Getting experience when can't get any job as a new RN

[dacmorri1]

Hi there:

Trying to get a job as a new RN in Philly and the surrounding area is very discouraging. I don't even get any call backs for interviews. I graduated August 2010, and received my license in November 2010. I know that there are a lot of people in the same situation, some have been out even longer. I already took several certification courses thinking this would help gain at least an interview. No such luck. I don't know what else I can do. How can I get experience when any place you look wants someone with experience? I also am a registered dental hygienist and have been doing temp work as a dental hygienist, but I want to work as a nurse. That is why I went back to school. I keep hearing things should get better soon. When? Now, there is even more competition with the recent graduates waiting to take the NCLEX and become licensed. I am also getting worried because it is almost a year since I graduated. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks a bunch.

[anais99]

I am in the same position as many of the new graduates across the country. There are alot of jobs out there for experienced nurses but zero or very few for graduate RNs. I graduated in 12/10 and I am still looking for a job both in PA and NJ with no leads. It has been suggested to me to start looking in the nursing homes that they may hire new grads, but now they are looking for nurses with experience. What's a newbie nurse to do? What is ironic is that nursing schools are not addressing this issue. the only people that are addressing this issue are those of us on this website and unemployed for months.

[shiningsmileRN]

I moved to Philly from California because the new grad RN job market is tight in CA. However, I cannot believe that the market is even worse here!!! I graduated in Dec. 2010, licensed in March 2011. I will attend Nurse Practitioner program In UPenn in Fall. Now, I am really worried about my future. No experience!!! How will I find job after NP graduation with no RN experience, no NP experience???!!!

[HelloNurse_RN]

I did get jobs at 2 different long term care facilities - I'm sure it's because I knew people though ;( it's the only way in I guess. I put down an employees name who got hired because they knew someone.. I'm assuming that's the reason for us both because everywhere I do not have a reference name I'm never called. Though, all the hospital jobs where I know people do not help at all because the system is so large. And it doesn't change the fact I don't have 1 yr. ;(

::sigh:::