Getting that first job

Hi Jeanette, we are going through the same thing on the east coast. I am a new grad, and can not find a job posting that does not say +1 year experience needed. I am thinking of taking my resume and going door to door. We need to meet with them face to face to plead our case. I actually opened the door for an interview for thursday because I went somewhere in person and explained that even if I did not have experience as a nurse, I did 2 years of clinical and worked for 6 physicians as a MA for 6 years. To me, that is experience (at least some) Go out there and sell yourself! Good luck.

I agree. I wouls go fac to face with someone and ask them about what they need and maybe beg and pleed. It is hard to find a job in the econemy these days, but i'm sure you will. I know it is annoying to go job hunting constantly, but don't give up. I suggest going on websites like monster, careerbuilder and post applications there. Good luck!

:)

In our last quarter of school we were told to apply to jobs even if they asked for experience. One student in my class suggested call up nursing homes in the area and asking about jobs because not everyone who needs nurses advertise.

I am in the same boat. I graduated LPN school and was soooooooooo excited and relieved when I passed the NCLEX. I was thinking that when I finished that since there is such a nursing shortage, people would be knocking down my door to work for them. BOY WAS I WRONG. I have sent my resume to EVERYONE. I even went to the point of going online and getting a print out of every nursing home in a 2 hour driving distant(yes I am at that point where I will drive 2 hours). I am also licensed in NJ and PA now thinking being licensed in two states would better my chances.

I called each and everyone one of them and asked if they were hiring and if they were. I went and hand delivered my application and prayed I would get an interview on the spot. Sometimes I would but as soon as they saw NEW GRAD...they basically didn't want to continue with the interview. I dont know what else to do. For the last few weeks I have basically been crying myself to sleep because I really needed to be working now.

I planned my financial life based on getting a job within 3 months of school and now I m on the verge of losing everything. I saved up money and uses my savings to help I am a single mother with 3 kids and I really believed nursing was going to turn my life around. . Does anyone have any suggestions?

P.S. Thanks for letting me vent.

susananne-

I'll be in the same boat as you if I don't find a job quickly after receiving my license. I'm in CA and have little hope of finding a job quickly. It was not like this at all when I started school. Half of the class before mine had jobs right after graduation. I'm thinking I'll have to work as a caregiver or move out of state. I'd prefer the latter but I'm scared of moving and still not finding a job and then burning through all my savings.

I am in Ohio and am in the same boat. I am working for $9 as a caretaker and you don't even need to be a STNA. I thought that it would be so easy to get a job. I got my license on January 21st (I know that it hasn't been super long) but I have applied and applied without any call backs. I had one interview but got a rejection letter in the mail. I am very discouraged and can't even get any bites from agencies. I have two kids and you have to be able to work 2nd/3rds and that isn't an option for me. I need day hours. Tomorrow I am going to talk to a 3rd agency. I am scared to do agency work but it is either that or nothing... That is if I can find hours that suit my schedule. I feel everyone's pain and frustration. I am in a RN program and even though it is rough it looks like I better do what I can to stay in it.