Frustrated... can't find anyone to hire new grad nurses!

RN543 · May 24, 2010

Hmm... well not sure what area you live in. But where I'm at, there are quite a few hospitals around here that have new grad internship programs. However, they don't always post those positions. And I found that a lot of times, when filling out applications online for RN positions, that my application wouldn't even get past HR because of some of the questions like "how many years experience?" Sometimes HR gets so many apps that they have programs that weed out the apps that don't meet qualifications. In that case, it may be best to try to make contact with someone in person or over the phone. Call and bug the HR people like once a week lol. Let them know you filled out an app and would love it if they would pass on your app to some of the hiring managers because you really wanna work for that hospital. Even if they don't have a position for you right then, maybe the next time a manager comes down to HR and asks for some apps because they have an open position, maybe they will think of you!

So, if I were you, I would call the local hospitals and find out if they have a new grad program and when they start... and when you should apply for the program. Most new grad programs start around or after the usual typical graduation times (my hospital starts there's in may and jan). Have you been applying for the positions that say you need experience? Because if not, you probably should... unless they say specifically that they don't accept new grads. Worst that can happen is they tell you no. And if you're not already, you should consider applying to other positions that maybe don't interest you as much so that you can get some experience. My first LPN job was at a mental health facility and I loved it. And they love hiring new grads there.

Don't give up. There is something out there for you!

tmills · May 25, 2010

I am finishing my pre-reqs but a question I have it do the hospital you do your clinicals at not offer a new graduate student a job?

RN543 · May 25, 2010

I am finishing my pre-reqs but a question I have it do the hospital you do your clinicals at not offer a new graduate student a job?

Well that is certainly how a lot of new grads get jobs. But they can't offer everyone jobs, you have to stand out from the pack and really make an impression. And let them know you are interested in working there after you graduate. And then some hospitals may have no jobs for new grads at all. My new grad job is not at a hospital I did clinicals at. You can't put all your eggs in one basket.

Lisa1980 · May 25, 2010

I have applied for some positions that don't state new grads. Approx. 3 and all 3 turned down. I have applied for 2 New Grad positions and in there email today they say they will not call anyone back until July. I have also called a couple of hospitals and asked to speak with the Nurse Recruiter, sent to voicemail and left message but they haven't called.

I wonder if it's because I haven't taken NCLEX-RN yet, I am scheduled for next month.

Should I wait till I pass state boards then apply?

I also wonder if my cover letter is good enough or even my resume.

Maybe I need more patience. Just I feel like my life is on hold.

ahhhh

greytRNtobe · May 25, 2010

I know how you feel. I am a RN, passed my NCLEX, and did well in school. I have had some interviews but still no job. I feel your pain.

benegesserit · May 25, 2010

Should I wait till I pass state boards then apply?

I think this may be a regional or hospital-specific issue.

In school, we were encouraged to start applying before graduation, and some class members had job offers at graduation.

My family is moving this summer, so I'm applying outside of the area where I went to school. I've had one hospital specifically say not to apply until I get my license, and my instinct based on the quick rejection from another hospital where I applied is that I'm not going to have any luck in that area until I do have my license (if then!).

Maybe I need more patience. Just I feel like my life is on hold.

Yeah, same here. At least my NCLEX is finally done and hopefully passed!

beth66335, BSN, RN · May 25, 2010

I got a job at a hospital working as a tech before I graduated to get a foot in the door and now I have been hired to be their one and only new nurse. It isn't a place I want to stay but the ER I want to work in doesn't hire new grads, so it is a stepping stone to get where I want to be. My advice; take a job anywhere, even if you don't want to stay there, and give them a good solid year to get your experience (and too get a good recommendation from them too, of course :)) and then look for the job you really want! Good Luck!

Bobbkat · May 25, 2010

I also feel your pain. I have a BSN, my RN license, great gpa, but haven't been able to get a single interview yet. I've put in about 150 applications so far. I did have one interview scheduled, but it was cancelled. My life is definitely on hold.

futureunknown · May 25, 2010

I am thinking about going into the nursing field but have been reading a lot about the lack of jobs which gives me pause but this isn't just related to nursing.

Typing "RN" in career builder and you get over 21,000 jobs listed in Careerbuilder nationwide.... At least nursing is not a field that can be offshored (at least I think).

Bobbkat · May 26, 2010

futureunkonwn, there is no lack of positions posted. They just aren't being filled. Employers are posting positions, and leaving them open for months, even years in the case of the hospital closest to me. They have no intention of filling them, as far as I can tell. Not with new grads, at least.

goodstudentnowRN · May 26, 2010

Me too...I passed the boards and got three interviews but unfortunately no job. I apply all over the states. I will continue to apply until I get a job.