienced this before. If you want to work, treat searching as your job, and be persistent. I am a new grad also, and I got my position through a friend here on allnurses.

In addition, I ended up getting another offer through an instructor. And one that I sent a resume to online. This was all before I wrote my RN exam in October. So I had 3 offers. Networking is key, but I would say to utilize every method possible until you get an offer. Relocate if you have to. Good luck and happy holidays :)

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Don't know any nurse recruiters. Here's what I did...I applied for a position at every hospital around. I interviewed at 4 of them, passed pre-employment physical fitness tests at 3, and took the job I felt the best about in the end. Make sure to have your resume proof-read by an instructor or someone else that is current on what employers are looking for in a resume. I did all of my application on-line and wore business casual to the interviews. I live in an area where there is still a shortage of med-surg nurses, so I was at an advantage.

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When I graduated, I only had one particular unit in mind, Labor and Delivery. We all know how hard that can be to get into. However, I was persistent. I called the new grad recruiter once a week to see if there was a job available. Kept my attitude positive and upbeat each and every time I spoke with her. Each time she stated there were no jobs available on that unit. I continued calling and showed up to an open house in July. Due to my age (38 at that time), they assumed I was experienced, and started an interview. I was quickly referred to the new grad recruiter who after some time, gave me an interview and took me to Labor and Delivery. The nurse manager was a little flustered, but gave me an interview on the spot, at the request of the recruiter. NM reviewed my resume right then. After 4 weeks I was hired.

To get what you want;

Be patient

Be positive

Be persistent

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never give up the hope. NEVER! I applied to over 70 places, tons of online applications, cover letters all custom written, getting that job became my full time job! and yes, it was all worth it in the end. Just believe in yourself, it's not personal. It's business. Really.

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