Graduate Nurse Looking for a Job

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Hello! I am a new graduate nurse who will take the NCLEX soon. I am eager to enter the nursing profession and have been trying to apply to nurse residency programs in the DFW area. However, I have not had luck getting position offers. I really don't know what to do.

1 Votes

Congratulations on graduating. I'm going to be honest with you, DFW has been extremely competitive lately for new grad nurses in particular. It's mostly because this area is saturated with nursing schools thus resulting in a lot of new grads in the area to compete with which also affects the wait time for reviewing your application and receiving the request to interview. You say you haven't gotten any position offers so I take it you are getting interviews. That's good. You might need to spread your wings and be open about the possibility of applying in locations outside of DFW. Also, don't knock potentially relocating outside of Texas. Not saying you should give up on DFW, just know that you have 1 year from your graduation date to qualify for nurse residency programs. After that, you're an "old new grad." I would recommend applying for SNFs, LTAC and rehab facilities. The main goal is to get an offer and get clinical nursing experience period, whether it be in a residency program or a regular full-time position at a smaller facility. Don't be discouraged there are many more like yourself in the same boat, trust me. Keep applying! ?

2 Votes
13 hours ago, gizmojamz said:

Congratulations on graduating. I'm going to be honest with you, DFW has been extremely competitive lately for new grad nurses in particular. It's mostly because this area is saturated with nursing schools thus resulting in a lot of new grads in the area to compete with which also affects the wait time for reviewing your application and receiving the request to interview. You say you haven't gotten any position offers so I take it you are getting interviews. That's good. You might need to spread your wings and be open about the possibility of applying in locations outside of DFW. Also, don't knock potentially relocating outside of Texas. Not saying you should give up on DFW, just know that you have 1 year from your graduation date to qualify for nurse residency programs. After that, you're an "old new grad." I would recommend applying for SNFs, LTAC and rehab facilities. The main goal is to get an offer and get clinical nursing experience period, whether it be in a residency program or a regular full-time position at a smaller facility. Don't be discouraged there are many more like yourself in the same boat, trust me. Keep applying! ?

Thank you so much for the advice! I really appreciate it! I will definitely be on the lookout and hopefully I'll be able to find something. ?

9 hours ago, GNBSN19 said:

Thank you so much for the advice! I really appreciate it! I will definitely be on the lookout and hopefully I'll be able to find something. ?

You're welcome! Please update us on here if you find anything?

I'm in the same position! SO frustrating not hearing anything back but hopefully we will hear something soon.

On 7/20/2019 at 4:05 PM, jsv123 said:

I'm in the same position! SO frustrating not hearing anything back but hopefully we will hear something soon.

I hope so too! I am eager to start already.

1 Votes
Specializes in Registered Nurse.

Hi there! I also recently graduated and am having the same dilemma. I am super stressed, on job sites couple of hours a day applying to jobs and residency programs. I also have my license...why is it so hard to want to help the sick and people in need after so much schooling?

Wondering if you ever did find a job since your post is from June? Thanks in advance for your input!

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