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.
That is an AWESOME story. I am a new grad myself (graduated cum laude in May, took my boards in July) and I recently got hired at a top hospital in NYC. For all those new grads don't give up hope your dreams WILL come to pass
happy for you, so inspiring for every one, i belive that was your destiny and mercy from allah to you, thank him alot.wish you best of luk ,and hope somlike that will happen to me 2 since i am looking for a job.congrats
tokidoki7, ASN, RN
417 Posts
That's great! Congratulations!