2011 graduates... FYI

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

I'm sure you all may already know this but I didn't. First of all, now is the perfect time to ask your instructors for letters of recommendation. Once you graduate it will be pretty darn hard to get one because they have new soon to be graduates that are their priority.

Another thing.... in addition to applying online make sure you call the hospitals in your area and speak to the nurse recruiter. I called a nurse recruiter yesterday to inquire about internships and jobs for new grads. She told me that they hire new grads twice a year but she never puts the application online because she is flooded with applications nationwide. She emailed an application and told me what I needed to submit by a selected date to be interviewed.

Start networking now....

Best of luck in the job search. There are jobs out here. I have called several places recently that do hire new grads.

[srobb11]

Great advice. I would also like to add: if you have the time to work, even one day a week, consider taking a job as a tech in a hospital to get your foot in the door. I was just hired as an ED tech/nurse extern. They were interested because I was so close to graduating and I can "learn the ropes" of how they do things and get comfortable while finishing school and taking NCLEX.

[tokyoROSE, BSN, RN]

Yes absolutely. The most important references will be someone who has seen you in action- your clinical instructor, preceptor, etc. You shouldn't need more than three. And also, if your university has a career center that will help with resumes, go there! I always thought my resumes look great... after attending some resume building classes, I am a bit horrified at how bad my resume is.