Hard time to be a new grad RN

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Hello everyone,

I graduated back in May with my BSN and passed my NCLEX end of June, and I have yet to find a new grad RN job. I live in Colorado and many hospitals have either canceled their new grad cohort for August or they only hired internally. I have 5 years of CNA experience in an ICU, and sadly the hospital I work at was one of the ones that cancelled their new grad cohort. 

I have applied to many places for Fall Nurse Residencies, but still have yet to hear back from any. How is everyone else doing during this time? I am feeling very discouraged and am not even excited to be a nurse anymore which I never thought I would say. I feel like I worked so hard the last 4 years only to feel discouraged. 

Thanks for reading. 

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I'm in a totally different area than you, but maybe you'd get lucky with a community type of hospital? Things have started picking up where I'm at, and my place has hired a few new grads recently whereas they were furloughing nurses several months ago. We don't have a formal residency program, though.

Apply anywhere that doesn't specify experience required ...even if it doesn't specifically say "new grad".

Good luck! It does seem like a difficult time to be starting out.

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Our timelines are very similar. I had to provide health insurance to the family so I am continuing to work as an NA on the Med Surg floor while continuing to apply to positions.  I initially kept every job application recorded in a spreadsheet but I've given that up.  I also started working in a COVID testing clinic so I could put an "RN" job on my resume but the job is really quite fun and I am really impressed with the work this clinic does.

I recently received a couple RN offers and actually accepted one so I'm hoping the best for you.

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Just want to say you're not alone... I'm having the exact same experience! Passed NCLEX in July and I'm in CO, but I just moved here so I know NO ONE, haha. My husband's working from home and I'm tired of sitting around all day and cleaning house.

I've applied to tons of jobs, even if I didn't have the required experience. The ones that responded said they wanted 6+ months of acute RN experience. Where do I get that, exactly? Urgent care and clinics out here don't really use RNs... it's more Med Assistants and PAs. The ones that do use RNs want them to be experienced. Chemo clinics are requiring BMT cert and a year of experience.

I don't expect a job handed to me on a platter, but I graduated in the 2009 recession, and chose this profession in part because it was supposed to be stable with lots of opportunities. Then I graduated into a pandemic... in short, I'm salty but hanging in there. Something will work out, or I'll figure out my next step. LTC isn't really considered acute care, but if I have to put in the time there I will. Maybe dialysis? We can go apply at Da Vita together, haha!

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I was in the same position 4 months ago. I applied to  a lot of places but mostly nursing homes and some hospitals. Out of all the places I applied to, I never expected to get a call from the hospital.  It took almost two months for me to get a call back. I know it can be frustrating but just apply. Of course, most places will look  for someone with experience but some are willing to take in new grads and offer the training they did. Just keep applying. I know you’ll get the job. 

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Specializes in MEDSURG, ORTHOPEDICS, COMMUNITY NURSING, NEURO CAR.

Hello,

If you still searching want to relocate, try this, Raleigh is a great town. Good luck.

Thanks 

Celestina 

 

 

Duke University Hospital , A great place to work and live.

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To:CELESTINA

Thu, Sep 3 at 8:21 AM

Hi CELESTINA,

Duke University Hospital seeks to hire experienced Clinical Nurses (RN) who will embrace our mission of Advancing Health Together.

As a Clinical Nurse with Duke University Health System, you will make providing service your priority while caring for the whole person in a patient-centered atmosphere. The Clinical Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing and supervising direct and indirect total nursing care responsibilities. 

Clinical Nurse - Medical Step Down Unit Qualifications: 

Previous work experience (1+ years) as a clinical nurse is preferred; at least one year previous work experience as a registered nurse is required for a CN2 role. New graduates with less than 1 year experience are eligible for a CNI role.

Graduation from an accredited Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (or higher), Associate's Degree in Nursing or Nursing Diploma program is required. 

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