Job Hunt...VENT

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 24, 2008

Well I began applying for jobs last month as I graduate in 3 weeks. I have applied to 13 hospitals and over 20 positions and haven't heard from anyone. I am getting frustrated. I keep hearing of hiring freezes and budget cuts and I am beginning to wonder if I will be able to find a job any time soon.....ugh I thought finding a nursing position was going to be easy!

I was going to ask you why you waited so long to start looking for jobs but you answered my question with the last sentence. Most New Grads who have jobs before graduation started applying months ago. I too have three weeks until I graduate, but I applied for a job at the beginning of September after I talked to hiring mangers this past summer. In any case, I landed my first choice a few weeks ago. So, the entire process was about 4-6 months! Therefore, if you do not hear from anyone it might be because you waited too long and all of the positions are filled until January or February, or there is a hiring freeze right now, or you might hear from them in several weeks after HR has processed your application (My HR can take about 2 months to process applications that are not from internal candidates). GL!

luvs2readlotsRN · Nov 25, 2008

I graduate in 3 weeks too and did the same as the previous poster. I spent all of August applying/talking to recruiters/interviewing and shadowing on floors I was interested in at local hospitals. By Oct 1st I had 3 job offers. Am set to start my GN position the first week of January. If you've applied on-line and havent heard from any one in HR call them and ask to speak to a recruiter. I applied on-line, waited 5 days, didnt hear from anyone and called HR and spoke to the recruiters. They had me interviewing/shadowing by the end of the week. Good luck and keep us posted!

PS...are you on the coasts? Seems to be taking folks longer to get hired out there..from what I've seen posted on allnurses.com. I'm in the midwest so that might be making a difference. Will keep you & your job search in my prayers!

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 25, 2008

How much follow up are you doing? I would be calling and writing follow up letters to see if my applications were received and being reviewed by the proper managers/people. Do NOT give up. Don't just sit there and wait......follow up! Something will pan out!