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hello nurses, my name is Garrett and I received my license back in the beginning of July. I have crafted a resume that make seem as competent as possible with the little experience that I have because I just graduated. The way my instructors talked to us that employers would be throwing themselves at us one we obtain a licenses. It is now almost September and I have yet to even have an interview. of the 30+ places that I have applied to 98% of them require ATLEAST one year experience. How am I to get one year of experience when I can even get into nursing homes and state facilities. Is anyone else having the same issue? what am I to do? what places should I be applying for? and for future reference I am in san Antonio tx. please any advice would be so helpful. thank you.

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Any Assisted Living Facilities in the area?

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Specializes in DOD employee.

I just got a job at a clinic affiliated with a hospital and I've been out of school for a year with no experience. Pay is not more than LTC, but hey, it will get me over that 1 year experience hump! :)

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there are, but since they are the only places that hire with now experience, they are all full staffed. I am on waiting lists for some of them.

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Specializes in Psych, LTC/SNF, Rehab, Corrections.

Here's a few who will hire newish nurses (less than 1 year). Probably won't offer FT but they'll offer PRN, at least:

TriSUN, Regent Care, North gate hlth and rehab, River City, Retama, Memorial Medical (and there's another nursing home in that area that hires new nurses as well), Meridian Care, Buena Vida, Rosewood, Normandy Terrace, etc...?

Staffing and HH hiring with 6 mths experience, at least: Epic, Nurses, Etc... I *think* 'Thank You, Nurses' does, too.

There's a deep shortage in staffing/HH, I know. They're always begging for people.

There are plenty of facilities that actually do need nurses on the floor, believe that. They're just not advertising or specifically looking for newbs. If you want a FT position? You'll likely be passed over in favor of a more experienced nurse and if you're waiting for a FT position to 'open up'? You'll be waiting for months.

So, looking for a FT position may be a bit of a long shot. That's why I suggested PRNs. Take PRN, if offered! PRN actually is steady work. One thing about LTC/SNF/LTAC? People are always calling out. Nurses are always quitting and half of these facilities work with a 'skeleton crew', please believe that. It may not seem that way to you but that's what's going on.

At my facility, we had nurses calling 2-3 days out every week. How do I know? Management bugs the heck out of us, the weekend and night crew, to pull shift for the day staff. We're almost afraid to show our faces at meetings for being caught and cornered, "Uh, do you have any plans for tonight...?" LOL

"Well ... I did have to, uh... "

"Please...because if not, she's going to be working alone...until 7pm."

It's one thing to not answer the phone but when you're face to face with the 'right person' on the job, i.e., the one who knows how to guilt-trip everyone into pulling shift...? LOL It's rough. The 'no' doesn't come out as easily.

We have PRNs but they don't stay. If they're new grads? Sure, they'll ride it out if there's a 'spot' opening up and the competition will be fierce! Other than that? They float off to FT or PT positions, elsewhere. The cycle restarts.

So, you see, there's a constant need.

Of course, we need people but I'm almost afraid to recommend that you try my workplace. I don't even wanna work there, half the time. LOL

Do not fill out an online app. Call ahead to see if they have positions available (before 1100a and after 1p b/c if anyone's going to give a spot interview to you, they'll be available to do it at this time), then DRIVE TO THE FACILITY and fill out an app.

When I had about 2 months of experience, I went to Normandy Terrace. Filled out an app and the receptionist had me wait while she called to the back for someone to interview me. I wasn't expecting that. I didn't get my spot interview, though. Management was gone for the day.

Still, it's something to consider. So, whenever you fill out an app? Be polite to EVERYONE, 'dress to impress' and don't forget your calculator (seriously. many places require that you complete skills/competency tests. they had me doing drip rate calculations and everything else.)*

Lastly? No, employers are not going to 'beat you down' for a job. They have their pick. There are too many new nurses going through the pipeline. There is a shortage of EXPERIENCED nurses. Not 'new' nurses.

To any LVN or RN student reading this thread? I'm strongly advising you to get your CNA, CMA or EMT and work while in school. It may be hard to work and attend school but you'll thank yourself when you're a month out of from graduating with a GVN/GN position in place.

...as I did.

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My only advice...get a hold of everyone you know in the industry and ask them for help. It seems like more and more everyday now it's all about hookups!!! I also heard that rather than applying online try to apply in person. Also job fairs are likely better than just applying online. Good luck!!

For me I started with an agency...

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I agree with affroman.. its all about who you know. Network as much as you can and get to know people in the industry cus they are the ones that can get you in. I got my license a month ago and I've been talking to a friend of mines that works in a hospital before hand, he told me that he was gonna talk to his supervisor, fast forward.. I'm starting next month! So network and network, think of the people you know that might know someone. They usually know the way around. Good luck!

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i hear you. i'm having the same problem and although i have 4 yrs exp. as an MA and phlebotomist it hasn't helped me @ all so far in landing a job. i sent my resume to a bunch of AL and LTC fasilities and nothing. i don't what to do i've reached out to some friends in the field and am waiting to see what happends. it's pretty scary wait to see if you'l land that first interview and hope that it ends in an offer. i don't know what to do. i've personal went to places and still haven't had an opportunity to speak w/anyone from HR. in live in an hr away from NYC upstate in. any suggestions are well here too! :unsure:

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Seasonal flu shot clinics are probably about to start hiring for the season, maybe check into that.

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