Help.... Can't find a job after nursing school

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Hey Everyone!

So, I am feeling a little stressed right now and confused. I recently graduated at the end of May with my BSN and I am scheduled to take my NCLEX on July 10th. I have applied to literally every nurse residency program in Oregon. I have gotten interviews with five out of the ten places I have applied to and have received emails back from every place that they decided to go with other candidates. I feel like I do really well in the interviews and for a couple of the places the conversation even flows naturally and outside of the interview topic questions, which I am told is usually a good sign. I also follow up with the nurse managers and recruiters thanking them for their time and stating how I look forward to hearing from them. Unfortunately, as I stated, every place I interviewed for are going with other candidates. I thought that maybe I was doing something wrong so I started to ask for feedback from the managers on what I could improve on, or maybe the reasons why they chose to go with another person. They all replied by saying that I was a "strong" candidate but that they went with people who have had their clinicals on their units or have worked for their organization. I have also been looking at non-residency positions but every place wants at least one year of acute care experience. I am feeling a little stuck and discouraged and wondering if anyone has any advice on what direction I should be heading in next? I have been looking at Washington State too but their residency programs are all closed.

Sorry, this is so long. I think the stress of not having a job lined up yet, and also studying for the NCLEX, is starting to take its toll on me. Especially when my friends all have jobs.

Thank you to anyone who responds, I really appreciate it!

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Did you apply to sky lakes medical center nurse residency program in k falls?

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Hi!

Unfortunately, I did not know about that residency program until it already closed . Thank you though!

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Ok they have residency cohorts twice a year so they are always hiring. D

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Things will open up drastically for you once you pass NCLEX and have a license ! Especially since you have a BSN! Stay positive, you’ve got this!!

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Thank you for the kind words, that really helps!

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I agree with what another post said.. you'll have many more opportunities once you pass your NCLEX.

Hang in there. It took me 2 months after graduating to even land an interview so you're well ahead of the game.

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Some hospitals out here won’t even look at your resume until you take the nclex. I know of a few outside Oregon that do. PM me if you want to discuss further

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

If passing NCLEX doesn't get things moving, you may also consider moving yourself to an area where the job market isn't so tight.

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Is there any hope for nursing job once you are a few years out of school? Family illness caught me off guard after completion of school, and jobs were scarce at the time in my area. Anything besides the SNF route? Years of real job customer-care experience, just not in medical field. Thanks for any input.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Depending on how many "years" out, you will likely need to take a refresher course to be looked at seriously and, in some states, to be allowed to practice. If you have never worked as a nurse at all you are going to have to start in places others may not wish to work in order to gain some experience, after you take a refresher course.

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Not.done.yet, Which states Are you referring to?

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