How I Got 3 Job Offers Within 1 Month of Licensure...in California

[gemmi999]

I wanted to share my job hunt story, in case it can be helpful for anyone. I was offered 3 jobs within the first month of having my license. Here's how I did it:

1) I did NOT apply for "New Grad Residency's" or any new grad programs. I knew that I didn't want a highly structured program--just having a preceptor for 8 weeks during my preceptorship was almost enough to drive me mad! I know I need support and help, but I do better when I have a challenge and can look things up on my own. Instead, I applied at small, rural or community hospitals that stated "1 year experience preferred" or didn't mention experience at all

2) I looked at rural, desert locations. I lived in San Diego, which is highly saturated and EXPENSIVE to live in. I decided before I started looking that I did not want to live in San Diego for at least the first few years after school--I wanted to move somewhere that was rural for a few reasons:

a) cheaper cost of living

b) more likely to qualify for loan-repayment programs

c) adventure!

3) I went to Wikipedia and looked at the list of all hospitals in California. I started by saying where I would like to live and looked at hospitals in those regions. I then started radiating outwards to county's that were nearby.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_hospitals_in_California

4) I applied to at least 4 hospitals a day. I didn't want to burn myself out and apply constantly.

5) I got a phone call! It was from a small community hospital, specifically a Skilled Nursing position I didn't even apply for--someone passed on my application to her. I decided to interview just for the experience, even if I didn't take the position. I interviewed and was offered the position; I told the DON I would have to think about it and get back to her after I spoke with my loved ones.

6) I got another offer from the same community hospital--this time in their Sub-Acute Rehab. I interviewed with the manager and was completely honest--I want to work in the ER eventually, I'm not sure how easy it is to transfer from sub-acute to acute, etc. We spoke honest and she offered me the position knowing that I wanted ER. She also encouraged me to keep applying to ER positions because it would take approximately 6 weeks to get onboarded between the background check, paperwork, etc.

7) I decided to look at hospitals in the same county or nearby county's to the one that I was offered positions in. I figured if I had had such luck already, maybe I would continue to have luck looking in the same geographical region.

8) I was offered an interview a couple of weeks later in a different county's small, community hospital for an ER position. It wasn't ideal--it was nights instead of days, and it required a 3 year commitment. I drove to the interview with an open mind, but I wasn't as nervous because I had a position as a fall back. This allowed me to talk honestly with the manager about my career path and where I saw myself in 5 years (hint: not the small, community hospital). He stated that he appreciated my honesty. He offered me an ER position.

I decided to turn down the sub-acute rehab position and take the ER position, even with a 3 year contract, for a few reasons:

- It's where I want to be (ER) (or at least, where I think I want to be)

- If I don't like the ER, he offered to cross-train me in ICU and potentially other areas if I really don't like what I'm doing

- The manager stated that it's very possible to group work days together and have lots of time off in between, which means I can visit family and friends that don't live in the rural community

I started last week--and so far it's been great! I get two month orientation during day shift, 1 month (at least) on night shift, and potentially more if I feel I still need it. In addition the hospital has an account with Flexed and I can take online modules for free to supplement areas I don't feel comfortable with/in (IE: ABGs...)

The hospital doesn't have all the equipment I was used to from nursing school and my hospital job as a CNA, but I like that. It makes me think on my feet and use other solutions. I have to mix my own meds, including drips, which makes me ultra-careful and aware during med passes. I feel this helps me. Plus, the other staff are really helpful and supportive!

So, in conclusion (and yes, this was super duper long)...I was able to get a job by looking in areas outside of my geographical region, in areas I didn't specifically want to work in long-term, by being honest with managers who were doing the hiring, and being willing to compromise with regards to day shift/night shift, etc.

Good luck on the job hunt!

[dianah, ASN]

Thank you for sharing this, and CONGRATULATIONS!

[Nurse_emgee]

Congratulations!! I Have landed on my first nursing job too as a casual last month, and had an interview for a part time position today.. Just waiting and praying for a post-interview call back.

[ChutneyFries, BSN, RN]

Congratulations on landing your first job! May I ask, do you have a BSN or ADN? I just passed boards and am looking for a break. Living in NYC makes it a bit tought, but relocating for awhile is a real option for me. Hope you love your job! Sounds exciting. I too want to do ER nursing.

[strawberryluv, BSN, RN]

Congratulations!! It seems if one looks beyond the hospital, the jobs are there. Good luck with everything

[HopefulRN4]

Wow, thanks for sharing , it is a very interesting approach.