How the heck do you get a foot in the door in Portland, OR?

[josie9toes, BSN]

I'm an ADRN in Portland, Oregon. I graduated in June 2015 and found a job in pediatric home health almost right away. I've been stuck there since.

I applied to the Legacy residency twice while I still met the new grads requirement but was never selected. I've applied to and been turned down for probably hundreds of jobs because I don't have experience in specialty.

I've started following postings for new to specialty internships at Providence and OHSU. I've enrolled in a RN to BSN program. I'm taking a 1.60 CEU Introduction to Intravenous Therapy class.

I'm just feeling super discouraged. I'm unhappy at my current job, but the job market in Portland is flooded. How the heck do you get into a new specialty if you need years of experience in specialty to even be considered. I'm afraid that I'll accrue more debt pursuing my BSN and STILL not be able to get a better job.

Does anyone have any suggestions other than move somewhere with higher demand? Does anyone know of any super secret local opportunities?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Maybe something in this article will help you:)

How to Land a Job Best wishes

[ProperlySeasoned]

Hospitals in PDX strongly favor a BSN. You will have more luck once you complete your degree.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Your frustration and stress is very understandable. . . I know that it's not going to make you feel any better, but this is a common situation for new grads in highly popular 'destination cities'. Austin is one of those - they have been experiencing a huge influx of people from all over the country, and it's probably not going to abate any time soon due to Forbes recent "#1 best place to live" ranking.

Is it possible for you to look a bit farther afield outside PDX? That's the same advice I'm providing to Austin hopefuls. At the moment, the surrounding communities are much more new grad & ADN friendly.

Wishing you the best of luck on your job hunt.