Help! New graduated registered nurse having difficulty finding a job!

[Butterfly70, ADN, RN]

I am a new graduate registered nurse in ADN program and have a difficult time finding a job in the hospitals. I have some experience as a student nurse in clinical rotations in some hospitals but I don’t have any work experience as a registered nurse. Most of the job applications for the hospitals have requirements such as at least one year clinical experience. Can I use my clinical rotation experience ( student nurse experiences) or the skills that learned during my nursing program for this requirement? Should I apply for “registered nurse” positions or just apply for “New graduate nurse residency program”?  I don’t know what I am doing wrong but almost all of my applications so far have been denied or rejected. I appreciate any advice or suggestion. 

[AZNurse13]

Co-worker in SNF years ago was a RN that actually worked for a sushi restaurant for about 1year making $12/hr after graduating from nursing school because the hospitals in town didn't hire him. My advice is get hired on with LTC just to get some experience than move on to something else. Oh yeah, he got hired on with hospital after getting some experience. Hope this helps.  

[Butterfly70, ADN, RN]

This is not what I expected or had in mind when I graduated from the nursing school. I always imagined myself working in the large hospitals. Is working experience in the LTC considered clinical nurse experience for the application to the hospitals?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Your clinical experience does not count as nursing experience. It may be time to look outside the hospital. Many are looking for experienced nurses because they will be up and running much faster, and in staffing shortages that's what they need.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

20 minutes ago, Butterfly70 said:

This is not what I expected or had in mind when I graduated from the nursing school. I always imagined myself working in the large hospitals. Is working experience in the LTC considered clinical nurse experience for the application to the hospitals?

Yes, as it is actual nursing experience unlike your clinicals. RN experience of any kind is much better than holding out for something in a hospital and becoming an old new grad.

Duplicate threads merged.

[Sour Lemon]

1 hour ago, Butterfly70 said:

I am a new graduate registered nurse in ADN program and have a difficult time finding a job in the hospitals. I have some experience as a student nurse in clinical rotations in some hospitals but I don’t have any work experience as a registered nurse. Most of the job applications for the hospitals have requirements such as at least one year clinical experience. Can I use my clinical rotation experience ( student nurse experiences) or the skills that learned during my nursing program for this requirement? Should I apply for “registered nurse” positions or just apply for “New graduate nurse residency program”?  I don’t know what I am doing wrong but almost all of my applications so far have been denied or rejected. I appreciate any advice or suggestion. 

Clinicals are part of nursing school and do not count as nursing experience. I find it ridiculous that some people actually list them on a resume as if they did.

Yes, you should apply for RN jobs that don't specifically state "new grad". Not every hospital has a formal new graduate program.

SNF experience is better than no experience, but acute care experience will be preferred when applying for acute care positions.

You may need to move, be more open with regard to what positions you'll accept, or even just wait it out. Things are very strange right now. Some places are very slow due to a steep decline in non-covid related patients. A lot of people are scared to go to the hospital, and some nursing homes are afraid to send them there.

How are your classmates doing?

[Butterfly70, ADN, RN]

I accept that hospitals need more experienced nurses but almost 80% of my classmates whom also were new graduated students or nurses were hired by the large hospitals. I believe most of them were working in the hospitals in different positions ( not nursing) and/or doing student- nurse preceptorship program prior to employment. I also was in the student-nurse preceptorship program in the hospital prior to my graduation but unfortunately I was not able to get job in the associated hospital. I don't think it's fair because other students also did not have prior nursing experiences. 

[RNSmiles]

I’m a new grad, too. No prior experience other than Capstone cum clinical rotations. Had many critical care job offers before I graduated. In Which state/area are you living?

You mentioned that other students are getting job, but not you. Let’s focus on you. Do you think the problem is in your resume or your answers to questions during the interview? 

Further, I encourage you to move to another area/ state should the job market in your area/state is saturated. All the best

[Butterfly70, ADN, RN]

Sour Lemon,

Thanks for your respond. Almost 80% of my classmates whom also were new graduated students or nurses were hired by the large hospitals. I believe most of them were working in the hospitals in different positions ( not nursing) and/or doing student- nurse preceptorship program prior to employment. I also was in the student-nurse preceptorship program in the hospital prior to my graduation but unfortunately I was not able to get job in the associated hospital. I don't think it's fair because other students also did not have prior nursing experiences. 

[Butterfly70, ADN, RN]

RNSmiles,

The only difference I can think of is my age (50 years old) and my language (English is my second language). I just had two interviews so far and I tried to be honest answering the questions. My answers in the interviews and the information in my resume is based on my clinical experiences in the clinical rotations.  I guess my answers were not imperessive or remarkable to the interviewers. 

[AZNurse13]

Actually, my first nursing job upon graduation was for the same hospital  worked as a CNA and I learned from the RN's on the floor probably more than in clinical rotation unfortunately the hospital closed and I moved on too. In retrospect, no way, I would have been hired had I not previously already been employed with the hospital Wherever you can get your foot in the door to gain experience and get a paycheck until you find what you really want is OK. I appreciate where I'm at now but had it not been for past experiences in the nursing jungle maybe I wouldn't be so. I hope this advice helps you.      

[RNSmiles]

38 minutes ago, Butterfly70 said:

RNSmiles,

The only difference I can think of is my age (50 years old) and my language (English is my second language). I just had two interviews so far and I tried to be honest answering the questions. My answers in the interviews and the information in my resume is based on my clinical experiences in the clinical rotations.  I guess my answers were not imperessive or remarkable to the interviewers. 

You’re not alone. Though I’m in my 30s, English is my second language,too.  My instructor was actually about  “62/63” when he started Nursing and earned the degree. No prior experience in healthcare. Even though you’re in your 50s, this is a land of opportunity and you’re in good standing. If those who are physically impaired (I’m not trying to be condescending) can get jobs why not you! 
I suggest you work on your interviews; have a mock interviews with your school employment service or friends if you can. Have your nursing friends interview you; Record yourself and here your responses. Please make adjustment. Being honest and Given correct answers are valid but you have to be pragmatic, too.

lest I forget, I lost 2/3 job offers. these are the  reasons I think my applications were rejected:

1. In one unit, The manager asked me what are my future plan 3 - 5 years from now . I  (rookie nurses) responded that I would like to be a CRNA few years from now. I was being honest  but My application was rejected. Later did I learned that the unit has high turn over for RN and would need nurses who can stay with them for years. Hence I stopped saying that during interviews, keeping my future plans to myself.

2. In the other unit, Unfortunately I was competing with internal candidates. My application didn’t fly on 2-3 occasions. Thus, internal candidates are considered ahead of external candidates. This happened twice to me at the same hospital. I  couldn’t get into my preferred uni, but The HR will call me for other available positions. Again, you need to understand the demand and supply in your area.

Please don’t be discouraged. There are load of jobs in different units if you’re willing to move and explore other places. I know you may have some family commitments at your age. But try to relocate  if you could, you won’t regret it. You’re trainable and don’t forget you’ve great potentials. Only you can limit you.
Last, I should mentioned that I applied to about different hospitals and units, trying to increase my options. Try this method and you will sing for joy and good news soon. Peace from NorthEast.