HELP!!! New BSN grad with trouble finding a job!!

Nurse_at_Heart · Apr 17, 2011

Hello jjones6

I also just graduated from a University with my BSN in December. And I also passed my boards at the beginning of February. Finding a nursing position in acute care has been quite difficult. Unfortunately, we are in the midst of a national recession and training new grads is expensive and risky compared to the experienced RN. Furthermore, California is going through its own budget crisis, which has made finding a career even more difficult for me. I have applied to the acute care hospitals locally and have had little response as well.

However, I thought getting my NCLEX results back would take longer than they did. A few of my good nursing girlfriends were accepted into a local Versant program and others found jobs in a smaller acute care facility nearby. I was not getting interviews and I felt anxious about it. So, I decided to try to get a CNA job while I studied for my exam and waited for my results. I received my results so promptly that the Skilled Nursing Facility that I applied to hired me as an RN instead. This was definitely not what I had foreseen myself doing either. I graduated cum laude with my BSN, so I felt like I was committing "career suicide." I had other nurses ask me what I was doing there at first also.

Sorry to be so lengthy, but what I am trying to say is... that it took me some time to get over the thought process that one must begin in acute care right away, despite my desires. But I needed to start paying my bills and decided that all experience will benefit me, and that at least I would be receiving experience. And I have been really surprised at all of the experience I have gained thus far. I have to complete medication pass for 32 residents, I am a charge nurse already, I learned a great deal about treatments, have implemented and suggested care plans to doctors regarding treatment orders, have dealt with the issue of dying, worked with wound-vacs, gained knowledge regarding faxing pharamacies, doctors, hospitals, and lab centers. Although, this was not my dream job I learned that this was where my path had directed me. And working with the geriatric population has taught me a great deal regarding cognition level, psych, depression, death (worked with hospice RN's too), aging, and body mechanics while working with them.

I have tried to be positive about the experience and really value all of the things I am learning while I am searching for my 'dream job.' I was not planning on working at this job but my path has led me here and it has a been a humbling, growing, and great experience. However, I also realize that this may not be a choice for some people, which I completely understand. I have also had days after work feeling really drained and helpless with some of my residents situations, but you really can build great rapport with these people and be a changing force for them.

Keep looking in acute care, you will eventually find something! But in the mean time just wanted to share some other side to the SNF's that you may be surprised about, I know I was. And if you can pass medications for 32 residents, passing for 5-8 in acute care will most likely not feel as overwhelming when you get there :) Also, many facilities are becoming more cognizant of the current situation regarding new grad hires and will not label you "nursing home RN" if you apply. I know of multiple nurses that started working in SNF for 6 mo- 1 year and found acute care work.

Good Luck!

Nov2010 · Jun 15, 2011

Hi Everyone!
I just graduated from the University of Toledo in December of 2010. I passed my boards in February of 2011 and after countless hours of applying and making phone calls, I've had absolutely NO luck finding a job let alone getting an interview. I understand that hospitals want experienced nurses but there seems to be no hope for new grads. I haven't even been able to get a hold of a nurse recruiter to even talk to them.. I just keep bothering the secretary ha. Either way - - if hospitals won't hire me, where do I get experience? I've applied multiple times to Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Summa Health System, Parma General Hospital and Robinson Memorial and not a single phone call. I want to work in a hospital but lately (due to desperate measures) I've been looking into skilled nursing units at long term care facilities and even they want experienced nurses. I'm also afraid that if I end up working there I'll be labeled a 'nursing home nurse' and never be able to get into a hospital. Not that I dislike skilled nursing units, it's just not my first choice.
So bottom line - - where do new grads get RN experience when no one will hire new grads? I'm quite frustrated and feeling very discouraged. I feel like I've hit a wall and I don't really know where to go from here. Anyone have any advice???? I would really appreciate any feedback that anyone can give me!!!!!!
Thanks!!
-jjones66

Jones66 I truely understand what you're going through. I went through same thing as you in 2006 after my NCLEX. But fortunately, after 6weeks of waiting I got hired at Lutheran Hospital(Cleveland Clinic) located on w. 25th st. Part-time night(12hrs). I applied to summa care, akron general, university hospitals and Cleveland Clinic, but only got hired by Lutheran Hospital. After, one year of employment with Lutheran Hospital, all other hospitals started calling me for job offer. I drove 45min-1hr to Lutheran for 15months before I accepted employment at Summa Care. So, patience and persistance is the key. Did you apply to metro hospital? I wish you the best!! Hope you've gotten a job since your last post.