HELP! New Grad trying to get 1st Job in St. Louis

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 27, 2014

Since everybody (and their mamas) wants to work in the exalted acute care hospital setting, perhaps it is time to get your start in non-hospital settings that are more open to giving new grads a chance. Look into local nursing homes, private duty cases, hospice, home health, clinics, group homes, jails, prisons, and other healthcare settings outside the hospital.

nursekt87 · Jan 27, 2014

Thanks but I don't feel like its fair to the organization or the patients for me to take a job that is my "backup" or second choice just to use as a stepping stone to get somewhere better. My heart is set on working on the floor at a hospital. I am going to get there one way or another, I was just looking for help from anyone who was in my situation and how they went about talking with HR and such to open up opportunities.

kme1982 · Jan 28, 2014

I am a recent graduate of an accelerated BSN program in St. Louis MO. I have a 3.8 GPA, passed NCLEX and am looking for my 1st job. I don't have any "connections" and since I wasn't a tech during school (was impossible with 50+ hrs/wk of school/homework) I have no hospital experience either. Is anyone else in this situation? What did people do to get jobs in St. Louis. I've applied to Barnes, Mercy, SSM (FUTURES program that starts in June), St. Luke's, SLU, and MoBap. Probably have submitted around 30 applications. Any tips or tricks people had to get their foot in the door at any of these places? I am super smart and a fast learner but it just seems like no one wants to hire a graduate in my position. ANY advice/support anyone has would be great. Thanks![/quote']
I feel your pain but unfortunately it's the reality of nursing jobs in an acute care setting. I'd look into a subacute/SNF and get 1 year of experience. Most hospitals want a min of 1 year. The new grad RN programs are just as hard to get into. Hang in there!

THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN · Jan 28, 2014

Thanks but I don't feel like its fair to the organization or the patients for me to take a job that is my "backup" or second choice just to use as a stepping stone to get somewhere better. My heart is set on working on the floor at a hospital. I am going to get there one way or another I was just looking for help from anyone who was in my situation and how they went about talking with HR and such to open up opportunities.[/quote']
As long as you're okay with possibly being unemployed for a long while. I'm not saying it's impossible but you may have to just get lucky one day. Rework your resume and cover letter and call nurse managers.

Barbara H. · Feb 4, 2014

Thanks but I don't feel like its fair to the organization or the patients for me to take a job that is my "backup" or second choice just to use as a stepping stone to get somewhere better. My heart is set on working on the floor at a hospital. I am going to get there one way or another, I was just looking for help from anyone who was in my situation and how they went about talking with HR and such to open up opportunities.

Sorry, afraid I can't give any advice but know what you're saying. I'm a bit tired myself hearing the same mantra again and again. I did the 2+years of nursing home first and honestly, I think it hurts me now to get into acute care. It is who you know...that's the only sure thing nowadays!!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2014

Thanks but I don't feel like its fair to the organization or the patients for me to take a job that is my "backup" or second choice just to use as a stepping stone to get somewhere better. My heart is set on working on the floor at a hospital.

Nursing job outside the acute care hospital setting = RN pay + RN experience

Waiting for a hospital job offer while unemployed = Zero pay + Zero Experience

I realize your heart is set on a hospital position, but are you cognizant that you could end up unemployed for a year (or longer)? The longer you go without a nursing position, the less attractive you look to potential employers. Beggars cannot be choosers in the face of today's jobless economic recovery. I wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide.

Monkey Nurse, ASN, RN · Feb 11, 2014

Heya-- just want to say St Louis totally sucks for new nurse jobs. I'm a Sept 13 graduate and still pounding on doors since Aug 13

amber_energy_RN · Feb 21, 2014

I am in the same spot as you guys. Sent out 40 applications since January. The laws of probability initially made me think, "OK, if I apply to X - number of jobs, and go on X - number of interviews, I should get a bite in X - number of months." But after 6+ months, you guys are saying that there is still nothing? I think I am just going to switch careers now. I don't have time for this. I will be homeless soon.