Harder to get a job than I thought

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2008

Maybe it's your area? Did you apply at all before graduation? I had a job 6 months before school ended, and was offered every job I interviewed for. Sorry to hear you aren't having such luck.

Melinurse · Jul 27, 2008

Sorry to hear you are having a hard time. Like Christine said, maybe it's just your area? You could also try having a third party ( i.e professional ) look at your resume. One of my classmates did that and was advised to redo her resume. She had a job 2 weeks later. Good luck and I hope it works out for you.

lsvalliant · Jul 27, 2008

I'm willing to try anything at this point. I live in LA so there are numerous hospitals I haven't applied to, I just had my heart set on a select few, so I'm bummed that I cant get an interview. I am going to be pleasantly persistant too, maybe that will help.

RNStudent123 · Jul 27, 2008

Hi Isvalliant,

I live in LA too. Don't let my username fool you... I graduated last December and have my license now. What I want to say first, is don't get discouraged! For new grads it is all about timing. Many of the biggest hospitals (UCLA, Cedars etc.) only take on new grads twice a year, which means that if you have your heart set on a particular hospital, keep in contact with the recruiters, and show them that you are interested. I interviewed for a job in October, and didn't get an offer until after Mid-December.

Did you apply for work before you graduated? I know some of my fellow graduates were interviewing 3-4 months before graduation, and had offers before they finished school. All I can tell you is that you are not alone, and please don't give up! It will all come together, I promise!

lsvalliant · Jul 28, 2008

Thanx RNstudent123. Your right about the new grad programs. I think I missed the boat for some of them, or they are starting in Dec. and I can't wait that long. I do have something lined up.... It's a part-time psych job plus the same hospital offered to give me some Med/Surg shifts too. Problem is it only pays $28hr per diem. ouch! So I'm still looking with minimal luck.

DMae · Jul 28, 2008

I was really discouraged too and I'm in Northern California. They do make it sound like people will just be knocking at your door with job offers. I started applying in March and didn't have an interview until the end of April. Also, buy yourself a nice suit for an interview when you get one. I think my fabulous suit gave me the confidence I needed to get through those questions. You may also want to expand your horizon. The job I took was actually my 'practice' interview. I scheduled it so it would be before the interviews at hospitals I really wanted. Turns out I went for the interview and fell in love with the hospital, my manager, the town, and I got the unit I wanted. Most places want you to start in med/surg...bleh, no thank you! So...good luck...everything happens for a reason :)

NRSNFL · Jul 28, 2008

I was really discouraged too and I'm in Northern California. They do make it sound like people will just be knocking at your door with job offers. I started applying in March and didn't have an interview until the end of April. Also, buy yourself a nice suit for an interview when you get one. I think my fabulous suit gave me the confidence I needed to get through those questions. You may also want to expand your horizon. The job I took was actually my 'practice' interview. I scheduled it so it would be before the interviews at hospitals I really wanted. Turns out I went for the interview and fell in love with the hospital, my manager, the town, and I got the unit I wanted. Most places want you to start in med/surg...bleh, no thank you! So...good luck...everything happens for a reason :)

Gosh,

I work in Florida and am graduating in December. I have a job lined up already, with the day shift. Given I'm making 6$ less than that per diem psych job that was talked about but still, guaranteed employment. In fact, as soon as I get my sit pass, I will be bumped to nurse pay....so even as a tech waiting on my NCLEX I'll be making more money. Sweet.

lsvalliant · Aug 7, 2008

Just a follow up: I did finally get a job at my 1st choice hospital! yeah! But let me tell you. I was very persistant. I called several times and was hopeful when one recruiter told me that they might have a position. So I filled out an application only to get an email back the same day (from a different recruiter btw), that there wasn't going to be any new grad programs till Feb. :bluecry1: That sucked. so I called back the original recruiter and asked again and she told me to call back in two weeks or so. Guess what I did.... I didn't call... I just showed up after 1 week and they interviewed me on the spot. The next day I had a dept manager interview. And the next day the job. :yeah:So I guess it pays to be persistant if you really want to work somewhere.

Melinurse · Aug 7, 2008

:clphnds::ancong!::clphnds:

RNStudent123 · Aug 8, 2008

See? I knew it would come together for you! Congratulations!

lsvalliant · Aug 8, 2008

Thank you. I was really stressed out because I called like a million places with no luck. I cant imagine waiting till January to start working. Its a med/surg floor, which as a student, I said I would never work because I didnt care for it. But now I realize how important it is to get the skills down so I can move on to something better later on and feel confident.