HELP, ADVICE... anything on getting a job for a New Graduate RN!!!!

[mcbrinson7]

Hello everyone,

I graduated from Northern VA Community College in May 2009, passed the NCLEX-RN in December 2009 (I waited so long to take it b/c I had that option) and now I am looking for a job and cannot find one. I live in the Manassas/Gainesville/Haymarket area so I have been looking at Prince William hospital, Fauquier Hospital, Potomac hospital and INOVA hospitals websites and cannot find anything for new graduates. I contacted the human resources offices for all the hospitals through email/calls and Potomac hospital says they are not hiring new grads, INOVA says to check the website, Prince William says to check their website and Fauquier says to check their website.

Everyone keeps saying you have to go to the human resource office in person but I do not have an appointment, so I am turned away every time. Home health care agencies say I do not have any experience b/c I was not a practicing LPN before so they will not hire me.

It is so disheartening when you worked so hard through nursing school and you graduate :), then you have to study for hard for the NCLEX and you pass :) and then you think the hardship is over and you look for a job and keep getting turned away! I feel so discouraged b/c I feel all the hard work, determination has lead me to this point and now I can not get a job! I mean, the reason why I went through all of that was to be a nurse and now I am a nurse, I can not find a job!

I need a job really bad; can anyone give me advice, point me in a direction, give me some encouraging words, any thing???? PLEASE!!!

[Shanimal]

You can apply for RN 2 positions at INOVA as a new grad (you'll just be paid at the new grad rate). Have you checked out Reston Hospital Center or Dominion Hospital (part of the HCA Health System)? Or Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington? What about nearby LTCs and nursing homes? Good luck.

[Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

I too graduated from NVCC. Still people that have been actively looking since then without jobs. I work at Reston and was told last week they are not currently hiring new grads,but things can change quickly. Your now having to fight with the new grads from Dec. Best of luck

[JLForever]

I am a new grad in Richmond and was just hired at a LTC facility (nursing home). I know that you most likely want to start in a hospital but if you cannot find a position there, consider doing Long-Term Care. They have more turnover in those places and might be more open to hiring a new grad. It depends on how things are structured I guess, but where I work the CNA's do most of the ADL's, diaper changes, etc. and the LPN/RN's do meds, treatments and patient assessment. After more than 6 months of searching I am relieved to have found this job and my plan is to use this experience to transition to a hospital job. (Most likely med-surg and then from there to whatever specialty interests me) I am enjoying working with the elderly and the facility that I work at has a very positive environment. Yesterday was fun because it was Valentine's Day and they had all the residents dressed in red and pink, and people were getting flowers delivered, etc.

Anyway, just a suggestion if you really are anxious to get your foot in the door somewhere. HTH

[mcbrinson7]

Thanks for all the advice. I have widened my search for a job and have just been applying to almost anything. It really helps to know there are still people out there that care. :redbeathe

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Have you considered Winchester? It's an easy drive from Manassas, I-66W to I-81N. The pay is a bit less, but the hospital itself has a good reputation -- I have a few friends who work there. The jobs site is here: http://www.valleyhealthlink.com/jobs/

They also have a hospital in Front Royal -- Warren Memorial. Smaller community hospital, nice people. Would be an easy shot out I-66W.

Good luck!!

[mcbrinson7]

Hi LunahRN,

Thank you so much for the advice. I looked on their website and they have so many openings. I will put in my application ASAP! I am looking at the hospital in Front Royal, which is closer to me than the hospital in Winchester. Thank you again!!!!! :)

And wish me luck!!!!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

You're welcome, and good luck! :) Keep us posted!!

[MsAshley]

Good luck to you I hope something comes up! I am strongly considering relocating from Michigan to Virginia to do nursing school and then find a job. I am so nervous and my family is giving me mixed signals about leaving my job here (I work for a hospital as a medical assistant) and moving there but I think it would be the best option. All the schools here are on 2 to 4 year waiting lists and I definitely don't wanna wait that long!!!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I am so nervous and my family is giving me mixed signals about leaving my job here (I work for a hospital as a medical assistant) and moving there but I think it would be the best option.

It's a really tough market for new grads in Virginia, and the schools that don't charge outrageous amounts are becoming more competitive. Whatever you decide, good luck to you. :)

[MsAshley]

Well that makes me a little nervous then! I wouldn't move unless I was accepted into a program its just that here I see myself waiting a lot longer!! Now I don't know what to do:uhoh3:

[Timeforachange]

Looking for an update on the OP's job status.

I graduated in May of 2008 and am only now looking to enter the field of nursing. I needed a break after school and boards and then time slipped away from me. I just started looking within the last week and am so discouraged at the prospects for new grads. Is it the time of year? Everyone wants experience but that seems impossible to obtain. Nursing homes, home health care, and hospitals do not have RN positions. I have tried, Inova, VA Hospital Center, Prince William, Ft. Belvior, Nursing Homes, and home health staffers.

Any recommendations?