Graduate Nurse, can't find a job

[teatree13]

So I'm a graduate nurse, have my RN license, and I cannot find a job. I've been looking since January. Is anyone else having this issue? Many of my friends have found jobs. I have 3 resumes, I've put in over 50 applications, and all I get are rejection letters.

Granted I don't have the minimum 1 year experience, but I'm applying to GN positions.

I have great letters of recommendations from instructors, and also gained lots of experience during clinicals and especially during practicum. I'm so depressed, I don't know what to do. I just want to cry.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[smileymimi]

Hello, I was in your shoes until last week.

Can you relocate? If that's an option for you, try southern states.

They hire mainly new graduates even directly to specialties.

Look into regional section of this website.

Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, etc. to find out the hospitals.

Apply to out-of-states and you will get an interview and that's gonna get the process started.

[killjoyako]

smileymimi is correct. I wish you the best of luck!

[killjoyako]

I am also jobless right now but I am not giving up hope. Maybe the recession has slightly masked the nursing shortage. but i know this is only for the short-term. So dont worry too much

[CNL2B]

It's the economy. New grads in my metro area have the same problem. Some have had to move. I would say, if you are really set on staying where you are at --

1. Take any job. Even if it is the ickiest, low paying RN job you can't stand, like maybe in long term care (generally less desirable and lower paying) or whatever, just do it to get some experience.

2. Get a job at a hospital doing something else just to get your foot in the door. Say you'll work as a clerk or an NA on a ward until a position opens up. If you can show a nurse manager that you are a hard worker, maybe she/he will look at you next time there is an opening.

3. Volunteer somewhere where RNs work. Again, sometimes all it takes is people getting to know who you are to get a foot in.

That said, there are RN positions all over. You might have to move to the next town, but it shouldn't be that hard for you. Are you getting interviews? If you aren't, you might want to look at how you put together your resume. Since that is an employers first look at you, you will want to make absolutely sure it's a good one.

[bnmekiki]

Hi teatree13

I'm having that same problem in the town i'm in except I was an LPN for 7 years and just got my RN degree I'm working in a nursing home I'm trying to get into a hospital but no where is hiring i've been told to go to a big city I'll have better luck just keep applying and stay positive you will find something.:redpinkhe

[birdcage]

Here are some things that I tried.

-pray (if you are the praying kind)

-network with hospital nurses

-join nursing organizations

-get professional resume and interview help

-search for rural hospitals

-search all over the US

-cold call nurse managers

-get to know nurse recruiters

-keep in touch with nursing instructors

I graduated last May and have been working LTC. I finally got a job offer on a great unit but I have to move. Good luck.

[bunkindoodle]

My advice to you is keep your chin up and don't give up. I'm in Philly, just got hired at a hospital downtown and had another job offer up north doing dialysis. I took the job in Philly because the pay was better and was something l was interested in doing. I agree with previous posters as they have given some great advice. If you have friends or family, they may know someone who is a nurse. Obviously since they know you've went to nursing school, your family can help you network, and the nurses they know come crawling out of the woodwork. What I mean is that I had a neighbor who's sister-in-law was vice president of clinical operations at a hospital, I had an uncle who's girlfriend was director of admissions to a nursing home, I had a cousin who was director of nursing at a long term care facility. They didn't offer me jobs but they said they would keep me in mind for open positions. Send out resumes, make cold calls to nurse recruiters, attend job fairs, all of this is great advice. You'll find something, it may not be what you want, but take it for the experience, work a year and you'll get the job that you want.

[pawashrn]

You didn't say what state you are in. If you can apply at a University medical center. They take on alot of people with little to no experience. State where you would like to work, but accept anything down the pike. But stay close to you dream. If you like surgicals, try to get a job where surgeons frequently send there patients and get to know them. They have alot of influence, behind the scenes when it comes to hiring RN's in a more critical setting.This first promotion I received was from a surgeon that walked the V.P. up to me and said here is our new manager. That was my interview. Good luck

[JABS]

I've been working in the ER since the start of nursing school and even though it was tough juggling both the stress of school and work I kept the job in hopes that I may get a position right after I passed the boards. Well to my dismay I was given a verbal warning cause I didn't turn in my "Healthstream" on time because I was barely working my last semester. I passed my boards and I tried applying for the ER job I was denied due to the disciplinary action. So now I cannot transfer to ER as a nurse for six months nor can I apply at their other hospital. On top of that if I quit with the disciplinary still on my record I can never reapply at any of their hospital- so depressed

[AtomicWoman]

Saw this job on the nola.com website today. In LA, near New Orleans:

West Jefferson Medical Center Registered Nurse -Telemetry Jobs in Marrero LA - NOLA.com

[TJFRN]

Jabs is that hospital in South FL?