I just don't understand

Nurses New Nurse

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I did it! I finished nursing school this past Dec. and passed the dreaded NCLEX-RN on Feb. 20th but I just don't understand; where are all the jobs?! I live in South Florida, West Palm Beach to be exact, and every hospital in my area has positions posted looking for RNs but all I've received is rejection email after rejection email. Some as soon as 45min after posting an application. I unfortunately have no medical background other than my clinical experiences during nursing school. Could this be what's holding me back?

Some of the hospitals in my area had new grad programs that are now completely full and one hospital will only accept new grads with a BSN. I just don't understand. I'm willing to work on any floor, any shift but it looks as though if you have no experience, they don't want you. How am I supposed to gain the experience in the first place? I'm focused & won't let this deter me from my goal of being a great nurse for both my patients & family!

Any ideas or recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Maybe it's time to enroll into a RN to BSN program sounds like u graduated from Palm Beach State with an ASN?

Maybe it's time to enroll into a RN to BSN program sounds like u graduated from Palm Beach State with an ASN?

I've already enrolled in the BSN program and begin in Spring. I graduated from Keiser U.

Hmm I'm not sure sounds pretty scary hopefully when I finish school the market will be a little better. .

Specializes in Utilization Management.

Good lord, you've only been licensed for eight days! Give it some time before you start freaking out.

Don't limit yourself to only applying at hospitals. I know hospitals are a new grad's holy grail, but they are also a sure fire way to extend your Job Search indefinitely. If you want nursing experience, apply at LTC facilities, ambulatory clinics, anywhere that employs nurses.

Look at the different hospital system's GN program start dates. You may have to wait until the next class. That's what I had to do. I took the NCLEX in November and I just finished my first week in the GN program. You may need a little patience.

I am in NY and all the GN programs want BSN as well. So, I am working on that and will apply at that time. Until then, I got my medicaid provider number and I worked as a private duty (found my own client) for a couple of months. Then, I managed to get signed with a home care - private duty agency and I now work with them (faster pay and don't have to fret about taxes and withholding). I have found that I like it. I still would like to get that acute care experience eventually, but it's a changing world out there. It's not easy for anybody. Good luck.

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

You need to be looking at much more than just hospital jobs. Is that all you have applied to?

Good lord, you've only been licensed for eight days! Give it some time before you start freaking out.

Don't limit yourself to only applying at hospitals. I know hospitals are a new grad's holy grail, but they are also a sure fire way to extend your job search indefinitely. If you want nursing experience, apply at LTC facilities, ambulatory clinics, anywhere that employs nurses.

I know I'm brand new. It just disheartening because as you go through school all they really talk about is acute care settings. Then when it comes down to real life the job outlook completely different.

Friday was my first day checking out rehab facilities, and LTC. I will definitely not limit myself to hospitals only. Thank you so much for your advice. :up:

I am a new grad as well, and have been looking for a job in South FL since last July when I passed NCLEX!! I have my BSN AND a Bachelors in Health Science and it still took me a ridiculous amount of time to find a job. I only recently got hired for a residency program that starts in a mid-March. I am not telling you this to discourage you, however you need to be aware that your Job Search is likely to be a marathon, not a sprint. In the meantime (and if you can afford it) I would recommend getting ACLS certified and possibly taking an EKG course. I think that really helped me in my job search.

I graduated with a BSN in May of 2012 and I just landed my first nursing job 2 days ago on a hospital psych floor. Nearly 2 years later. I even applied at LTC.

It is truly rough out there for new grads which is something the schools AREN'T telling you. They keep advertising the 'nurses are in high demand' spiel but in reality, it is not the case in this economy. Even with a BSN.

Good luck to you and I guess you'll have to be patient. Especially since you only just started looking.

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

The average new grad RN Job Search takes 6 months to one year, more in tougher markets.

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