i'm at a loss, 300+ applications without an interview?

[kalop_rn]

I'm a new grad RN (adn) applying for ANY, yes ANY, RN job in greater DFW Texas area over last 6 weeks. No, I can't move... family obligations. I'm even applying now to tech jobs, GN jobs, intern, extern, home health, hospitals, hospice, craigslist, and everything I can possibly find... EVERYTHING.

I got one email that told me I was over qualified for a tech job for $12 an hour. At least she was nice to reply w/an email instead of some generic auto-bot responder. I'm in the oldest catch 22, can't get experience because I have none. UGH UGH UGH

I'm at a loss of what to do next. I've passed nclex on first try, I've got the RN degree with great GPA, but can't get a job. I haven't had a single interview. I'm about to be living in my car.. or maybe a relative out-house or something. I just don't know what else to do. I'm so depressed... I've seen this following generic email in my inbox so many times i've lost count....

"We have not yet made a selection for the position for which you applied. However, because we have several applicants whose backgrounds relate more closely to our present requirements, we wish to inform you that we are not considering you further for this position."

How do you like that? They haven't picked their candidate, but they know it's not me, without even as a much of a phone call or interview.

Totally depressed. Lost. Don't know what to do.

[MariahCareyizQUEEN!]

I'll bring the blades..you bring the lemon juice!...JK...but i dont know how true it is but I heard that Dallas/Ft.Worth area is SATURATED with nurses trying to get a job and nurses already with a job. Not to mention that metropolitan area has the highest growth increase within the last decade. Its not YOU it's the area that you are in which is making the competition stiffer. Since you are obligated to the are because you have a family you can try lookin for a job in the outskirts of the metro area thats like a 45 minute drive to and from, that might increase your chances in the boondies...Or you can try applying for a job in another state that will give you a sign on bonus so if you move you will have some "cushion" to last you through the moving and settling phase. Good luck!

[nyteshade, BSN]

You are not the only one. Truth is, many places post job openings, and already have a candidate in mind. The secret of that candidate? He/she knew the right person.

If I were you I'd think about joining a club, attending a CE/job fair, or maybe going back to your school and talking with your instructors.

Years ago, a nurse manager admitted to me that she only picked people she knew.

Recruiters honestly do not sort through 1000's of applications, put a face to the name.

[KB24]

Go apply in person so they can put a face to your application.

You can also find out who the nurse manager is and talk to her/him.

I learned early on knowing people in health care and networking will get you a step ahead on most candidates.

[Flo., BSN, RN]

I'm so sorry that you are going through this. When I graduated last year it took a move across country and about 5 months to land a job. The thing that helped the most was I made a connection with a department head at a free education offering the hospital was having. She gave me the name, phone number and email address of the nurse recruiter who I emailed constantly! In my area the nurse recruiters are really hard to get a hold of, as in don't call us we will call you. But I called, emailed and just generally bugged him. I got an call about a month later saying "ok kid, I got you in for an interview. So just keep on trying and if you can get the personal email to a recruiter. Good Luck!

[fungez]

I'm really sorry. I just moved from Austin to Keller and nurse recruiters are not calling back (I'm used to that but I still hate them for it) and even agencies are not calling back. This is for PRN jobs, very low risk for the facility.

If it were me, I'd print out my resume and hit the doctor's offices. I'm assuming doc offices still employ RN. It's a little off the beaten path, and they might hire since I doubt they'd spend 14 weeks or whatever insane amount of time they're taking now to train RNs.

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

I agree with the posts above. You're not going to get a job by only sitting behind a computer churning out resumes and applications. You need to go mingle with those in a position to hire. Network, network, network!!

[fungez]

Or...maybe Oklahoma? Yeah, the commute would suck but you could do three days in a row spend nights there. Friday, Saturday, Sundays would make you very marketable.

[Asystole RN]

The way I found my NG job about a year ago was looking small. I pulled the Medicare list of all the LTC facilities in my State and started driving to them. Many/most of the them do not have websites or online applications and are very small so they are difficult if not impossible to find online. Once I did that I found a job with my 2nd application.

[mfrancisco]

I am starting school in a few weeks, and just had lunch with my friend that is an RN. We were talking about the horrible job market (SF Bay Area), and she said don't even bother applying online when I graduate. Go directly to the hospitals, and personally hand your resume to the Nurse Managers, even if you have to be a pest. Also, find out who the nurse recruiters are and see them in person, too. There are soooo many online applications, so it is not that something is wrong with you at all. Network.

[fuuchan]

Have you guys looked into Davita Dialysis? I know a girl who got hired with them right out of school. Granted, this was in FL but when I was job searching I saw plenty of postings taking new grads in TX. Good luck!

[NewTexasRN]

I feel your pain. Hugs and kisses for you! I relentlessly searched for 6 months. Did hundreds of applications and got no response. I finally decided to relocate to Texas. Can you relocate to another state even if it means you have to be away from friends and family for a year or two? Good luck. I will keep you in my prayers.