How I Got My First Nursing Job

[MissCharlieRN]

So I graduated in May, have been licensed since July, and have been applying for jobs since December.

I've probably applied to 150 positions altogether, without a callback. I've called and left messages to numerous unit directors, nurse recruiters, and human resources personnel. No one ever called back.

I've sent emails with no responses, or the "Just keep applying! There are tons of jobs posted!" with links to positions that required 1-2 years experience.

Well, I've been feeling super down about going to my crappy retail job every day dealing with crappy customers yelling at me all day, so I decided some retail therapy might help... I walked around the mall for two hours trying to clear my head. Didn't even buy anything. Out of no where I decided "Ya know what, let's go get a haircut. That might help."

So I'm sitting in the chair getting my hair done and the hairdresser asks me that dreaded "So what do you do?"

"Well... I'm an RN. But I work at [insert crappy retail place here]. I just graduated so I'm still looking for a job. It's tough."

The woman getting her hair done next to me chimes in, "You're an RN? Without a job?"

"Yeah. I've been applying everywhere. It's hard because everyone wants experience and I'm a new grad."

"Any place in particular you'd like to work?"

"Well, I'll pretty much take anything. I just really want experience. I just need to make more money because my student loan bills will be due pretty soon."

So she pulls out her cell phone and makes a call.

"Hey! It's me, are you still looking for nurses? Yeah, well I know a nurse that's looking for work. She's right next to me, wanna talk to her? Hold on."

She passes me the phone (while I'm in the middle of getting my hair cut!) and right then and there I had an interview on the phone. She asked me if I could stop by to fill out the application and I told her I'd swing by after work the next day.

I happened to be sitting next to the physical therapist at a skilled nursing rehabilitation center who had two immediate openings to be filled.

I filled out the application and had an interview on the spot. The place seems great! And, well... I got the job!!! And what gets me: This place pays $6 more an hour than any of the hospitals around here! It seems like a dream come true! I had never even heard of the place, either (I've only lived in this area for 2 1/2 years) and wouldn't have even thought to apply there.

I just can't believe that after all of the applications, ignored follow up calls and job fairs, this is how I got my first nursing job.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

So awesome!! I love it when things like that happen. :) Congrats!!

[ErinRN2B]

That is such an amazing story! Congratulations!

[ShantheRN, BSN, RN]

That is freaking awesome.

And they say nothing good comes from the mall!

[Little Panda RN, ASN, RN]

This story does the heart good!!!! A very big congrats to you on the new job!!!!!!

[inspired26]

Congrats,

I'm calling to schedule my hair appointment.:)

[GuatericanNurse]

Thats an AWESOME story!! Everything happens for a reason is my quote that I kept telling myself because I too applied to over 150 jobs, and got rejected SO many times. I just got hired to work at my hospital where I am currently a CNA. So now I am a pediatric Ortho/Surgical Nurse.. My dream was to work here (Childrens Hospital Boston) and now its a reality!! So don't forget, if you have a friend that is down in their luck, just remind them that everything happens for a reason....

[shannahan]

So happy for you!!! Thanks for posting the story.

[2bnurseforce1]

congrats, that is wonderful.

[beauty912]

That was truly a blessing. God is so good!

[Lovelymo79]

That just shows you that you never know who you will meet and we should talk to EVERYONE!

Congrats!!!!

[PediLove2147, BSN, RN]

Congrats on the job! It's weird how things work out.

Thats an AWESOME story!! Everything happens for a reason is my quote that I kept telling myself because I too applied to over 150 jobs, and got rejected SO many times. I just got hired to work at my hospital where I am currently a CNA. So now I am a pediatric Ortho/Surgical Nurse.. My dream was to work here (Childrens Hospital Boston) and now its a reality!! So don't forget, if you have a friend that is down in their luck, just remind them that everything happens for a reason....

That is too my dream! I did clinical there and fell in love with the facility. It seems they are only hiring internal though so I think I am going to have to do something in the meantime.