Never Going to Find a Job! Is it too late for me?

[lvnjden4ever, R.N.]

I graduated in 2007 with a B.S.N., I lagged on taking the exam for nearly a year.

I took the exam in 2008 and got my R.N. license. However, I also found out I was pregnant during my review class, so after I passed I decided to wait until after the baby was born to find a job.

I started applying for jobs when I was 8 months pregnant. Now my son is 2 months old and NO ONE has even CALLED me! I know the economy sucks now, but I'm just so READY to go out there and pursue my career.

Did I wait too long? I'm no longer a "new grad"...what can I do??? I've tried applying at hospitals and nursing homes...nothing. I've even applied as a nursing assistant...not one single call.

I'm so bummed. Any advice?

[kcalohagirl]

They aren't going to hire you as a nursing assistant. Because you now have "RN" after your name means that you are expected to care for your patients as an RN would, no matter what you title. So a hospital isn't going to hire an "RN" to be a "CNA" because if you did something as a "CNA" that you should have been expected to do as an "RN" (which you have the license to be, even if that's not what you are hired to do) the hospital is liable.

Just keep trying.

A lot of hospitals hire "New grads" at a couple specific times of the year. That is because they can put all the "new grads" together in a couple big orientation classes. Obviously, that cuts down on costs for the hospital and makes their life easier.

Even though you aren't technically a "new grad" anymore because of your graduation date, you are because you don't have any experience.

Keep applying. Someone is going to want to phase you in with one of their "new grad" classes that pop up every summer. Just don't get discouraged. If you can, learn the names of the nurse managers of the departments in which you would like to work. If you have the guts, call them up personally, explain your situation, and tell them why their floor is the ONLY floor you want to work on.

You can make this happen, you just may need to be a little more agressive in marketing yourself.

[L&DWannabe]

HOW are you applying? filling out online applications? You actually have to call Human Resources at the hospitals and ask to speak to the Nurse Recruiter. Getting hired from an online application is like bobbing for apples. Start networking yourself, going in person to Human Resources even. How is your resume? Have you written a good cover letter really talking yourself up? Yes the economy is bad- but you have to do everything you can to get that CONNECTION- that one person who will give you the shoe in. If NOT- then volunteer- it's the quickest way to make friends at the hospital and get some good recommendations. It's not WHAT you know- it's WHO you know! Good luck!