New BSN w/ No Experience = No JOB = Frustrated!

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I just need to vent and get some good advice. I am a BSN grad from Fall 2010 and I have been on the job hunt since March after I completed my NCLEX. I recently moved to a one-hospital town with my husband (Air Force) and heard back from the hospital that they did not hire me due to my lack of experience. Im sure many of you have heard this before and have asked yourself and others, "How do I get experience if no one hires me?!!?". I have broadened my horizons, adjusted my expectations and have begun to apply for anything and everything that has RN in the job title. I'm just bummed, frustrated and unsure of how to proceed. I eventually want to go back to school for my NP but have been advised on multiple occasions that it is best to have RN experience first. I agree, but am also considering going back to school just to use this time wisely. It seems as though there are a lot of other folks in a similar situation...hopefully this job market improves soon! Thoughts, words of wisdom? Thanks in advance.

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go do something that will make you stand out as an applicant. think outside the box...

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Wecome to my world, I've been on the hunt for 2 years. Keep at it, we will both get there on day :o)

Also be on the look out for Skills refresher course on a local colleges, might be a good thing to have on the resume. Volunteer never hurt either.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Look for local free clinics in your community. You have an RN license, so use it! It will be volunteer experience, but you can help get your foot in the door in places. Other RN's and physicians may volunteer and may be from local area hospitals - you can establish a rapport that way. You can also look into volunteering with your local Red Cross.

I passed my NCLEX in March and today I was offered a job - I went a little over 2 months without a job once I passed my boards. Do not give up! Do not be picky with the positions - apply anywhere and everywhere and for every type of floor. Even apply for PRN or part-time positions - you can always make your way to becoming full-time. And just because the job description says "x amount of experience preferred" do not let that discourage you! The job that I applied for wanted 2 years of experience, but I still got hired and I am a new grad.

Also, amp your resume! Highlight your skills and experience and why you would make a great asset to the company. Best of luck to you, and do not give up!

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Thanks ya'll! Hopefully something will come my way soon...I'll keep scouring the town for anything and everything RN. Good luck.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

I totally can relate to you! :) I graduated in May 2010 and was not able to find an RN job until March 2011! Almost a full year! I've now been at the hospital a couple months and am glad I stuck it out. The job market IS opening up, at least from what I have seen and heard from RN managers here in MN :) It's so hard to wait, but you WILL get a job. Try not to get too frustrated, just know there are tons of new RNs in the same boat as you! :)

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Thanks, Footballgirl! Im glad you finally got a job. I just had an interview this morning that went really well, so hopefully that job will pan out!

God bless.

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Good luck with the prospective job. Extra difficult when one lives in a place that has limited opportunity.

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The reason it's hard to find a job after your grad is because people don't want to start at a bottom position. You have to work your way to getting on the top. Gain experience, and volunteer. Do research, n observe.There are scholarships that will pay you a stipend and make sure you work for that particular company after you grad. Also, Interns.

That's my advice. Or try nursing homes. Or work at the school in that related field.

MY opinion. Thanks.

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