How to get a job and where?????

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So I finally passed NCLEX 3 weeks ago and now I'm here hunting for jobs. It seem like its impossible to get one since everyone wants experience or BSN. I am enrolled in a RN-BSN program for spring 2015 I thought that would give me a boost. I guess not! I live in the MD/DC/VA area any advice?

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What specialty are you looking for? If it is in critical care or OB/Peds, you will likely need some experience in "Med/Surg" (does any hospital still combine those units anymore?). This will open doors to the "specialties" after a time, but most require some general experience, which helps the nurse to develop prioritization and general care skills.

Networking with other nurses and aides may help you to locate who is hiring and will also give you some insight where (or not) to go.

Avoid limiting your search to a specific distance from home or a specific shift. A bit of flexibility can help to ensure a more successful search.

Prepare a resume and go to each facility to complete and hand in your application and resume in person, then follow up a short time later to show you are interested in being hired and working there

When I first applied after Nursing school, I used a map of my area and a list of all potential places I would consider. I then made the rounds, similar to "cold" sales calls on potential customers. A number of them appeared OK, but some were just plain sloppy in their appearance and business practices (yes, my background includes business).

My first hospital Nursing job was at a place where they only accepted applications through the switchboard. That almost convinced me to look elsewhere, but I decided to experiment a bit. Having been told that a certain department/manager was hiring, I contacted that manager directly. She hired me after taking my resume to the Director of Nursing and telling her that she was hiring me, and then taking it to Human Resources (is that a stupid name, or what?) and doing likewise. She was far and away the absolute best Nurse Manager I have ever met and worked with.

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I've been on long term care for 4 years most of that spent as a LPN and I just became a RN (asn) in June. I honestly thought I was doomed and going to be stuck in long term care forever after several interviews and 100's of rejected apps. I just got a position on a medical speciality unit at one of our local hospitals. I didn't not know anybody to get me in. I have friends who say they've heard this local hospital wasn't hiring and if the few they did hire are bsn. I'm enrolled in a bsn program now. Many nights I would be upset and frustrated about the whole situation not having luck with the job search. I do have to say persistence overcomes resistance and anything is possible. Give it all you have got! Good luck on your job search.

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Thank you so much for that Insight. I actually did not have a preference in the specialty are. I would take whatever I get. I came up with this idea to send the Director of HR and SR recruiter my resume. I got there name and info off line..... Do you think that would be a little too much?

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Thank you!! I am trying to stay positive abd keep the faith. The thing is noone wants to give out information. My friends work in hospitals and they wouldn't even give me a directors name

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

congrats on passing boards! Thread moved for best response

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