new grad, cant get hired

U.S.A. New Jersey

Published

Hi, I graduated school in december of 07 with a BSN and im having so much trouble finding a job in northern NJ. I passed my test and am waiting on my license. I have only had 2 interviews from numerous resumes ive submitted. It seems they all want experience. I did not go to school in NJ, so im thinking that the hospitals would rather take NJ schooled new graduates because that is was they are familiar with. Not really sure, anyone else having this problem, or can any one get me a job? its pretty frustrating talking to all my friends with jobs from Florida when im jobless

thanks

Specializes in Hospice, ER.

Oddly enough, I was just discussing this subject with a friend of mine who is newly licensed and can't get a job. Call the nurse recruiters at all the places and ask for an interview. You have nothing to lose. The worst they will say is no and I would definately ask why not. Then you can plan your strategy for getting a job. Also, attend every nursing job fair you can, hand out lots of resumes. I did this before graduating LPN school and two years later still get calls and application in the mail. Advance for Nurses has lots of job listings, send out resumes to everyone who interests you in your commuting area.

Good luck all, you will get jobs!

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Specializes in Post Anesthesia.

What are your expectations for a job? Going in to the program someone should have told you nursing is a 24/7 job. You can expect to get a night shift job FT or maybe SFT on a med surg or medical floor. As you gain experience your oppertunities will improve. The nursing shortage isn't as bad here (NE Ohio) as they were predicting but ther are always jobs avail.

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Specializes in CTICU, Interventional Cardiology, CCU.

hey I work at Newark Beth Israel MC in Newark, NJ..I live in NYc and I moved from Philly. I commute 45 min to work, and I work nights I know NBIMC is hiring god knows we need NURSES...Apply through St.Barnabas Health Care Systems they have about 30 hospitals. I was hired 1 day after passing the boards in July...Good luck!!! There are a ton of jobs through St.Barnabas web site hang in there!!

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Specializes in Hospice, ER.

Morettia2 has the right idea. Commuting to a really good hospital will open doors closer to home. Newark Beth Is is one of the best and to have this on your resume is fantastic. Don't give up - you will get hired. Sussex county doesn't have much - just Newton Mem (tiny). I'd bug Morristown Memorial - a very good hospital to learn at. Keep the faith!

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Specializes in Emergency, CV, Resp.

i had almost given up! i am graduating may 1st from a university in tn. i have applied everywhere! :typing i actually work at two of the hospitals i interviewed with. applied and interviewed since feb. i made appointments in nj (where i am from)and came up to interview last week. i did everything i have read about regarding nursing resume's, interview attire, speech, etc. i got 2 job offers !!! i was shocked, but i just wanted to say...just hang in there. a lot of people are hiring now for may grads...don't give up!

:nurse:good luck everyone

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I also cannot get hired. I have my RN, and I am a new grad. It's been about 7-8 weeks now, I have applied to about 7 or 8 hospitals. No official interviews yet. I know my resume and cover letter is good, because my boyfriend's mom (she is a nurse) looked at it, and helped me make a few changes. I believe she also showed it to a colleague of hers.

St. Barnabas Med Center had an open house which I attended the other day, so that was my first time getting to talk to someone. But they had to make it very brief, so I only spoke to a nurse manager for maybe 5 minutes.

I know it takes time, but I am antsy and don't want information to seep out of my brain, haha. I am trying to refresh my knowledge watching these nursing ATI DVDs I got in nursing school. And I am looking over popular med/surg medication cards.

Hope something comes through for me, and whoever else is also searching. :bowingpur:nurse:

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Specializes in Emergency, CV, Resp.

If anyone is interested I can tell you some of the questions I was asked on my interview, it lasted about 30 minutes. Also, if you would like info on the most up to date criteria for nursing resume and cover letters, check out:

http://www.nursing.umich.edu/studentresources/resumes/resume_guide.pdf

This was very helpful. Also during my nursing management rotation we were taught several points in interviewing; never wear open toe shoes, jeans, or prints. Try a solid pant suit with a solid colored shirt. Avoid heavy makeup, perfume, and/or jewelry. You are a nurse, look the part for an interview. Clean unpolished short nails are acceptable, avoid artificial nails (many hospitals have banned them). Avoid discussing family, spouse, and children, as they cannot ask you those questions anyway. Do bring a resume preferrably on resume paper including a cover letter. An atache case or briefcase is a nice touch, very professional. Bring something to take down brief notes; such as pay, shifts available, benefits which also makes you look attentive and interested. I chose to bring a portfolio; this may include your statement of belief (nursing), letters of recommendation, clinical evaluations, awards, community service, photos from SNA events, letters from staff or patients in appreciation, a transcript of your grades, and an additional copy of CPR and resume in back (just incase). This WOW'd my interviewer. It looks very prepared and well organized. You can buy this type of cover/pages at walmart. Avery makes a good one with a clear cover.(which comes with a free online creator) You can also google "nursing portfolio", for great ideas!

Some of the questions were very difficult, luckily I had a few interviews prior, so I had some time to ponder my answers. If anyone wants more info...let me know. Good luck!:D

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Well, I must tell you, I can totally relate. Graduated in 8/06, passed my boards, had a baby and now trying to get into the field again and I cant find a job either..oh I live on Long island, have applied all over and the city too, had 1 interview!! How is a new grad supposed to get experience when no one will hire you :( Please help..

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My wife went through the exact same thing 8+ years ago as a new grad. She must have sent resume's to 20 different hospitals and didn't get one response. She eventually had to accept a job at a nursing home just to get some kind of nursing experience on the resume. After 5 months she reapplied to a local hospital and was hired immediately. She stayed there for 4 years and then moved to a better hospital making much more money with better benefits. She's very happy where she works now. She has watched hospitals train new nurses, only to have these nurses leave after 4 - 6 months for a higher paying job. It takes a lot of time and money to train a new graduate. She went to an open house yesterday for a per diem position and they were looking for experience. Once again she was hired almost immediately. Hospitals are taking a large financial risk hiring a new graduate. My advice is to apply to a nursing home, rehabilitation center, or assisted living. It may not be your dream job, but it is a start. Many nurses would like to work full time. If you are offered a part time or per diem position , take it. Take the evening and night time positions if offered, you can always transfer to your desired shift when an opening becomes available. The most important thing is to get your foot in the door.

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Specializes in MICU/SICU.

I've applied to 19 hospitals...can't get a job. Join the club. So much for the "nursing shortage":uhoh3:.....too many hospital closings mean too many out-of-work experienced nurses, I guess. why would a hospital hire one of us new grads when they can get ten experienced displaced nurses instead?

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Specializes in ER/EHR Trainer.

So sorry you are having troubles....it's only going to get worse in NJ. I have heard that the governor wants to close 25 hospitals in NJ to save funding. This is impacting nursing on many fronts. In the past few months several hospitals have closed or cut services, leaving many experienced nurses looking for work. They are filling positions quickly, leaving very slim pickings for new grads. In my ER, we were just informed that they are cancelling agency, and travelers. Something that would've been unheard of two years ago! Unless nurses start getting together like in California, we are going to be in for a bumpy ride with salaries.

JMHO

Maisy

Good luck to all of the seekers. Take anything, get experience.

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Specializes in MICU/SICU.

Thanks, Maisy. Good (and scary!) advice. four of the hospitals I applied to, though not officially closed and reported as such in the media, have "applied to the state for closing", as stated by their human resources directors. Where are all these patients supposed to go? At Muhlehberg Hospital, I was told by an administrator that 75% of theiri patients had no money and no health insurance. When Bush cut the federal money to help hospitals like Muhlenberg (money that was supposed to compensate hospitals for complying with the new law that they could not turn away patients due to lack of ability to pay), they had no choice but to close. Naturally Bush didn't rescind the law forcing hospitals to treat these people, just the money.:uhoh3::madface::down: Thanks for responding.

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