How long is too long to get first job?

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Hey there! I graduated in May, and passed my RN NCLEX in the middle of August. I still don't have a job...I've sent out a lot of applications, but I haven't gotten any calls. When I try to call human resources, I just get an automated message and they all say that due to the numerous applicants, they can't respond to phone inquiries...stuff like that. Is it horrible that I don't have a job yet? I am still working my other job (babysitting full time) during the week. How long is too long to wait to get a job?? I really want to work at a hospital in a med-surg setting. Any advice would be very appreciated! Thanks!

Aviaa

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A lot of hospitals only hire new grads twice a year, like in July and December. Call nurse recruiters and ask them questions, tell them you're really interested in working at the hospital, so they know your name. Ask them if they're hiring new grads...it's definitely not too late, it's taken people much longer to find jobs.

But the next round of new grad hiring is about to start happening so jump on it!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Sorry you are having so much difficulty. HR departments are suffering from the same staffing shortages as other areas of health care, so they are very hard-pressed to keep up with their workloads -- just like nurses. It doesn't make it any better, but please be assured it's not personal. This is just a very horrible job market in most areas of the country.

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Thank you so much! It is a little frustrating. I will just keep trying, thanks for the advice :)

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Specializes in public health.

I read allnurses regularly and noticed that people either get a job right after they graduate or had to wait for up to 2 years. Be persistent. Go to the hospital if you have to.

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I graduated in June 2010. Got licensed June 2011 (had personal stuff to deal with post graduating). Got a RN job August 2012 at a home health agency. And just got a hospital job Feb 2014. 3.5 years after graduating I finally get a hospital position. So don't give up.

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I, too, graduated in May 2013, licensed in June and started looking when I moved in July. I JUST got a hospital job, after about 400 applications sent out and only 2 interviews! Just keep applying to everything you can. Hospitals, LTC, home health, hospice, wherever!

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