I am having the worst time landing a new grad position here in San Diego, CA and am getting near restless and frustrated. I graduated from an Accelerated BSN program in NJ in November 2009 and took my NCLEX in March 2010 and successfully passed the first time. I moved to to CA in June with my fiance not knowing that the job market for new grads was terrible here. I've applied to a few New Grad positions before I moved at Rady's, UCSD and SHARP but didnt get into either of their summer programs. Since then, I have been on the computer every waking moment applying to anything, even positions that require 1 year experience, But I have gotten hundreds of rejection emails, and not one interview since I've been here. I have applied to every hospital within a 100 mile radius!!!
I even went as far as getting ACLS certified, I have previous caregiving and volunteer experience, although they werent for a year, but I figured at least the nurse recruiters could see that I've got some sort of experience outside of clinicals done in school. My fiance has not landed a job yet either and we are on the verge of becoming broke if we dont get jobs in the next month. Student loans are due, rent is high, bills keep coming left and right, and I am freaking out. I never thought I would have a problem getting a nursing job. We have no family here or friends, we took a risk moving here to start our lives and everything has been great except the fact that we dont have jobs YET.
I dont know what else to do. I can't afford to move again or wait to get endorsed in another state especially if its the same problem elsewhere. every job posting not only in san diego, but other cities keep saying, "new grads not accepted" "sorry no new grads" "new grads not accepted at this time" "this is not a new grad position" I MEAN WHATS the deal? Someone has to start hiring us sooner or later. There should be more new grad programs offered several times a year. I've even tried non-RN positions and no response to those either. I almost regret pursuing this career because of this issue.
Does anyone have any advice or going through a similar problem?
Specializes in home health, flu clinic, private duty.
Hang in there Hopeless... I am a new grad too, though I am in Colorado. I've submitted over 140 applications since I passed NCLEX in May. I have 2 temp jobs with flu shot clinics (that I am grateful for) and had brief stint at an unsafe place that I chose to quit. It was a sad day when I quit, because I knew I was killing my opportunity right now, but I felt it was right to save my license. So, now there's NOTHING in sight. I am volunteering and at least I am enjoying myself, and getting to be at the hospital, but this girl needs MONEY!
I'd move if I didn't have a family....can't bear to uproot them. But, I've been looking as far as 2 hours away in any direction. People say, "Don't be picky," but I am not being picky. I can't even get LTC PRN! I wish I wouldn't have listened to school when they said, "Don't work while you are in school," because everyone that did, even though their grades weren't stellar, has a job now, while I am sitting at home.
Stay positive. I know...the rejection over-and-over on a daily basis is brutal to the self-esteem, but this HAS TO change. San Diego is a rough market too. If you can move to central California, that may help. Then after your golden 1 year experience, you can start applying back in San Diego.
Know that there are others just like you out here in cyberspace, and we are all rootin' for you too. I will add you in my prayers.
Remember, though you are not a working nurse right now, you are still a nurse. Hold your head high, and be proud of what you have accomplished so far.
Specializes in home health, flu clinic, private duty.
Hi DC,
Thanks for the tip. I looked a couple of months ago, but I haven't been on there again for a while. I'll take a look. It couldn't hurt. I've already applied to prisons, mental facilities, LTC, home care...all the things when I was in school I said I wouldn't. Mmmmm, that crow is a little tough, and not very tasty! (Trying to have a little humor over the situation )
Thanks again :redbeathe for offering a new thing to think about and explore. It gives me a little hope that I will eventually get out of this box.
I was going to recommend what DCtraumarn did, check out the numerous military treatment facilities around. USAjobs is where you can find those positions but also check out the facilities. I used to work as a civilian in a military clinic. There are "government" positions and "civilian contract" positions (not sure if the civilian contract positions are listed on the USAjobs site though-that's why you should ask).
There is also that choice of joining a Nurse Corp (whether through Army, Air Force or Navy). It's not a choice to make hastily, do your research and ask lots of questions, if it's a possible choice for you. And I'm not trying to recruit either (I'm in a different branch :) )
Have others take a look at your resume, make sure it's not hurting your chances. Definitely apply to those positions that even state "experience preferred" or even "required." I know several classmates that applied to positions "requiring" experience and they got the job! That's all I have to offer as I am a new grad also. It's rough for all of us (and looking/getting my 1st RN job will be put on hold for a year since I've just been activated). Good luck!
Ladyofthelake, I hear ya! I was told by some not to bother doing a nurse tech job because of my military exp in acute care. I did apply to one anyways but didn't get it. Now I wish I would have applied to them all & as early as possible in the program. Cause just like you said, nearly all those classmates that did work as NT's had a job lined up for them the moment they graduated.
Specializes in home health, flu clinic, private duty.
Hi CG,
A classmate of mine has just enlisted into the Army, so he's doing the medic thing. I, on the other hand, am too old for them to take me, and I have a family that I can't leave, but I will definitely check out the usajobs. I have been hearing from recruiters that they have 500 applicants for every 1 job. That's astounding.
Glad that you found a way to make it work for you! I have hope, even though I've been venting here a lot. Thanks for reaching out. It's nice to hear that it CAN be done!:)
Thanks everyone for your replies and suggestions. I have done or tried a majority of what most of you suggest BUT I am still applying. I forgot to mention also that I did get a job working for the upcoming flu season and although its not really "experience" im hoping it will make my resume stand out a just a little. I'm excited to do something, anything in the meantime but even that isnt enough. I just hope I can work as much as possible and not just one day a week! I've been applying to every single hospital here and beyond and have looked into civilian nursing! ( thanks for the tip though!)
I know that its not just the job market here in San Diego. I am just overwhelmed with the notion that new graduates are having a difficult time obtaining their first position. Im having such a hard time trying to explain to my mother and everybody else why I cant get an "RN" job. Its seems as if no one understands what the issue is besides nurses!
I too regret not working while in school as a CNA or tech because its true, most of my class (back in NJ) did work and have gotten jobs right away after getting their license. Faculty definitely scared me out of juggling a job and being in an intense nursing program. Wish I could make them eat their words, because I could have definitely succeeded!
Anyways, thanks again for the suggestions. Your replies have made me more determined than ever and I too hope that you all succeed in your nursing careers as well and hopefully things will be better soon!
) 
OCNRN63, RN
5,979 Posts
Good luck. I'm sorry things are so difficult in what should be a happy time for new grads.