Help, I still don't have a job!!

EKRN2014 · Oct 15, 2014

First of all, sorry you're having such a hard time. Me too...it's been an uphill battle. I'm not sure where you are, so some of my advice might not apply to you. Do you have your ASN or BSN? Since getting my BSN, I have gotten more call backs, but it is still difficult.

One option is to start in a nursing home or clinic, in my area (NYC) they seem to be more willing to give new grad RN's a chance. I have had more success with rural areas and have a possible job (they are checking my references and doing all of the other normal pre-employment stuff). It's hard to relocate to a place where you don't know anyone, but it's doable. What I did was look up every single hospital in New York State and started applying to the more rural ones and ones that people here in AN have said are more new grad friendly. Maybe you can relocate to a different area of your state? It will be easier to actually go to interviews and you will be able to visit family/friends.

Also, other people on this forum have said that North Dakota will hire new grads. If you go to the North Dakota tab, you can find a thread that I think is really inspirational.

I know it's discouraging, but don't give up! There are still options for all of us unemployment new grads, it just takes time and sacrifice.

Good luck and I hope this helps : )

13grad71 · Oct 15, 2014

Don't give up. You worked so hard for your nursing degree. Something will come along, keep sending those resumes out. Looking for a job, filling out applications online and sending resume is like a full time job, but you just have to be persistent. Keep the faith.

DatMurse · Oct 15, 2014

My hospital in ND is in dire need of Nurses....

https://allnurses.com/nursing-first-job/reflection-accepting-job-922705.html

LizzieB_RN · Oct 15, 2014

Thanks everyone, your comments are absolutely helpful. I shold probably mention that I'm in GA, and moving to another state isn't really an option for me, unfortunately.

DatMurse · Oct 15, 2014

and moving to another state isn't really an option for me, unfortunately.

Go to the resume section and have people critique your resume, other than that good luck then. I dont know what to tell you.

scaredsilly, BSN, RN · Oct 15, 2014

LizzieB,

I got chastised for this advise last weekend by someone in NYC who said this won't work there under any circumstances, however the advise I am giving worked for me, so perhaps it will help you.

Find RN jobs that you are interested in, but instead of just applying online, take your resume in and ask to see a nurse manager on that floor. Historically HR departments won't speak to you if they do not initiate contact and online applications often get tossed without a human ever seeing them. About 25 of my classmates (including me) abandoned the online application, circumvented the HR department and went to see nurse managers (on different units in different hospitals in a large western city) and got hired. Unanimously the NMs were surprised to hear us say that we had been applying online because they never got the resumes forwarded to them.

I know it goes against protocol, I know that nursing schools tell you not to do it, but it works (except apparently in NYC). What do you have to lose?

Dress well-very professionally. Don't be demanding, make it a request not a demand to see the NM. Best of luck! I hope it works for you!!

estrellaCR, BSN, RN · Oct 16, 2014

HI Lizzie, have you tried smaller cities or rural areas in Georgia ( as per your post you live in GA)? Large cities (not just NYC!) are very competitive and will not let anyone on their floor to bug the NM for a job. Use Google to figure out the recruiter and NM's email and then send them a good resume and paragraph about yourself. To make your email more likely to be read have a catchy title...a fact about yourself that would attract an employer (for example, RN with commitment to patient satisfaction seeking RN position with InsertName Hospital.) Email helped me get 3 interviews as a new grad and I live in a very large metro area. Make sure you double check each email before hitting Send...you dont want to send an email to ABC Hospital and in the body say You really want to join the team at XYZ Hospital. Large cities and metro areas especially on the East coast as well as California have tight security and one cannot just walk onto a floor asking for the NM unless he or she knows your name. In large cities, online apps also lead to jobs for new grads but it may take longer and not to mention a lot of patience! I advise you to apply online as well as follow up the online app with emails to the NM and Recruiter.

Walking into HR will not work unless you are in a friendlier smaller community...for example a small to medium city or a rural area where security is not as tight and NMs are not as super busy and would be more likely to take a minute to chat with you. If you would like to work in Sub Acute Care, clinics, or nursing home/skilled nursing facilities then walking in may be a good idea. However consider where you are applying (what location and/or type of nursing) and proceed accordingly. A large busy hospital would not be too friendly to people walking in to a floor and interrupting the nurse manager while she is busy with her day to day work...either they wont let you in, you will get cold shoulder, or just plain old told "go to HR". A smaller community hospital may be cool with it and even grant you an interview.

Also try job fairs in your area and of course, if you have made any strong connections during clinicals use them as well. Keep your options open to different settings and locations. Good Luck!

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Oct 16, 2014

Have someone look at your resume, make sure it's up to par.

I have to agree with the others, look for more rural jobs. They tend to not pay good, but that's one of the reasons its easier to get a job there. I would do a 50 mile radius from where you are now. yes the commute would suck, but hey it's a job to get you the experience you need.

Apply to EVERYTHING. Ask anyone you know if they know a hiring manager, network like crazy. I got a job in 2009 when the economy tanked. I have an old thread where I listed all these different tips for getting a job. I would spend the 8 hours that you would at a job applying, reapplying etc. It does take perseverance.

Keep us updated. :)

Pepsi700 · Oct 19, 2014

Hi everyone, Sorry Bronze 1 don't get so discouraged, I just graduated (ASN) with someone that lives and GA and got into a Nursing program in one of the GA hospitals, he is in a new grad program, I don't know what part of GA he is in, but he lives about 1 and 1/2 outside of Jacksonville, FL. So don't give up hope and maybe check out the any new grad programs. Good Luck

estrellaCR, BSN, RN · Oct 19, 2014

Well nickilaughs says the pay is not good in rural area. Its true its not pay as much as in city but rural areas have way lower cost of living so it makes sense that pay will be less. In rural area/small towns/small cities....rent and everything else costs a lot less than in urban areas so the pay is about the same once you take cost of living into consideration.

MissRN_Dior, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Oct 19, 2014

LizzieB_RN

I GET IT !!! My sister is in the same boat as YOU!!! while it hasn't been year for me but im right along with you ...were both home she not working at all, me im working in retail .Keep your head up and stay strong the job will come. I posted something like this yesterday my post is titled "New Nurse-NO Job" . Take a refresher-RN course at the local community college, volunteer, network and pound the pavement. i know u hear this alot but keep working at it . YOU GOT THIS GIRL !!!