Job searching tips?

[Shelly7913]

Hi, I just recently graduated from nursing school! I've applied to almost 10 hospitals now with not much luck yet :\

The hospitals that are 'unconsidering' me say I don't meet their requirements. I'm not exactly sure what I'm not meeting, but I think it's because of my lack of nursing experience.

In their requirements they list, "Minimum of 1 year of relevant clinical experience." Does this mean they want actual, prior nursing experience? Because when I applied to them, I assumed my caregiving and clinical rotation experience would meet this.

Any tips though? I feel like I'm doing something wrong with my resume and cover letter, since it's taking a little longer than I thought.

Here is my resume (I wasn't sure how to upload it on here):

NAME, RN

MY ADDRESS

E-MAIL â–ª PHONE NUMBER

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, NAME OF SCHOOL, LOCATION â–ª May 2015

· Cumulative GPA: 3.73/4.0 (Cum Laude)

NURSING STUDENT INTERNSHIP

NAME OF HOSPITAL, LOCATION â–ª Telemetry â–ª Summer 2014

· Demonstrated the ability to remain calm and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team in critical patient situations; initiated rapid responses due to changes in patient's health status

· Strengthened skills regarding assessment, nursing diagnosis, implementation, and evaluation and tailored these skills according to patients' unique needs and beliefs

· Prioritized and promptly attended to patient needs to deliver the upmost safe and holistic care

NURSING STUDENT CLINICAL ROTATIONS

NAME OF HOSPITAL, LOCATION â–ª Medical-Surgical, Obstetrics, and Pediatrics â–ª Spring 2015

· Developed comprehensive nursing care plans and effectively multi-tasked to assist up to 6 patients per shift

· Contributed to the education of couples regarding self-care and care of their newborns

HEALTHCARE-RELATED EMPLOYMENT

Caregiver, NAME OF FACILITY, LOCATION â–ª Summer 2013, 2014, and 2015 to present

· Assists residents with varying degrees of Alzheimer's disease in activities of daily living and personal care

· Creates an environment of safety and comfort for the residents; performs hourly rounds and initiates codes to acute incidents such as falls and head injuries

· Advocates for the residents by observing for signs of mental and/or physical deterioration in health and reports them to the supervisor

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, NAME OF SCHOOL, LOCATION â–ª Fall 2012 to Spring 2014

· Participated in a coeducational national service organization that advances members' skills in leadership and teamwork through projects serving the campus and surrounding community

· Accumulated over 100 hours in engagement of service, leadership, and fellowship-related events

Mentorship Program, NAME OF SCHOOL, LOCATION â–ª Spring 2014

· Provided guidance and support to a first semester Nursing student

· Offered personal methods of time management and organization to succeed in classes

HONORS

Lambda Sigma Sophomore Honor Society, NAME OF SCHOOL, LOCATION â–ª Fall 2012 to Spring 2013

· Engaged in a National Honor Society that promotes leadership, scholarship, fellowship, and service

· Collaborated within the service committee to formulate service projects for the organization

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION

· Registered Nurse (RN), IL ▪ May 2015 to present

· Basic Life Support (BLS) certified by American Heart Association ▪ June 2015 to present

[2k15NurseExtern4u, BSN, RN]

Have you considered applying for new grad residency programs? Most major hospitals have such programs and the admit 2-3 times a year.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Unfortunately, 'relevant nursing experience' is not the same as clinical rotations. You are not a nurse while you are in school. New grad / no experience required positions are what you should be looking for.

Good luck in your search.

[Oceanpacific]

I wouldn't list your clinical rotations on your resume. Every nurse has completed clinical rotations. Change "upmost" to "utmost"

A year of relevant clinical experience starts after you are finished with school.

I really believe in making a job search your full time job right now. Put 40 hours per week into your search. Apply in person even if you are meeting HR people only. Call nurse recruiters. Customize your resume for each job you are applying for (can't lie, but can focus on what the employer is seeking).

Be willing to relocate to another part of the country. Good luck