Graduated last year but struggling to find a jobg

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I graduated on May last year from the RN ADN program in the Bay area. Since graduation I have seven interviews, but no job offered. My last interview was at a dental office for a temporary PACU RN position. I was cut out in the middle while telling about myself. The doctor asked, "Are you a nurse? Have you been working as a nurse?" and proceeded by lecturing about new grads having a hard time finding a job due to lack of experience and the "old nurses refuse to retire." She told me ,"you are kind of timid. you need to sell yourself." And that was it. She told me a bit about the job, and asked me if I had any questions. I did not have any question and she let me go, and told me that she is doing more interview.

At this point, I don't know if I will ever get a job if I have another interview. Every day, I'm reading more and learning more about strategies of interviewing skills and what to say, but it did not help me to land a job. At one point, it seemed, that I was offering a job by the way the interviewer encouraging and lecturing about what to do on the floor; but then ended up with nothing. I am out of ideas as what to do and my self-esteem is way down to below my feet. I used to be one of the most studious and high achiever students in my class. Now, I am probably the least achieving person. Everyone probably landed his/her first RN job already; I'm probably a few who is still searching...so depressed.

Every day, I'm driving nut the though of time running out due to my age (I'm in my fourties). Any suggestions would greatly appreciated.

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Dont give up. You might do better if you search farther away, or even relocate. Its rough for everyone now.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Gah! Working for that doc would have been awful... you dodged a bullet there. I am sure you are already 'casting a wide net' in your job search so I don't have anything better to add. I just want to encourage you. Make sure your resume highlights previous job experience, even if it is not in health care. Many competencies, such as customer service, attention to detail, leadership & management, etc. are absolutely relevant to nursing jobs. Also capitalize on your maturity/dependability. This is an asset that sets you apart from your younger colleagues.

Wishing you major job MOJO!

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Thanks for the encouragement and guidance. I have all those skills on my resume, just that no nursing experience.

I recently was interviewed at O'Connor hospital for new grad L&D position. I had everything answered except the part ,"have you worked as an LVN?"; because I went to VN school first and then RN. So, I did not get the job. My instructors helped with the reference letters but did not help with landing the job. In addition I might have given incorrect answers for some of the behavioral questions. I could not ask the interviews to be more specific about their questions. I was kind of giving more general answers, which were not what they wanted to hear when the motive behind those questions were something else.

My next move right now is to get certifications, hope these will help support my qualifications.

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Stay strong. I graduated last year too. I find jobs, but not the coveted "acute care" setting jobs. I am underemployed, can't find enough hours to make enough money to cover my bills. I am also older, in my mid forties... the house... the kids... a life... Not an option for me to sell my house and move. But, I stay strong, stay committed. I put it into perspective, because really there is no golden job out there for anybody right now. There are thousands of applicants for every job in every background right now. It will take time and time is on your side in the end. At least you are getting interviews! I have not had one hospital, ltc, nh, or any facility call me for an interview. Keep heart.

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Thank you for the reply. I am currently accepting a Summer camp nurse job hoping that it will lift up my resume a bit. I am also working on-call as a caregiver for homecare which is

tough (both the environment and the tasks).

It will be one year by the end of this May since I graduated. So likely I have no option but to continue my BSN. I cringe the thought of having to spend more than $10,000 for one year tuition; but then if I don't continue I will be unemployed without a BSN; either way Im at a loss.

Ceebeejay, I feel you. I wish you the best of luck as well. Yeah, life is tough. When I owned a business where I had to take care both my kids and running the place, I did not aware how hard it is to look for a job; I was coaxing my employees to work for me and stay because it took time to train them before they could contribute. Every day I just wanted to close down and go to nursing school because nursing is what I always wanted to be; life wasn't fullfilled , something was missing As I grew older. Sadly to say, it is a disappointment

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Specializes in Medical Oncology, ER.

Jane you're not the only one in that boat! I graduated a year ago as well in the bay area and the job market is TOUGH. everybody wants 1+ years of experience but nobody is willing to offer it. Most of my cohort moved out of state, might want to start considering that as an option. Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I graduated in December, passed mt boards in January and have had two calls and one interview (all with different hospitals). I'm feeling the squeeze, especially as a new crop of new grads are about to pile out of school. :( I'm very discouraged.

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