So I graduated May 2010 with an ADN in Michigan, took my NCLEX, got my MI RN license. I didn't have a job yet. My hubby got transferred to southern Georgia in August. I got my GA RN license by endorsement in October (long process). I applied for: 12 positions at my local hospital, a school nurse job, and at a hospital about 1 1/2 hours away. I even considered applying for a Florida RN license because there seemed to be jobs there and I live 1- 1&1/2 hours away. I called nurse recruiters at each of the hospitals I applied to and at the Florida hospitals I was considering. My local hospital finally called me to say that they weren't hiring new grads, but they will have a new grad program beginning in August. I asked about the process and was told that they openings were to be limited and it might be wise to get my foot in the door if I could.
I then applied for PCT, unit secretary and a monitor tech position. I was called for an interview for the monitor tech job. I was reminded by a fellow nursing student to remember to bring my Nursing School "Portfolio" (If you don't have one, you should surely get one going). The NM asked me what I knew about heart rhythms. As I have had a few years experience in the ER as a tech, I told her I had seen many different types of rhythms. And as I was in the midst of taking my ACLS (to boost my resume and keep me feeling "nurse-ish"), I am currently studying rhythms. Then I said "and I AM an RN...new grad, but I have studied some cardiac stuff in NS."
I was completely honest with her about my intentions regarding getting my foot in the door, about my job searches and my attempts to continue to educate myself. She was so gracious and showed me around the unit and introduced me to some of the people working there. I was sure to point out my (gigantic) portfolio. She looked through it and even looked at the syllabi in it. (I had considered leaving them out). As we were finishing up the interview, I told her that I wouldn't blame her if she didn't hire me, knowing full well that the training I was going to get might have to be repeated on someone else sooner or later.
The very next day, I got a call from the Nurse Recruiter. She said that she had a job offer, not for the Monitor Tech, but for an RN!! I couldn't believe it. The NM had gone to her higher-ups and asked to hire me. I was thrilled as you might imagine. I accepted the position, of course. I start orientation in early February. I don't even know how much my pay rate is...I was too stunned to ask. Frankly, it doesn't matter right at this point, because I'm sure I'll be making more than I was prepared to make as a tech, lol.
So that's my story! I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones to have been at the right place at the right time. I wish all of you new grads luck in your job search.
Now that is how you get a job. You see so many people on this website talk about how they have applied for so many jobs and not gotten a call back. What they don't realize is that the days of just filling out online applications are over. You have to be resourceful. The only people from my class that have jobs are the ones that marketed themselves. When you broke out of the mold of just applying for Nursing positions online and did what you had to do to get in front of the right person, the job came to you. Congrats!
I guess grads from our college really are preferred like they kept telling us during the program, around the country ! Congrats on your new job and new life !
Ayeloflo - in your reply box, at the bottom, click on "Smilies". A box pops up with an assortment of smilies, Scroll down and double click on the one you want. Be sure to preview your message before you post.
bree* - I'm so sorry that the job market is so tight there. I hope something good happens soon for you.
imagenthings- I'm sure all of that volunteering will pay off when you do get a job :)
shookee - I have only one...I am one of the original PCTs. I started as an NA in the ER in 1991 and went through in-house training to become certified. I didn't get the actual certificate until 1993 when i needed it to cross train to another floor.
Dawn Vylet - My portfolio consists of the following: a 2 1/2 " binder with tab dividers, all pages in sheet covers and the contents are: "resume and cover letter", "licensing and certification", "professional development", "letters of recommendation", "immunization records", "exemplary work", "transcripts and syllabi" and finally "awards and scholarships". I keep extra copies of my resume and cover letter inside just in case. When I put this away, I will include a copy of my application and any current/previous job info (such as start dates, addresses, supervisors names, and phone #s...also the pay rate) My nursing school assigned different portions of the portfolio as we progressed through the program. It is probably one of the most organized things I have ever put together.
NoviceRN - Go MCC!!!
I wish everyone who is struggling with getting into the job market, the best of luck and keep at it...do what you have to.
Congratulations!!! I am in NYC and it is BRUTAL here. I am volunteering right now and networking. They know what we, the volunteers who are new grads, are here for and some people admire our attempts, but there are a few who do not.
I am not giving up though.
Yep--it's beyond brutal over here. A few people I know are volunteering...a small handful end up getting offered something. But for what they put in..it's practically a slap in the face! I'm actually open to volunteering and can't even find places that will take me on as a volunteer LPN. Pathetic!
Congrats to the OP! That is a great story! I'm an RN, and recently applied for a CNA position at a hospital I like and just finished a med-surg preceptorship at. I have an interview on Tuesday (first one in 10 months!) for an RN position (there weren't any when I first applied)! They were actually impressed that I was willing to do just about anything to work there (rather than seeing me as desperate and pathetic, which at this point I am, LOL!).
! Congrats on your new job and new life 
shookee
22 Posts
Great story thanks for sharing. Did you have certifications from your prior jobs?