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.
How many employers have you visited in person? You might get further if you go in person instead of wasting your time with online applications that just get tossed into the cyberspace trashcan.
i previously thought this was taboo... i thought you'd be better off applying for posted jobs.
but TODAY i went out and pounded the payment and started visiting places with resumes in hand. it went very well, people where more open and receptive than i expected.
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!
Thanks for luck,
I didn't know DFW was saturated, but that figures.
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!
Thanks I hadn't thought of outpatient dialysis... I'll start going by there too.
I've yet to get a job by applying online. When I first moved to Austin, I put my scrubs and showed up, resume in hand, and said "here I am, I am ready to work today." Granted I've been a nurse since 1991 but for several years prior to my move I'd been off bedside, so I really wasn't that marketable.
If you can work nights, especially weekends, you are way more attractive to managers. If you can tell them, "I know you're taking a risk hiring me as a GN, but I can commit to every weekend and holiday night for the next 12 months" that would make you a stand out in the crowd.
I did this yesterday for 1st time, I should have done it from beginning, it's best advice THANKS
And yea, I'm totally willing to to any shift, days, holidays, etc.
I hope so... anyway, UPDATE --> I got a Phone interview next week for awesome local hospital that'd I do just about anything to work for.
And I got 2 home health agencies that told me to "come by." I'm not sure how home health would work as a new grad, it's not my first choice, but I'd be willing to do it... I'm just concerned about their training.
This post is very helpful and encouraging. As a new grad, I've been looking since may for a job. I've gotten one e-mail reply, and it was a rejection. It seems the places around my area don't even send automated emails. I wonder if they have even gotten my resume and app half the time. After reading this post though, I've decided I'm going to start going to hospitals to hand in my resume personally. Until this point, I've been mailing my resumes, and like others have said, was not putting a face to it. I'm not a very outgoing person and think I've subconsciously been putting off going to hospitals because I'm afraid someone will be rude or I'll be rejected. But it's time now to step it up. With the way the economy is, we have to stand out somehow! You all are very encouraging :)
RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN
1,060 Posts
Just try to message me when and if you can. I will be able to help you if
you choose.