How long is it taking to land your 1st new grad job?

Published

Hello fellow nurses!

I am wondering how long it is taking to land that first RN job. I know in some states jobs are scarce and I have read that many people have been looking over a year and still do not have a job. So I am wondering what you guys have heard or are experiencing. Also, if you could share which state you are in since job markets are varying from state to state.

I am going on two months of being a new grad, but have only been applying to jobs for about 2 weeks. I am just trying to get a realistic outlook on the market.

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm in NYC. I graduated in December, passed the boards in March and have been actively applying since January. I've been working as a camp nurse this summer and I was just offered a position in the NICU yesterday. I start next month. This whole time I have sent out hundreds of resumes and applications but have only had 3 interviews.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Operating Room, LTAC.

Hi,

I graduated this past May. I have been applying to jobs since I graduated. I became licensed in mid July, and received a job offer in the beginning of August. So, it took about 2.5 months. However, I know that seems pretty short but it wasn't easy. I received a job offer by attending a job fair, thank God I attended! Some of the managers were there and we had group interviews. I'm in Texas.

Good Luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I'm in NYC. I graduated in December, passed the boards in March and have been actively applying since January. I've been working as a camp nurse this summer and I was just offered a position in the NICU yesterday. I start next month. This whole time I have sent out hundreds of resumes and applications but have only had 3 interviews.

Congrats on finally landing a position!!! That is so exciting, especially in NICU!

Now out of those hundreds of applications, in general, do the companies send rejection letters/emails or is there no real way of knowing what happened to your application/resume? What's your opinion?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi,

I graduated this past May. I have been applying to jobs since I graduated. I became licensed in mid July, and received a job offer in the beginning of August. So, it took about 2.5 months. However, I know that seems pretty short but it wasn't easy. I received a job offer by attending a job fair, thank God I attended! Some of the managers were there and we had group interviews. I'm in Texas.

Good Luck!

Great to hear that you were offered a position so quickly! It gives me some hope. It's great that you got to speak with someone during the job fair. From what I have heard, the recruiters aren't even spending time talking to new grads during the jobfairs here (CA). That's not stopping me though, I am still going to attend one at the end of the month and see what comes of it. Now I need to go the extra mile to impress the recruiters somehow! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you! I've only recieved a handful of e-mails telling me I wasn't qualified for the position I applied for or the position was filled. A few respones saying there were no positions open and they will keep my resume on file. Mostly, I heard nothing back.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks Nurse Connie...I just like to know what to expect. Congrats again!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Graduated in May 2012. Sat for NCLEX 6/21. - Got offered my first job - a part time position about 3 weeks later. Then during orientation for that job, I got a call from the very first place I applied to after graduation in May. So right now I have 2 jobs but thinking about giving up my first job. Never thought I'd have the dilemma of too many jobs. Can't make the schedules fit and I don't want to work 7 days a week and burn myself out so I have to give it up. Plus I want to start working on my BSN and finish it as soon as possible. Not sure if I can work 7 days a week and do the BSN so I think its for the best to give up the part time job. I sent out about 50 applications. Went to 2 job fairs, 3 interviews and had 1 phone convo with a DON.

Only about half the people in my class have jobs thus far. I'm in GA. Good luck with your job search!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello!

I'm in the DC, MD, Northern VA area and passed my boards in March 2012. I JUST got a job. Keep your head up..it will happen eventually. I should also say that I turned down 3 jobs offers. I did this because I really wanted to work in a hospital instead of clinics. Luckily, I was in the position to be able to wait until I received an offer from a hospital.

Best of luck to you in your job search!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, progressive care.

I'm originally from Ohio, graduated in December 2010 and passed my boards in March 2011. Started applying for jobs in TX after getting licensed because I knew that is where I was moving. I got a call for an ICU internship opportunity but the remaining spots were limited. They also wanted me to fly out there and interview at my own expense. I politely turned down the offer. Moved to TX in May and within 2 weeks I got a call for an interview and got a job. Don't give up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac/Neuro Stepdown.
...jobs in TX...

Yes to TX, two guys in my ASN class from CA were hired in Dallas last week.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I graduated from an ADN program in May, had a job before I graduated. Just had to get registered w/BON.

I am in NC. I think almost everyone from my class has jobs (about 25/30). ~10 of them are at Duke.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion