How to get that first RN job?

Published

Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.

I recently graduated from an associate degree RN program, I have 13 years experience as an LPN and I can't get a job. I have applied to every place I can think of and still nothing. I've been applied since before graduation in May. I have my provisional license in KY and its only good for 6 months, in which time I have to get 120 hours of a clinical internship and take my NCLEX. I made mistakes as an LPN and bounced around a lot, but I'm a good worker. I can't even get an interview! I send in an online application and in less than a day I usually get an email saying "though your credentials are impressive, we've decided to go with another applicant. Please feel free to apply to another position." I have re-done my resume several times in the past month trying to at least get my foot in the door for an interview. :banghead:

What am I doing wrong? I thought RN's were needed, but I guess not in KY. There are not that many LPN hospital positions which is why I went back to school in the first place, to have more choices in where I work and what I'm allowed to do. At this rate I won't be able to get my permanent license since I have to work 120 hours, documented. I am wanting to get a job someplace where I can learn and grow in the profession. I want to work critical care as I got a taste of it as an LPN and loved it. As it stands now I'm going to have to try to get a job as a cashier at the local grocery store if I am to even hope to register for the NCLEX exam. :banghead: I don't know what to do, I'm running out of places to apply within 100 miles of where I live in KY.

Sorry to vent, but it is so frustrating. I feel like I'm being punished for things outside my control and being labled as unreliable without even being talked to. :crying2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm curious - are you competing with other graduates whose education was subsidized by the hospitals? Here in south Florida, all the new grad positions seem to go to the students who funded their education that way. I had a difficult time finding a job after graduating because I paid for my schooling.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hell, here in my province, if you have a pulse you have a job. Which is bad. I know of two new grads who managed to pass CRNE and got their practice permits. They are so unsafe, rude, arrogant, the hospital have recieved multiple complaints from patients and coworkers that they are working on having them reviewed by the provincial governing body to see if their licenses can be pulled.

When healthcare is so short staffed that any warm body is hired it's a sad day.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, Pediatric Urgent Care.

All I can say is that right now is when the most graduates come out looking for their job. I just graduated in May; however I started looking for a job in March. The hospitals around here will hire you before you graduate to lock you into the position.

Are you making sure that the jobs you apply for don't require previous RN experience? I know I got a big fat NO on one b/c I didn't have any :(

Also, I have a resume that has been worked on by HR at a former job and it seems to get decent results. If you're interested I could send you a copy with my personal info removed? Just PM me your e-mail (if it's not violating any forum rules - still pretty new here) and I'll try to get it to you asap... I work 5 12's this week but I'll do my best.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiology, Oncology, Medsurge.

I understand your concern...

In my neck of the woods the healthcare system can take a long time to call regarding work, following up after an initial interview, and in general be a (nail biting) lengthy process.

I hope in your case this fits and your situation of not being hired has nothing to do with others who perhaps are better qualified.

I just recently got hired to a facility which took its time, however the hospital has a fantastic reputation. So I have no regrets or anger regarding the delay in my being hired.

Anyway, I hope you too are hired soon so that you can gain some work experience and be the better catch in the future with all the facilities that require experience over hiring a new grad.

Best regards, T

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

What about some of your former employers? Do they have RN positions? Since they know you and you are a good worker I bet someone would hire you. Inmy area jobs are plentiful but normally just applying online isn't going to get you in the door. You need face time with HR or an inside contact.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.

It may be a combination of competing with staff who had their education funded by the hospitals in question and applying for positions that require more experience. I've applied for positions that specifically said New Grad, and still get nothing. Around here we have well over 6 schools graduating RN's around the same time. I've been applying since Feb with no results, its very frustrating. And yes, I've applied to a former employer and can't get my foot in the door. I should be concentrating on the NCLEX exam, not trying to find a job to pay for it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.
All I can say is that right now is when the most graduates come out looking for their job. I just graduated in May; however I started looking for a job in March. The hospitals around here will hire you before you graduate to lock you into the position.

Are you making sure that the jobs you apply for don't require previous RN experience? I know I got a big fat NO on one b/c I didn't have any :(

Also, I have a resume that has been worked on by HR at a former job and it seems to get decent results. If you're interested I could send you a copy with my personal info removed? Just PM me your e-mail (if it's not violating any forum rules - still pretty new here) and I'll try to get it to you asap... I work 5 12's this week but I'll do my best.

Most facilities around here hire before graduation too. I was working with one HR recruiter for the Children's Hospital here and I still can't get anything. I managed to get an interview for PICU and didn't get it even though they definately hire new grads and have tailored their orientation for it. Maybe it will be easier to get a job once I've passed NCLEX, but without a job paying for it will be difficult. I'm not giving up, just may have to apply out of my home state, but even that will be hard as I can't afford to apply for another state's license. I live in a licensure compact state, so I'm thinking of applying to other compact states.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion