I want to cry! still can't find a nursing job...

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A cloud of desperation is looming over my head, I am starting to regret the fact that I went to nursing school. I graduated last August (2012), got my license 8 months ago and still no job. Not even one interview. I have applied to over 100 positions already and yet not one call back. I realize that things are hard out there for new grads but I didn't think it would be so bad. I really feel inadequate because I am still not working. My sweet husband has been so supportive during nursing school is probably wondering why can't I find a job, although he is still very supportive, and won't admit that he needs me to step up and help out with the bills. I don't want to give you my whole life story but what can I do to get even one interview? That would surely boost my confidence. Also I should mention that most of my classmates who were able to secure a job had to move out of Massachusetts. I don't have that option because I am taking care of my elderly mother. Is there anything I can do to make my resume more attractive? Any hospital or nursing home you know of that is hiring new grad nurses? SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP!!!!! I am dying here. Any advise would be greatly appreciated...:cry::sour::bluecry1::cry:

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
A cloud of desperation is looming over my head, I am starting to regret the fact that I went to nursing school. I graduated last August (2012), got my license 8 months ago and still no job. Not even one interview. I have applied to over 100 positions already and yet not one call back. I realize that things are hard out there for new grads but I didn't think it would be so bad. I really feel inadequate because I am still not working. My sweet husband has been so supportive during nursing school is probably wondering why can’t I find a job, although he is still very supportive, and won’t admit that he needs me to step up and help out with the bills. I don’t want to give you my whole life story but what can I do to get even one interview? That would surely boost my confidence. Also I should mention that most of my classmates who were able to secure a job had to move out of Massachusetts. I don’t have that option because I am taking care of my elderly mother. Is there anything I can do to make my resume more attractive? Any hospital or nursing home you know of that is hiring new grad nurses? SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP!!!!! I am dying here. Any advise would be greatly appreciated…:cry::sour::bluecry1::cry:

Are you a ADN or BSN

Have you tried Kindred? Kindred Peabody LTAC .....it's a tough place...you will work very hard under extreme conditions but you will learn a TON! you might have to look outside 128.

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Thanks so much for your input, i wil try that!

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:no: i guess i am not alone. We have to keep on trying!
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I will try that! Thank you! i have a BSN btw!

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I would definitely have someone (or a few people) look over your resume. I wasn't getting ANYTHING, but then I had a friend (who looks over resumes/does hiring) help me tweak mine. Within a few weeks I've had 3 interviews (after months of nothing). Also, the advice to call HR departments is good. I know people who have got jobs that way. Call HR or even get ahold of the units you're applying to is possible. If you're like me, you might feel like that's annoying, BUT I think if you are professional and friendly (but persistent) it will pay off. The person I know who got a job that way would just call managers and ask politely, "My name is ________, I was wondering if you are scheduling any interviews for ________ position this week? I would love the opportunity to meet with you." Best of luck! Hopefully we both have jobs soon :)

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I agree that resume and cover letters are essentials for getting job interviews. My classmate was wondering why she wasn't getting any calls for interviews and had me look at her resume and cover letter. I fixed it up for her and within a week she started getting interviews left and right. I would be more than happy to help you with yours.

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I am having the EXACT same problem. I have been graduated since 2012 and I have applied to a TON of jobs and have only had one telephone interview with a card in the mail letting me know that they did not chose me. Way to crush me via snail mail people! I would pretty much work anywhere now. I guess I don't have a strong cover letter and resume, but I sent a lot of time on them- I could use any advice as well. Thank you for posting this- it was helpful for me as well, Sarabella11!!

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I will try that! Thank you! i have a BSN btw!

Any updates?

Gotta let me know I have applied to 250 positions in the last 2.5 months and nothing other than 1 call "screening" interview. I'm starting to get nervous and anxious with each rejections letter. Starting to think maybe something is wrong with my cover letter or resume but I have had a couple career counselor a look at it and say it looks "perfect" but idk.

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Your letter/resume may very well be perfect. It's the market :/

Hang in there! I've been hunting for about 19 months already...... it's rough; not impossible!

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Hi,

It is definitely hard to get past the computer application BUT you should call and talk to the recruiters of the hospital! First apply online to all the jobs that you are interested in. Then do not wait around for them to call you. Call them! If you do not know the number, call the operator of the hospital and tell them that you want to talk to a nurse recruiter.

Talking to the nurse recruiter is your way in to the nurse managers! You might be getting rejected for jobs that you qualify for over the internet by marking something wrong or not marking something. Also, the nurse recruiters know what the nurse managers are looking for. Sometimes, there are jobs that are not posted that only a nurse recruiter knows about.

Ask the nurse recruiter what job positions can you apply for as a new grad. Some units are not hiring new grads and others are. My friend in Cali and is working PRN. But I am in the midwest, at one hospital I interviewed, they were not even hiring new grads for a PRN position. Another hospital in the same region was hiring new grads only fulltime. Some places it is only nights for new grads.

Or like me, I interviewed for a night position and the nurse manager created a day position for me! You just never know! Apply for everything!

Build a relationship with the nurse recruiters of the hospitals or nursing homes in your area. If there is not a job now, then there might be one perfect for you later!

Also, how are your licenses like CPR, PALS, ACLS? If you work on these, this will help you stand out. Sometimes, recruiters are given incentives to recruit nurses who already have these. Also, look into volunteering like for camps or to give shots at flu season. Or you can volunteer at Red Cross. This will help give you experience while you are looking for a job.

Good luck! Stick in there!

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Hi,

It is definitely hard to get past the computer application BUT you should call and talk to the recruiters of the hospital! First apply online to all the jobs that you are interested in. Then do not wait around for them to call you. Call them! If you do not know the number, call the operator of the hospital and tell them that you want to talk to a nurse recruiter.

Talking to the nurse recruiter is your way in to the nurse managers! You might be getting rejected for jobs that you qualify for over the internet by marking something wrong or not marking something. Also, the nurse recruiters know what the nurse managers are looking for. Sometimes, there are jobs that are not posted that only a nurse recruiter knows about.

Ask the nurse recruiter what job positions can you apply for as a new grad. Some units are not hiring new grads and others are. My friend in Cali and is working PRN. But I am in the midwest, at one hospital I interviewed, they were not even hiring new grads for a PRN position. Another hospital in the same region was hiring new grads only fulltime. Some places it is only nights for new grads.

Or like me, I interviewed for a night position and the nurse manager created a day position for me! You just never know! Apply for everything!

Build a relationship with the nurse recruiters of the hospitals or nursing homes in your area. If there is not a job now, then there might be one perfect for you later!

Also, how are your licenses like CPR, PALS, ACLS? If you work on these, this will help you stand out. Sometimes, recruiters are given incentives to recruit nurses who already have these. Also, look into volunteering like for camps or to give shots at flu season. Or you can volunteer at Red Cross. This will help give you experience while you are looking for a job.

Good luck! Stick in there!

What if you have been contacting managers and recruiters but they don't call back. And when I went to "pop in" with a recruiter they shut the door.

I have obtained my BLS CPR, ACLS, pals, NRP, ecg& pharmacology, and my NIH:stroke scale. I have been volunteering for medshare, various local sporting teams as an rn, and a local hospital. Nothing. I started the process for the Red Cross just got to go the orientation.

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I believe that if you are doing everything that you are doing then maybe the right position for you hasn't been available. I believe that in time, it will happen! Keep contacting the recruiters but give yourself two week breaks in between leaving messages. Leave a message with the nurse HR recruiters. After two weeks, call them back, be polite and enthusiastic, and tell them you are interested in nursing position. All you can do at this point is keep volunteering and applying for jobs.

Also, if a nurse recruiter or nurse manager is rude to you and doesn't explain why they are busy or ask you to talk to them at a specific date or time, you have to ask yourself do you really want to work for someone who treats potential employees like that?

The best advice I was ever given about job hunting is to never act desperate if you are. You want to come off persistent and enthusiastic. You sound highly qualified and a catch. Just, remember that you are! Good luck; Good things will come with all this hardwork! :)

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