Hardly a "new grad" anymore... this feels like a curse?

SandraCVRN · Jan 8, 2012

Don't have any help, just wanted to say good luck......

FutureRN_NP · Jan 8, 2012

I was in the same position but I went to Rehap/LTC. I got the job; however, it is so tough working there. I plan to stick around as long as I could until I gain the experience I need for future position. I don't know how you feel about LTC but check there too.

Newgrad_STAT · Jan 8, 2012

I have checked many LTC facilities... I'm not picky I just really want to start working.

I've come to realize this "seniors homecare position" is more like a PSW/HCA... non-medical non-nursing. wow :eek: if you're registered I'm pretty sure you can't work as a PSW/HCA ???

I was told about this company from my career counselor... I don't know why they would call me if it's a non-nursing/non-medical homecare company

:banghead: I am so frustrated

FutureRN_NP · Jan 8, 2012

There are two units where I work. It's a rehap/LTC. Majority of RNs work at Rehap/ Subacute unit while LPNs work at LTC. We do float to LTC units if needed. We pass meds, do treatments, hang some IVs and among other things just not as intensive as med/surg at hospitals.

FutureRN_NP · Jan 8, 2012

From what I told by the employees and pts where I work is the best one around here.

caliotter3 · Jan 8, 2012

The company contacted you because they require an RN to do admissions assessments. They are probably aware that you are a new grad, not working, and they want the benefit of your license, in return for low pay. They expect you to be desperate. It might not be a bad place to start while you are looking for something more appropriate. At least you could put on your resume that you will have acquired experience doing assessments. And you probably will need access to a car to get to the client's homes. Good luck.

Newgrad_STAT · Jan 8, 2012

assessments really?

the website explains the agency to be non-nursing and non-medical.

I'm willing to take a position if I am offered it... I just don't want to risk my license.

and ya... about the car thing :eek:

caliotter3 · Jan 9, 2012

Even non-nursing, non-medical clients need to be assessed on admission to determine that they meet the criteria for admission to service. If they do not want you for this purpose or for overall supervisory responsibility over their caregivers, don't know what the position would entail and why they would need an RN.

BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN · Jan 9, 2012

You are a "new grad" for at least 2-3 years IMO. The average time to find a position in the states (not specific to nursing) is said to be 10 months. You aren't outside the norm. Chin up.

Patti_RN · Jan 9, 2012

It's a difficult situation for anyone to be in, but don't despair! As someone else said, it's not unusual for that first job to be elusive.

The first thing to do is find something to put on your resume. My first 'job' was a volunteer position with a homeless shelter. It was a great experience; I loved it and learned a lot. It wasn't a strenuous bedside nursing job, but I got to do a bit of everything: psych nursing, patient assessments, coordination with doctors, and lots and lots of patient advocacy. You're more employable if you currently have a job, even if that job isn't a paid position. In fact, doing volunteer work (at a nursing home, giving flu shots at a clinic, etc.) sets you far apart from other new grads. Find a volunteer position in a field you're interested in. If you want to work in an ED, volunteer for an EMS service. If you want to do home health care with older adults, volunteer at a nursing home. This leads to the next bit of advice....

Now, gear your resume and cover letter to the specific job you're applying for. I hire others and the applications that get noticed are the ones that explain why an advocate wants to have THIS job. So, you're applying for the job in the ED, explain WHY... "I like the fast pace of the Emergency Department", "I currently volunteer as a nurse with an ambulance service..." Now, tell them why you want to work for their organization! "Mercy Hospital leads the region in emergency cardiac care", or, "City Hospital is the only trauma hospital in the area; I would be a valuable ED nurse because of my ambulance background" If you really want to wow them, find their website, locate their mission statement and gear your comments to that mission statement: "My personal goals and values align with Mercy Hospital's mission to provide quality care to all members of the community without regard to race, religion..."

OK, this is tedious, because every time you locate a job, you have to rewrite a paragraph or two of your cover letter... but, if you don't, you can send out 100 applications and every one will be ignored. Better to cast your net carefully, target jobs you really want, and say WHY you really want them.

When you write a letter, please, please spell check the darn thing! Have someone else edit it for grammar and readability. You'd be surprised how many letters I get from people wanting to be 'rigestered nursses' (made up example--but you get the idea). It does NOT reflect well on them!

Next, is to follow up with another brief letter expressing your interest in the position, and letting them know when you're available for an interview. I always tell people I'm mentoring or job coaching, "pull out all the stops!, don't be shy!" Your goal is to set yourself apart from the masses. Thank them for considering you. Don't barrage them with correspondence, but do follow up at least once.

When you get called for an interview, be prepared to ask the interviewer questions, too. (NOT, "how much vacation will I get?") Ask, "how will I earn promotions?", "What will my goals be as a new employee?", "Can I contribute to a retirement fund?" You want to look like you're enthusiastic, and want to be a long-term staff member. Follow up with a thank-you note to the interviewer expressing your appreciation for their time, and your enthusiasm for THAT particular job--and why.

And, though it goes without saying (or at least it should!) Dress the part when you go on an interview. OK, you don't have or need a business wardrobe, but you can find a nice pair of dress slacks, a crisp shirt, a tailored jacket and some old-lady jewelry. It amazes me when someone comes to an interview and they look like they just crawled out of bed... or they're late (be EARLY!) Greet the receptionist with a smile (they talk to their boss!) Shake hands with everyone you meet (you extend your hand first) and smile and try not to be nervous. (A confession: when I started interviewing applicants, *I* was nervous! I often didn't know what to ask them or talk about!!!)

Keep in touch with your nursing school instructors, administrators, etc. Send them email updates periodically. Send them thank-you notes for classes you took and enjoyed. This way, they remember you and will be willing to write letters of reference when you need them. These instructors are also good contacts for finding jobs. Many, many (if not most) jobs are filled by referrals rather than advertised job postings. Even jobs that are advertised are often filled with someone who was referred. For instance, a nurse sees a job listing and calls her friend who is unemployed... and also calls the director who is hiring and recommends her friend. YOU want to have that friend looking out for you and recommending you!

Best of luck on your job search!

Miller86 · Jan 9, 2012

Have you considered applying to other areas in Ontario and potentially relocating once you find a job? There's more openings in the outskirts of Toronto hospitals as well as Northern parts. You could get the experience for a year and continue to look for jobs in your area. That's just an option.

But continue to apply everywhere and things will come together. You just have to be patient. I have friends that were in my class of 2010 who are either just beginning to find jobs or found them towards the end of 2011. Keep your head up and I pray things work out for you.

Go to indeed.ca and look up jobs!

Best of luck,