Help! I can't find a job at a hospital!

RFRN · Aug 28, 2011

I completely understand. I went for 4 months after getting my license without a job offer - actually, only with a handful of interviews... and I had a 4.0 GPA! Finally, there was an opening at an OBGYN clinic where my stepdad happens to work in maintenance. While it was me who did a good interview and possessed the skills and knowledge, he got my foot in the door because he had a good relationship with the management. So I guess my best advice is to network like crazy and see if there is anyone out there (former classmate, instructor, etc) who can vouch that you are smart and you would be a great asset to the company if you were hired. I wish more hospitals and clinics were willing to hire new grads because they are clean slates - no bad habits or thoughts of "how things should be done". But also because they are the most energetic people on the floor usually and are so grateful to have a job.

ajb96278 · Aug 28, 2011

I totally agree about networking. I moved from Omaha, NE to Spokane, WA for my fiance to go to law school and am having a heck of a time finding a job...but if I was in Omaha I'd know who to name drop at which hospital, etc. Here I'm brown-nosing and praying.

Good luck!

caliotter3 · Aug 28, 2011

Unless you meet someone who can help you out, about the only thing you can do is to start the process over again. You never know when the situation might change in your favor. Good luck.

RFRN · Aug 28, 2011

Hey - I'm from Omaha.... small world.

RFRN · Aug 28, 2011

Oh, and DO NOT quit the job you have now! It is much more appealing for hospitals to hire someone who is still currently working than someone who recently quit, even if they have to wait 2 weeks for you to start.

allnurses Guide · Aug 29, 2011

The job market is horribly tight in DFW right now, and if you have an ADN instead of a BSN the doors are closing as well. THR, Baylor and HCA are all going to BSN only and are being pretty public about that fact.

Getting on with a hospital in the DFW area is more about who you know than anything else at this point. There are just too many nurses needing work.

People are having better luck 1.5-2 hours into more rural areas. I know quite a few new grads who got hired on at Texoma Medical Center. It is rumored that places like Tyler, Wichita Falls and, of course, McAllen and all along the Texas/Mexico border are still hiring newer grads.

ArmyWife4Babies · Aug 29, 2011

Try the staffing office for per diem work or a nurse extern position.

LisaFis · Aug 30, 2011

Hi Spacy8,

I would love to be in a clinic setting rather than the hospital setting that I am in now! I feel like it was ingrained in my head that I HAD TO start in the hospital. I am recently off of orientation and I am struggling with anxiety, stress and disappointment. I did really well in school, worked in the hospital for 3 years before becoming an RN and I though I did the right research and asked the right questions during my interview but GOSH things are different when you get inside. I am interested in hearing about your experience in the clinic. My expectations about feeling good about my job were blown. The strategy to get things done is completely task focused. Arg!I could go on but I won't. I am just feeling sad about my experience so far. I am hoping that it gets better at some pt. If anyone else has insight on clinic jobs; their experience as a clinic RN and/or how to find clinic employment I'd greatly appreciate it. I look for job postings constantly but can't find anything that's clinic or office based? Thanks!!

Lisa