I am an RN, BSN, looking for a position in the Chicago IL suburbs area

Tankweti · Jun 26, 2014

At the hospital where I work (not as an RN, was never able to get an interview in the saturated northeast where I live) they have postings that sit around for YEARS that are never filled. They are quicker to hire IT people than nurses. I asked my supervisor why they do this and she said that she thought the job postings were like a wish list. In other words, you would like to buy a new dress but you know you can't afford it but put it on your list anyhow. (She has been working there for 30 years, so I guess she understands their mentality). I would assume that if they found a nurse who appeared to be a perfect fit, then they would jump to hire her but otherwise they can wait forever. It is no skin off their nose that nurses, both new grads and experienced, need jobs, it is not their problem. Their general attitude to employees is "Be thankful u on have a job in this economy.- " have actually heard supervisors say this to very good, committed employees.

KeepItRealRN, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2014

Since you graduated in May with your BSN then you might still qualify as a new grad, which is way better than being seen as an RN who graduated in 2012 and hasn't worked in a hospital.

What makes a huge difference in this industry is who you know. Since you are a fairly new nurse and have just moved to the area, you probably don't have any connections. You need to put yourself in a position to make connections. Are there any professional organizations in your area? The local chapter of AACN is a place to start if you want to work in ICU. If you want NICU or PICU then find a similar organization that is focused on PEDS.

In my area AACN meets once a month, and for 60 bucks/year at the meetings you get a presentation and a meal. You also get to mingle with nurses who are actually working in the field. If you are a friendly outgoing person you should be able to establish some meaningful connections that might get you an "in" with a nurse manager at one of the hospitals on your list.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jun 26, 2014

Since you graduated in May with your BSN then you might still qualify as a new grad, which is way better than being seen as an RN who graduated in 2012 and hasn't worked in a hospital.
What makes a huge difference in this industry is who you know. Since you are a fairly new nurse and have just moved to the area, you probably don't have any connections. You need to put yourself in a position to make connections. Are there any professional organizations in your area? The local chapter of AACN is a place to start if you want to work in ICU. If you want NICU or PICU then find a similar organization that is focused on PEDS.
In my area AACN meets once a month, and for 60 bucks/year at the meetings you get a presentation and a meal. You also get to mingle with nurses who are actually working in the field. If you are a friendly outgoing person you should be able to establish some meaningful connections that might get you an "in" with a nurse manager at one of the hospitals on your list.

I respectfully disagree about the OP being a 'new grad'. While I wish her well, she is an experienced RN without acute care experience. 'New Grad' status is someone who has just passed their boards and has not held a position as an RN yet.

Keep plugging OP- the timeline for getting hired gets longer all the time. It is also the end of the fiscal year- and that can muddy the waters as far as hiring as well.

KeepItRealRN, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2014

I respectfully disagree about the OP being a 'new grad'. While I wish her well, she is an experienced RN without acute care experience. 'New Grad' status is someone who has just passed their boards and has not held a position as an RN yet.
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I realize that technically she is not a new grad as defined by someone who just took their NCLEX, but she is a new grad as defined by just getting a shiny new BSN. A hospital is less likely to look at her as a nurse who has been out of school for 2 years without acute care experience which is a worse position to be in.

NatalieM22 · Jun 26, 2014

Wow what a great idea! Thank you, I can't believe I didn't think of this :up: I have wanted to join a professional organization for a while... I already emailed my local AACN chapter AND local NANN chapter...Thanks again!

KeepItRealRN, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2014

If you do indeed join one of those organizations and you like it, don't be afraid to run for office. That looks great on a resume and also puts you in a position to network with even more people. In my local chapter you don't need to be a "practicing" ICU nurse to run for office. In fact a couple of years ago a nurse who was fairly fresh out of school became President of our local chapter.

To do Secretary, Treasurer, VP or President does not require bedside clinical experience, what it requires is that you have organizational skills like being able to herd cats.