Graduated in March, Cannot Find a Job

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 17, 2020

Eastern NC is in need of nurses. Raleigh-Durham, Wake Forest, Greenville, I would assume Charlotte, too.

A friend of mine just graduated and has had 6 offers. One could not start her until August because of training and another stepped up and offered her a job starting immediately.

cfelt23 · Jun 17, 2020

Oh WOW!! I've applied to over 10 jobs and haven't heard anything. All of the new grad programs are either downsized are canceled all together with the possibility of returning in the fall.

beekee · Jun 18, 2020

4 hours ago, cfelt23 said:
Oh WOW! I've applied to over 10 jobs and haven't heard anything. All of the new grad programs are either downsized are canceled all together with the possibility of returning in the fall.

10 jobs is nothing in this job market. You need to look at anything and everything that might be hiring. Yes, that includes nursing homes.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jun 18, 2020

Ten jobs in THREE MONTHS? There's 99% of the problem.

Finding a job (not your dream job BTW) needs to be your full-time job.

Less-than-desirable job = RN pay and RN experience
Holding out for dream job/ residency = NO $$ and NO experience

cfelt23 · Jun 18, 2020

I've applied to anything in the city that is hiring new graduates: nursing homes, rehab facilities, public health organizations, big hospitals...I've even tried just volunteering places. I've set up job notifications on various sites, I look every day. I know a lot of my classmates in my city are having similar issues. I think where I am has been very strict with the lock down and hospitals are doing the same. I am willing to take anything and even before the pandemic wasn't expecting a dream job. I also had hard time taking the NCLEX because my state closed most of the facilities so I had to cross state lines so I've only really been on the job hunt since mid May when I was able to take the test. The 10+ number only referred to the hospital jobs I've applied to, not the others.

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Jun 18, 2020

Have you applied to positions outside of "new grad programs"? Hiring managers will be more than aware that you are a new grad once they review your application and if they are in need of nurses and select you for an interview, they will be willing to train you. It would be the same thing without the "new grad program" title.

Also, look into the VA via usajobs.com. There are always openings for RNs on the CLCs (aka nursing home) within the VA system. They are trying to shorten the onboarding process so that it won't take months on end from application to entry on duty.

cfelt23 · Jun 19, 2020

I have applied to anything that doesn't specify having more than one year of experience, both part time and full time. I will try to apply to more jobs even if I don't feel I exactly match the qualifications. I have put in an application for the VA but I don't think I looked into anything for the CLCs specifically, but I will thank you!

BONBON, BSN, RN · Jun 20, 2020

Here's some areas where I think you could improve

-Apply to 3-4x the amount of jobs you're applying to right now, literally any RN posting that becomes available, apply to it (doing so may even make your resume and cover letter stronger), search every hospital within your range and use multiple websites (indeed, Glassdoor, hospital pages, etc.) If a job says "we prefer x,y,z" dont exclude yourself. Apply, contact the manager, and go from there. Certain places may be more flexible than you may think.

-Reach out to other people, especially if you work in healthcare already. I landed my interview because I reached out to a coworker who's sister happened to work on the floor I was very interested in. Just because you don't know the person doesn't mean they can't be a great resource for you. They can give you insight into floors/units and can give you manager information (just be sure your connection is reliable reference/employee)

-Contact the manager directly. If you have a reliable connection/resource on a unit you're interested in, get in touch with the manger. Express your interest and why you want to work on that unit, and attach a cover letter/resume. Even if that unit does not currently have a position listed, they may tell you they will be hiring soon (in which case, they now have your name and your application has a better chance of being passed along & looked at)

-If you work in a hospital, go to the unit and introduce yourself in person to the manager, express your interest in the floor & inquire about any openings! In some instances, it may be better to email the manager first, introduce yourself, and ask for a brief meeting for you to come in and say hi.

-Have multiple people review your cover letter and resume (which should both be tailored for each job you are applying to)

Long story short: be aggressive in your search, dont be afraid of putting yourself out there, and use your resources!

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Jun 20, 2020

Remember, “preferred” and “required” holds two different meanings. Anything ‘preferred’ is fair game and negotiable, depending on your ability to sell yourself. Having never been employed as a nurse is an opportunity for employers to mold you into their ideal nurse. (hint, hint)?

marienm, RN, CCRN · Jun 24, 2020

Central NY is hiring new grads into hospital positions. One heads-up: the way my employer words the ad, it asks for 1 year of experience but stipulates that RNs with less than one year may be hired for a lower-salaried (still an RN) position. It does this for all RN positions but we are definitely hiring new grads. PM me and I can send you more info if you like.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jun 24, 2020

Western and North Central PA is hiring. Look at UPMC Health System and Geisinger Health websites.