Need advices for New Nurse Grad

[Newyorker]

Dear fellow nurses,

Though this seems all too familiar to nurses who already graduated, but want to emphasize that I worked very very hard to get into the nursing program, complete the program, Pass Nclex. Now I am a RN nurse.

But where are the jobs for new grads Every job post for RNs asks for at least one year nursing experience.

Besides the clinical classes in different hospitals as a part of the nursing program, I never worked in hospital or for that matter any health related careers.

Only those students in my class who have connections in the hospitals either through their parents, relatives and friends have gotten a job. Everybody else is lamenting how nurse recruiters are discriminating.......

In short, here are the some points I want to ask all my fellow nurses;

(1) Are there any jobs for new grad who doesn't have any experience in health care besides the clinical classes?

(2)If not is there any way I can build up my experience through whatever means in health profession?

(3) I know there exists some forms of discrimination or nepotism in any professions. But are these practices are chronic among nurse recruiters?

(4) Should I continue my studies in nursing pursing BSN and if so what colleges or universities in NYC?

[Divest]

First off, I want to wish you good luck in finding a job. It's tough out there, and I'm well aware that nursing is no exception. I, too, will be finishing nursing school in about a year here, but I'm already getting contacts for jobs. I can safely say that I will be employed within two months of my graduation, if not less. Here's how I've done it so far:

1) Talking and networking. You don't understand how important this is, not just for nursing, but for life in general. Don't be shy! If you're out doing something, strike up a conversation with a stranger, why the hell not! You never know who you're going to meet. I've gained a few contacts with hospital HR just by befriending a few nurses and CNAs who have decent reputations at their jobs.

2) Volunteer. I don't know about you, but I love helping old people. I frequently volunteer at convalescent homes and the residents and staff love me there. The administrator is always telling me that once I graduate nursing school, she would LOVE to bring me on as a new grad. If you're really passionate about this, get some random volunteer hours in and chat with the staff there. Be friendly to everyone and most importantly - SMILE!

3) Make friends with your fellow nursing students. I can't stress this enough. Those friends and family connections will open to you if you make those friends. Plus, your fellow nursing students will be more willing to share contacts with you if you've got a good relationship with them.

Just some helpful tips here for you. I wish you the best of luck!

[PG-15, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN, APN, NP]

You are not alone in this situation. I graduated december 2008 and took the nclex in feburary 26th. I have been searching for a job in the new jersey new york area for almost six months now. I have not been sucessful as of yet and I started the BSN program this summer. I would encourage you to keep looking and believe GOD for the best as this is a very difficult time for many of us.

[ukstudent]

I am not too sure I would call it nepotism. Although they may be some. Your fellow students that have contacts within the hospitals probably have a better resume than you, because they can get recommendations from those contacts. Are you sure that they did not have more than contacts though. Could they have been the students that had part time jobs as CNA's in the hospitals, or have volunteered in them.

If you look back to past posts you would see that even 2 years ago, ASN new grads had a hard time finding jobs in New York. Now, even BSN new grads are finding it difficult with a lot of hospitals in the Country having hiring freezes and budget cuts.

So what should you do! If you have a idea of what hospital and department you want to work in the see if you can call and talk to the mamager him/herself. Ask if they would let you shadow. Ask if you could volunteer. You need to get your face known, your work ethic known and your depenability known. This way you can stand out from the other hundred's of applicants when a job does open up.

If you don't mind relocating, then there are parts of America that still need new grads.

If you can afford to stay in school, then yes getting your BSN will be a help in the future. Good luck in your job search.