Graduated, passed nclex... but still having a hard time finding a job...

Nurses Men

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Hello, Dan and new to this forum. I'm a 22 yr old male graduate from Helene Fuld school of Nursing in New Jersey so I have my Associates and nursing diploma.

Now, I'm planning to go on to RN to BSN but looking to find a job so it can help pay for the expenses. It's hard to find one around here lately, due to no experience (except for school clinicals) and just have my A.S.N.

Anyone have any advice on how to get a job in my position? I do have a job in supervision at fast food and trying to get out. Thanks and nice to meet you all! :)

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Well, are you holding out for a certain unit? Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and work in an area with high turnover just to get your foot in the door and get some experience, especially if you haven't worked as an aide or tech before.

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Specializes in Neurology.

What part of New Jersey do you live in? I live in Philadelphia and had a heck of a hard time trying to find employment after I graduated. It took me about 9 months and say 200 applications. It's a tough job market. I am currently not working at a job that I really like, but experience is helpful when trying to find a new position. I also only have my associates degree.

Here is my advice:

Ask a more experienced nurse to review your resume and cover letter, in order to give you advice on how to shape it to the best of its ability. Online resume/ cover examples are great, but I have had more success utilizing the opinions of an experienced nurse that I know personally.

Apply to as many places as possible and don't give up. Do not be afraid to apply for a position that requires 1-2 years of experience. I landed a position that was listed as requiring 1-3 years of experience, when I had none. The market is tough right now for new nurses and it is quite frustrating not being able to find work.

I'm not sure if DaVita Dialysis has centers in your area, but I do know that they hire nurses fresh out of school. Brainkandy87 is right. If you can get your foot in the door somewhere, go for it.

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Thanks for the advice you guys, I'm definitely applying for all positions now regardless about experience. I hate those emails saying "thanks for your interest, etc etc" ahaha

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Nursing is not recession proof and at least for now there is no shortage. Just keep on plugging away. Good Luck!

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I feel your pain man! I'm in the same boat, new graduate with no previous medical experience, and it's tough even getting calls for interviews, and I've been applying everywhere. As a man I'd thought it would be easy to find a job as a nurse. A couple of my fellow classmates already found jobs, so it's disheartening that I haven't found one yet.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Neuro, Respiratory.

Have you tried LTC/SNFs yet? When my boyfriend and I graduated we never thought we would work in a SNF but it was the only position available for us newbies. It's not a terrible job; we are keeping our skills fresh and getting experience while networking at the same time. Best of luck to you! It sounds like you are trying very hard and I hope you find a nursing job, stat.

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