Frustrated New RN looking for first job

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Hello All,

I am writing here now, because Allnurses.com has helped me out in the past and I hope you guys can give me advice once again. I am so frustrated with trying to find a job. Here's my story: I graduated with a BSN from Molloy College back in May 2009. I ended up having to take the board 3 times before I passed the third time around which was back in December 2009. So now I'm a Registered Nurse without employment. I'm the first nurse in my family and I do not know anyone in the hospitals. I have no relatives or close family friends that have ins that can help me even get an interview. I applied to many hospitals on LI and hear nothing back. I haven't had any luck with any call backs. And when I try calling the hospitals human resources they say if the nurse recruiters are interested in you they will contact you. You cannot contact them. I am beyond frustrated its been over a year now and more and more new grads are graduating. I can't find a job and I'm scared now that nobody will want to even hire me because I've been out of the loop for a year. I don't know what to do and hope anybody can give me advise to help. I've even applied multiple times to the same hospitals just for different RN positions (still no luck). I am willing to work in any area of nursing except psych or peds. Anyone have suggestions for me on how I can get a job in NY (Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn areas). PLEASE HELP ME! Thanks in advance for your advice and guidance its always appreciated.

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hello, i know its hard but the answer to your problem is very simple. Do what you dont want to do now, to gain the experience as a new nurse and to get your foot in the door. If u have to work in psych work in psych, it will first ,get you a job, and second get you in an institution where u may be able to transfer into medsurg later on.

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Metropolitan jewish health systems will hire new grads. Apply online and attend one of their open interview days. Dress well and be passionate about your career as a nurse. If u have any other skills or background, show them off and if u speak a second language that is a huge plus. Good luck!

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Dear PSK09,

if it will be any consulation to you to know that you are not alone so be it. I too graduated in May of 2009. I passed the NCLEX on my second try (too nervous first time) within a month I got a per diem job at a hospital as a blood bank nurse. I too feel like you, in that I am not using my nursing skills and worse yet, there is much conflict because there is a lead phlebotomist that insists on bossing me around. Also, he has made sure to make my life just as miserable with the other phlebotomists whom do not respect my status as a nurse. I worry about my license. I have three months to go before I will be able to vie for another per diem or full-time position as a med/surg nurse or whatever other type of nursing. Even worse than all this, I am fifty-five years old. It's not easy. Also, when I apply I get the response that I must have at least one year of clinical experience. This is totally horrible, not to mention that loan people are clammering for their money. However, my advice to you that I give to myself, is don't give up. try to get certified in some things. For instance, I got IV Therapy certified and I am trying (don't have must money and don't want to run up my credit any more)to get ACLS certified. I think that these things help somewhat. So, don't panic, don't give up and above all don't cry. Be stronger than you have ever been, anniee

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Start thinking of hospitals outside nyc, like towns around Syracuse and Rochester. Then reapply when you have some chops. Thats what im going to do.

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Thank you, Dropoff. However, just today I may have gotten lucky with a per diem in New Jersey, so I am going to pursue that for a little bit. Thanks again.

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Try Staten Island University Hospital. They are so short of staff. They are accepting a lot of new RNs.

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Thank you. I have a possibility here in NJ (per diem). But, if things are that good in SI I will try them this week coming in. I will go and keep my finger crossed for a full-time. Thanks so much!:up::)

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Staten Island University Hospital, is part of the North Shore-LIJ system which recently announced it was moving to hire only BSN nurses. ADN or diploma nurses would have to obtain their four year degree within five years of hire.

As a native Staten Islander who knew SIUH when it was simply Staten Island Hospital (and on Cebra Avenue at that), am not putting the hospital down, but my standard advice to anyone seeking employment at any place that is very short staffed is to find out why is it so.

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I give the same advice for everyone looking for a job in NY.

Relocate.

Start applying everywhere in the nation and go for the interview.

If you get the job, move.

If you're single, right away,

if you have family obligations, then discuss it with your family.

I moved in July and living it up with affordable rent and nice people. =)

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thank you for your advice. i actually was in the process of doing that. i live in new jersey and am seeking employment in new york, connecticut and pennsylvannia. i am willing to relocate. i am curious where did you move fronm and where to. thanks again for your advice.:idea:

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New grads in all of the states you mentioned are struggling.

Is there a reason you have to stay in east coast for relocation?

Like I said, apply all over the nation if you're willing to relocate.

East coast and west coast, even central states are not actively hiring new grads.

After nationwide search, I got calls from southern states, Arkansas and Kentucky.

Right now I'm on telemetry unit in a medical center with multiple specialties in AR. I'm getting wonderful orientation and they value us. I'm not overwhelmed as a new nurse because my coworkers are very helpful. I'm very happy here.

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