Help! I'm a new grad and can't find a job

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi, I 'm a new grad.I've graduated Dec. 08, 2008. Just took NCLEX and waiting for results. My school has a contract with one of the local hospitals, where I had to work for 3 years or pay them back if I don't want to work there. After I've graduated I had gone through interviews and was told that there are no positions open at this time and I have to wait. 3 month later I was contacted by a nurse recruiter, who explained to me that everyone from my class was hired and we will start working by the end of this month. I even have gone through a part of the health screening, and then she called me a week later and said that my contract was released. They have released some of my classmates as well. I don't know why. I started my job search and found out there are no jobs for new grads. Most of the hospitals have started their programs in January, and will not start again till June. Meanwhile, more new grads are coming and I have no idea what to do. I keep trying and applying. I've been told by one of the hospitals that they have 3 positions open and 150 people applied. What do I do? I'm devastated. I have gone through BSN program, and always thought I could make my dream to come true. But I guess, I could throw my degree down the drain and all of my hopes to help people aren't real.

I understand that it's frustrating, but your tone is frighteningly apocalyptic. Pursuing your nursing career goals in this economy takes determination, persistence, and PATIENCE. A LOT of people are in your same boat right now. Hang in there, the economy will improve, etc, etc, et al, etc.

Start looking at nursing homes and clinics, if you haven't already. Most new grads (and even experienced nurses) can't hold out for their ideal dream job right now - get a foot in the door somewhere, anywhere, and in another year you won't be a 'new grad,' and hopefully the job market will be a drastically different environment anyhow.

Your degree is only wasted if you make it so.

are there any nursing employment agencies that you could try?

where are you located?

thanks for your support! I live in Los Angeles, CA. The agencies do not take new grads. I need 1 year of experience. I'd work in any department, any hospital, I don;t care where. If I have to I'd move out of state fo a year.

thanks for your support! I live in Los Angeles, CA. The agencies do not take new grads. I need 1 year of experience. I'd work in any department, any hospital, I don;t care where. If I have to I'd move out of state fo a year.

Some do. It just takes a lot of phone work to find the exceptions. Don't rely on email - I've worked with recruiters who never look at the "resumes" inbox. Find ways to turn in applications in person and make face time with someone who has hiring authority. As a poster said above consider relocating even if it's temporarily - use e.g., indeed.com and see what comes up. Look off the beaten track - the hospitals with the new grad programs are where everyone else is applying - think opposite of the crowd. And don't let recruiters discourage you with stats. It doesn't matter if they are getting 150 apps for 3 positions - if you are the person a manager is looking for then you may be one of the three.

Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

i heard a nursing instructor the other day that told me " new grads are going to find themselves having trouble finding jobs ." i agree with her, the hospitals are tightening their belts and have slowed down on hiring on new grads. i hope things get better and new grads have jobs again.

Have you considered Dialysis nursing? I will be a new grad in May and it is definately something I am thinking about because of the job market.

Hey I RN A, I graduated in Dec'08 and just got a job this past week (after over 100 apps). I think Sharp in San Diego is still hiring new grads, and I've heard that Long Beach and Torrance also have new grad openings.

It'll get better, just hang in there.

Specializes in Pediatrics, ER.

I empathize. I graduated in May of 2008 and just landed my first full-time, benefited RN position...9 months and 286 applications later. I went through all the emotions you're experiencing right now. Hang in there, keep looking and be persistent. Time flies and you'll be working before you know it.

Specializes in LTC.

If you are serious about moving out of state, there was a recent post asking people to post what areas they are from and how badly the recession has hit; sorry I can't remember the name of it. I'm thinking Texas and other Southern states in general were still shortage areas with work for new grads.

Hang in there; your degree will never go to waste!

does this mean you don't have to repay the loan? my school has a tuition forgiveness program (if you're selected for it) whereby you don't pay for your last 2 years of school (clinicals) if you work for them for 2 years. and you're guaranteed a job when you graduate. since you were willing to work but they released your contract, does that mean you're no longer responsible for the bill?

also, i hate to say this, as it sounds trite and emotionally removed, but the squeaky wheel gets the grease. all i advise is to call, call, call, call, call and visit, visit, visit, visit, visit, visit and follow-up and follow-up with the recruiter.

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