Impossible to find a job in this area

Epona · Apr 1, 2009

Good evening. Do you all know of any hospitals in the Hampton Roads, Richmond area that offer fellowships for the new grads.?? I will graduating in a month and would like some 'experience' before I go right onto a floor. I am interested in these paid fellowships. Thank you in advance!!

futurern123 · Apr 4, 2009

Yes the job situation here is terrible! I have had no luck, same as most of my classmates. VHC and INOVA have no positions last I checked. It seems no one wants the new grads! I have looked in every area-I'll take anything at this point.

Epona · Apr 4, 2009

Hi. Epona here again. In reference to the jobs in this area.... I have gotten calls back from all the hospitals I have applied to. Not sure why. The only thing I can attribute it to is that I already have one degree already. With that degree I did a lot of things and had a lot of responsibility in the work I did. The BSN will be my second degree. That's the only thing I can think of, plus I am a little older. Who knows. I have had no trouble though.

kamnan · Apr 7, 2009

This message is for Lynn85... I dont have a way to apply to your message so this is the best I can do regarding your CNMC questions..

Yes, I did apply online. They had new grad recruitment event in Feb that I attended and had the chance to meet with people in person. I gave out my resume and sent thank you cards to everyone I spoke with. It took a long time for me to hear back from them- honestly, I'd ruled it out.

As for experience- I have a bachelors in a different field and am graduating from an associates program in May. I worked for 1.5 yrs as a GNA and have been an LPN since August. So, yes... I do have previous nursing experience. But, I didn't get the sense that this was something they placed great weight on. My experience in nursing is pretty much all geriatrics- so, I think its fair to say I'll be on the same playing ground as everyone else come september when I start... hope this helps!

futurern123 · Apr 7, 2009

Kamna- thanks. I guess I just have to be patient. It's just frustrating. I apply for jobs at CNMC and then the next day I get an email that says the opening you applied for has been filled. I did go to the job fair but this is the the first "real" job I've been looking for and I was completely unprepared, although I did give my resume to someone. I had no idea about the thank you notes, and interview prep skills until I talked to a relative (ugh I felt like an idiot). This is my first degree so I suppose compared with some of the other applicants I am not as qualified. I am getting so discouraged but I guess I just need to remain motivated. I just wish there was someway I could make myself more marketable. I am willing to do anything at this point. Thank you for the advice, I just need to keep at it!

kamnan · Apr 7, 2009

Hi Lynn85- I feel your pain. Its rough out there right now- doesn't matter if you have experience or not. My husband lost his job 5 months ago and has been unable to gain employment... so, yeah... I feel your pain. I'm so thankful to have this position @ CNMC and I know I'm amazingly blessed to have scored such a wonderful position in today's economy. Have hope though- the need for nurses will not go away. This is just a wave. You might not be able to get the job of your dreams right off the bat. I'm actually keeping my position at the nursing home just as a back-up until I'm solidified @ CNMC. You just can't play it too safe right now. I know a lot of people tend to shy away from nursing homes- but I have enjoyed the environment for learning... most of the nurses have been doing this for a long time and usually don't mind showing you the ropes. I wouldn't change it at all that I started out in the nursing home. As for the interview ettiquette stuff... man... I can only say a lot of that you learn from making mistakes, unfortunately. I could take up pages of space here with jobs I've applied for and completely goofed up the interview (and subsequently did not get the job...). Make sure on your resume you list any scholarships you have obtained- if you have a good GPA- be sure to market that. Also, if you have no nursing experience- look at your current jobs and see what "nursing" stuff you already do... like prioritize or educate... there's lots of different things. Hang in there!