How long did it take to get first RN job?

Medic_Murse, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Apr 30, 2018

As a new grad myself, I feel your pain. I have years of experience between working pre-hospital and working in an ER as an EMT/Paramedic. I've been denied several jobs over and turned down for a residency program, which blew my mind. So, I went and did some research and decided to pull out the big guns. I went and asked for letters of recommendation (which I hate doing), created an entire portfolio together. I've been called (recently) to line up a job interview, but it has been phone tag at this point, so we'll see if it pans out. Former co-workers told me not to get discouraged as getting your first job is the hardest, but once you can get your foot in the door, it's a bit easier from there.

A lot of facilities don't like gambling on an unknown commodity, so they play it safe and hire internal applicants, even if those applicants don't have as strong a background as outside applicants. It's just a lot of networking, getting to know the people that work in the field and making a good impression. Good luck to you, don't get discouraged, you'll find something.

ffooxx · Apr 30, 2018

I don't have any advice as I am too a brand new graduate but the whole experience has been very discouraging so far...I've had an interview which I thought went fairly well, the interviewer said they are interviewing several candidates and will contact everyone regardless of the results (they stated it is only fair to the applicants to notify them one way or another, which I thought was very thoughtful)...anyhoo, its been three weeks and no calls ((((

**emergenceRN17, ASN, BSN, RN** · May 7, 2018

I live in Boston and have been out of school for 4 months, I passed my boards 2 and a half months ago. I've been applying for New Grad jobs like crazy and haven't even gotten a call for an interview. Is this normal?? How long does it typically take to get your first job out of school. For a little more background info.. I have 3 years experience as a CNA in two major Boston hospitals. They currently are not hiring New Grads at the hospital that I work at, UGH. I never thought it would take this long to find a job

I live just South of Boston, passed boards 2 and a half months ago as well and am also finding it very difficult to find a position!!

**emergenceRN17, ASN, BSN, RN** · May 7, 2018

As a new grad myself, I feel your pain. I have years of experience between working pre-hospital and working in an ER as an EMT/Paramedic. I've been denied several jobs over and turned down for a residency program, which blew my mind. So, I went and did some research and decided to pull out the big guns. I went and asked for letters of recommendation (which I hate doing), created an entire portfolio together. I've been called (recently) to line up a job interview, but it has been phone tag at this point, so we'll see if it pans out. Former co-workers told me not to get discouraged as getting your first job is the hardest, but once you can get your foot in the door, it's a bit easier from there.
A lot of facilities don't like gambling on an unknown commodity, so they play it safe and hire internal applicants, even if those applicants don't have as strong a background as outside applicants. It's just a lot of networking, getting to know the people that work in the field and making a good impression. Good luck to you, don't get discouraged, you'll find something.

Medic_murse: I am extremely shocked that you were turned down for residency!!! You've got excellent pre-hospital skills!! (My husband is also a medic doing his pre reqs for RN)

Wishing you all the best!

Medic_Murse, BSN, RN, EMT-P · May 7, 2018

Medic_murse: I am extremely shocked that you were turned down for residency!!! You've got excellent pre-hospital skills!! (My husband is also a medic doing his pre reqs for RN)
Wishing you all the best!

Thanks for the good luck! I'm finding that I'm in an area that has less than a handful of healthcare systems and they all prefer to hire internally. One interview I went on, the manager stated that they generally hire their techs that are graduating from school. So, basically I knew then and there I had to sell the crap out of myself. Good luck with your husband, let him know nursing school is a whole different beast from medic school!

Sunshine54327 · May 21, 2018

As a new grad myself, I feel your pain. I have years of experience between working pre-hospital and working in an ER as an EMT/Paramedic. I've been denied several jobs over and turned down for a residency program, which blew my mind. So, I went and did some research and decided to pull out the big guns. I went and asked for letters of recommendation (which I hate doing), created an entire portfolio together. I've been called (recently) to line up a job interview, but it has been phone tag at this point, so we'll see if it pans out. Former co-workers told me not to get discouraged as getting your first job is the hardest, but once you can get your foot in the door, it's a bit easier from there.
A lot of facilities don't like gambling on an unknown commodity, so they play it safe and hire internal applicants, even if those applicants don't have as strong a background as outside applicants. It's just a lot of networking, getting to know the people that work in the field and making a good impression. Good luck to you, don't get discouraged, you'll find something.

Thank you!! Just an update: I had 3 job interviews last week, fingers crossed!! Good luck to you as well!

phantasybm · May 21, 2018

I live in Los Angeles which has a ton of hospitals. I feel lucky because the first New Grad position I applied to was for the ER (my goal position) at a hospital 10 minutes from me. They only had one opening for new grads as the rest were for staff transitioning from other departments. My interview went extremely well and they offered me the position on the spot. I know this isn't common and the reason I am posting this is because I was shocked myself.

LA though is much easier to find a job as there are so many hospitals here and in Orange County. Most of my classmates were able to find new grad positions within 2-3 months of getting their RN.

Best advice is to make a portfolio of everything you have done that pertains to the position you want... and it does not hurt to have your ACLS/PALS certification as that looks good to employers because thats one less thing they have to worry about training you on.

RN_17 · Jun 6, 2018

I live in Los Angeles which has a ton of hospitals. I feel lucky because the first New Grad position I applied to was for the ER (my goal position) at a hospital 10 minutes from me. They only had one opening for new grads as the rest were for staff transitioning from other departments. My interview went extremely well and they offered me the position on the spot. I know this isn't common and the reason I am posting this is because I was shocked myself.
LA though is much easier to find a job as there are so many hospitals here and in Orange County. Most of my classmates were able to find new grad positions within 2-3 months of getting their RN.
Best advice is to make a portfolio of everything you have done that pertains to the position you want... and it does not hurt to have your ACLS/PALS certification as that looks good to employers because thats one less thing they have to worry about training you on.

Did you do your nursing's Preceptorship in ER?

phantasybm · Jun 6, 2018

No I start next week

Cheers_G, BSN, RN · Jun 11, 2018

It's tough. I graduated in May and there weren't even enough positions to apply for but nothing so far. I reached out to a recruiter that helped me before and he said there is a BIG demand for male nurses, but that's not a modifiable factor for me haha Good luck everyone

pchoi1121 · Sep 5, 2018

Hello everyone- I'm a new grad from Boston. Graduated with my BSN in May, took my boards and passed in July, and have been applying ever since. I've applied to over 100 positions at this point, and am wondering how it went for everyone here who commented! So far, I've received one interview. How long did it take for most of you? What time of year was it? Any tips, advice, or words of encouragement? :)