How to get my foot in the door as a new grad??????

[kari2009]

I'm kind of an "old" new grad in a bad situation. I got my RN license in August 2009 but went straight into a BSN completion program, graduating in July of 2010. During that time and up until a couple of months ago, unfortunately I was unable to work due to some health issues which are now resolved.

I'm now searching in earnest for my first job, but obviously having no experience and having been out of school for awhile makes me an undesirable candidate. Of course, being in the Sacramento area where there's a glut of nurses doesn't help, but if nothing turns up soon, I will move to wherever I need to go.

I'm more than willing to work in LTC (I actually like the routine of that environment, and my chances of getting into a hospital at this point are probably zero). Most LTC facilities aren't hiring newbies around here, but I did have an interview with the administrator and DON of a facility last week (I know him from church and he invited me to come for an interview). He was really nice to me, but told me they don't normally hire new nurses, that it costs a lot to train, etc..... but that they would talk and see what they could do, and would get back to me.

My question is.... is there ANY way I can kind of get my foot in the door at a place like this? I would gladly work for free because the experience would be so worth it to me, but I know that's not allowed. I also don't suppose they could pay me at an LVN's salary...?? What about shadowing for a period of time...I'm sure I could pick up a lot and at least get familiar with things that way so that it wouldn't take so much to train me. I'm just trying to brainstorm and think of SOMETHING to get myself in that first job.

What would you do?? I'd really appreciate any suggestions.... I just want to be a nurse already!!!!

[KitkatPRN]

Keep a smile on your face .... and just keep trying!!! It hasn't been that long since you graduated !! The economy and all stinks so it just will take you longer .... You will have "the" job soon, just keep your spirts high and your dream will come true :heartbeat:heartbeat Good Luck ~~

[PeachPie]

1) Be willing to drive out. Here in Houston, there are >6 nursing schools in the main metropolitan area, and competition is fierce. I had to drive out to the suburbs to find a job. Commutes sucked, and it was boring when I moved there, but I after I gained experience I was able to transfer to another branch in the city.

2) Go for smaller, less advertised hospitals such as long term acute care (LTAC) facilities and rehabs. The big hospitals with advertising budgets get all the traffic.

[wolfpackRN]

It took me ten months to find a job. I volunteered at the local community clinic for a long time, but making connections there is what helped me score my first job. I would have rather started in a hospital, but my chances were also slim to none, so I ended up getting a job at a LTC/rehab facility. I've been here about a month, on the floor on my own for a week, and it's been okay. So just keep trying and hound them!

[germanshep]

Volunteer! LTC patients love to make crafts, listen to music, etc. Sometimes I bring in my WII-they love to bowl.

I hate to give you this advice b/c if sounds awful....personally I would wait to see how the interview goes b/c if you offer to volunteer they may take advantage of you. If you get the position you do not have to worry. If not, then you can offer to volunteer.

If you feel the need, take a refresher course. Don't sell yourself short with pay-you are not an LPN, therefore, you should not be paid an LPN salary (nothing against LPN's). You are a BSN/RN and you worked hard for this accomplishment.

Really emphasize your strong points during the interview-even though you are a new grad, you can learn their way of doing things vs having learned a previous way. Emphasize you enjoy the schedule of LTC and building relationships with the patients. Since you like the schedule of LTC, I gather you are detailed orientated-therefore, you can spot changes/declines in patients quickly. Also, you mention you are an "old" new grad-I am sure you have tons of experience to talk about!! Good luck with the interview!!

[MissM_RN]

I am from Philadelphia and I can say the same thing is happening here. I graduated December 2010 and have put in tons and tons of applications at pretty much every hospital in the Philadelphia area, have made follow up calls to nurse recruiters, HR, delivered resumes personally to nurse managers, and have heard NOTHING from hospitals. I have my BSN, RN and 3 1/2 yrs of nursing assistant experience and have gotten nowhere with hospitals. I did a search for LTC facilities in surrounding suburb areas, as well as subacute facilities. I finally got an interview for a subacute facility. It's about a 45 min drive, but the pay is pretty good and it's in Pediatrics which has been my dream area of nursing to be in (except with the job market the way it is, I NEVER thought I would start out with a Peds job). A few home care agencies called me back, as well. I would look into them if you are comfortable going into home care as a new grad. I had applied and then had second thoughts when they finally called me back because with this new license, I really don't want to take any chances. Plus, home care doesn't really give you the thorough orientation you need as a new grad. BUT, I know people in Philly that have done the home care as new grads. So, that's an option. I would def. look into rehabs and LTC especially in the surrounding suburb areas around you. Also, keep your eye out for career fairs/open interviews, etc. I went to a career fair with open interviews at a local rehab, got interviewed and got called back for a 2nd interview. I'm still waiting to hear back from them as well. So there are options and people willing to interview you, you just really have to go out of your way to find them. Look in different surrounding counties/areas. Be willing to commute. I know it sucks at first, but I think the experience is worth it! GOOD LUCK!!

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

Starting March 1st, camp nurse positions are posted on the Girl Scouts website. I was a leader for 9 years and took my girls to many camps where there was no camp nurse. They need camp nurses and it is a for pay job, not volunteer. Not everyone can go away and spend a week or weeks at a time in the mountains, (or the whole summer) but if you can you are really needed as a camp nurse. Where I am, the job pays $100/day. Just do a search for Girl Scouts in your county. They are hiring. They do not require experience. EMT basic even apply for these jobs.

The only health problem I ever encountered at a camp was a cut, scrape and rash of unkown origin (not from poison Ivy) that went away on it's own. Good luck! Camps start in June. :)