Getting a job as a NEW RN. What worked for you??

[DixieGrace]

Hello Nurses~

I am a new grad and just passed my Nclex. I am now actively looking for a job and would like to hear what worked for you.

I have been to 2 interviews. The last one seems very promising and I am waiting for them to contact me . ( I plan on calling them tomorrow if I don't hear from them).

I just went door to door to 3 SNF in my area and completed applications. I will contact them after 2 days and inquire on the status.

I am applying online everyday but I hardly get calls from those online applications.

So please advise me on what next to do. What has worked for you?? Where did you find your first RN job? Thanks for your help and advise.

[Concerto_in_C, BSN, RN]

I think the fact that you've been to 2 interviews is encouraging because it indicates you're a reasonably attractive candidate and have a decent resume. I've heard comments from people who sent 400 applications without any kind of response! It seems many applications go straight to trash and never reach the desk of a live recruiter. Many employers use computer software that scans applications and decides what gets deleted, and what gets forwarded to a live recruiter.

You should keep on doing what you are doing and maybe increase your search radius to include employers that are more distant. I had to relocate to work in a unit I like, so did many others on this board. Many people can't move because of home ownership/children/etc. but if you can relocate, you will have a competitive advantage over candidates who are stuck at their address. The nursing shortage is very uneaven-some areas are desperate for nurses and offer good deals, while other areas are trying to get rid of nurses/cut their pay/cut their hours, etc.

Also...have a top-notch profile on Linked. Linked is a premier networking website for professionals and many recruiters will look up your profile. Amazon.com has how-to book on creating a professional-looking Linked profile.