Hang in there new and recent grads! Nine months and 286 applications.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, ER.

I live in an area with absolutely ZERO nursing shortage (Boston). I graduated in May of 2008 Magna Cum Laude with three years of tech experience in the ICU & ER, as well as two float positions in oncology, neurology, pulmonary/ventilator, cardiac, and complex medical floors. I applied for 286 positions over the past nine months, had five job interviews, two rescinded job offers for my dream job due to budget cutbacks and the economy. I was on a first name basis with three nurse managers from placing weekly calls, and two nurse recruiters emailed me every week to keep me updated. One hospital tried to create a position for me and I was about to be the first new grad in four years in the NICU at another. Every time it seemed like something good was about to happen I hit the same brick wall over and over and over again. I just started considering relocation and had an interview scheduled for UCLA when I gave one last shot at persistence. I applied for a unit that interested me and HR told me they were looking for someone with med-surg experience but that they'd pass on my resume. I called the nurse manager the next day and after some persisting she agreed to give me an interview. It went really well but I didn't hear back for a few days so I called her again and she said she admired that I was so on top of something I wanted and said she wanted to schedule me for a second interview for her staff to interview me. I had that interview Thursday and called her Friday and I got the job! It's an acute pediatric floor with cross training to women's surgical, labor and delivery, and mother/baby. It's in the next state over, 32-36 hours evening/overnight, about a 40 minute drive and a LOT less pay than Boston, but IT'S A JOB!! I get to learn to start IVs, it has an excellent nurse-patient ratio (1:3 is their average, max is 5 on night shift), and I finally get to work with children on a medical unit. I was completely up front when asked that I am interested in pursing pediatric critical care/pedi oncology down the line and they were very supportive and hoped that I'd stay on per diem when that time comes.

It will happen for you, too. It took nine months, 286 applications, and a lot of disappointment along the line, but if you want something bad enough you can make it happen. Be persistent. If you don't get the answer you want from HR, call the nurse manager directly. And keep calling. The ones who keep in touch are the ones they are going to remember.

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286 applications. Now we know what to put in our responses to people who are posting that they can't get a job. You were lucky. Most people would have packed their car and headed down the road many applications ago. Congratulations and good luck!

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Weird situation you have in Boston. Up here in the north it is a much different situation. The facility I am at called me before I graduated. I did not even apply and they called me. Great place to work to. I hope that situation does not start up here.:mad:

I live in eastern MT

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Specializes in Pediatrics, ER.

PJR, where is north for you?

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, Emergency, SAFE.

Wow, OP!!! 286?! Thats amazing. I admire your persistance. And it looks like its paid off.

There are some jobs in my area, but my school alone is about to graduate 135 nurses this May. There is another community college with the same number, as well a a 4 year BSN program with a bunch more. Everyone that graduates this spring is applying NOW so there are just a few jobs left with everyone competing for them. The 4 hospitals in my area were in a hiring freeze for 4 months. 2 of them just began hiring again, and its a very limited number..:uhoh3:

Keep hope alive everybody.

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Wow.

But congratulations now, you need a vacation after all that stress, and hunting. Do you even have energy left?

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good lord, I'd have packed up and moved way before that many applications. congrats. I never want to play tug-of-war with you.

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Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.

Sarabeth,

First off, CONGRATS!!! persistance does pay off. I think I've lost count at the number of applications I've put in, but I think I'm right up there with you. I finally have some interviews, and not in my home state either. I've pretty much given up on my dream job for now, and will accept whatever is offered. Though I do hold out hope that I'll actually get an interview for NICU at one of the places I've applied to, however I'm not holding my breath. Your lucky the unit your going to is supportive of your long term goals. I am wondering myself how to answer that question if it comes up in an interview, especially since NONE of them are peds/neonatal in any way shape or form?

Keep us posted on how the new job is going ok.....

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Specializes in FNP.

Congrats SarahBeth!!!! So happy for you. Sounds like an awesome place to start. Send some luck this way!

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Specializes in CVICU, Burns, Trauma, BMT, Infection control.

Way to go SarahBeth!!!!! :urck: :hotchocolate: :balloons::cookies::ancong!:

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Specializes in ICU,ICU stepdown, Private Duty.

I would encourage new graduates to relocate. Dallas is especially in need of nurses! They plead with you to come on board cuz there is only 3 nursing schools and they graduate less than 300 students/yr.....DFW is the place for a new grad.Tonnes of opprotunities since there are hospitals opening all over all the time. Matter of fact for my internship I didn't even interview...I "transitioned" from clinical rotation to going for the internship...lol....literally. I just turned in my job application to HR "for record" purposes....oh n all my friends had the same experience.

advice---Move from Boston after graduating!

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.....

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