new grad, cant get hired

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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 ER/EHR Trainer.

What really annoys me is that the programs are not being truthful to those applying. In 2006, I ran into a former professor while shopping and told her I was working in northern NJ in the ER. She told me she was glad for me, but that the rest of my class had not been so fortunate. Even then, the marketplace was drying up in northern nj. The professors were concerned then, yet a weekend program was added to their full time and night program-adding to the glut of nurses who may not be able to work. Personally, I think it is irresponsible of the colleges.

With hospitals closing and providing a float pool of experienced nurses, it will be tough for new nurses to get the areas they want, and they will definately have to go where the jobs are. The average cost of training a brand new grad to the ER is approximately 40K-you do the math...I'd want experience too!

I am not surprised they are looking for BSN degree nurses, however, even in my short experience....if I were hiring it would be a diploma or ADN nurse....unless the BSN had practical experience. They repeatedly fail our ER orientations....and don't seem to have the clinical skill necessary to keep up and understand practical application to practice. Sometimes it is just plain scary! Case in point, my daughter and her friend are sending me emails regarding pharmacology....their professor has no idea how to explain physiological reactions to medications, or the patient scenarios she distributes to the students. Her excuse....hasn't been a floor nurse for a very long time, doesn't remember. HUH? So I explain relationships to them. Memorization does not a nurse make.

Before I get flamed, that's just been my experience....I am afraid my daughter may be getting that same kind of education. NOT GOOD!

Anyway, to those of you still in school. Get an externship, work in the hospital, apply to the ER's as a clinical technician, ride in an ambulance, work in a clinic. Anything that gives you an edge and can be seen as experience will get you hired faster and perhaps in an area in which you have interest.

Maisy

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It's been 2 months of applying so far as a new grad, about 8 or 9 hospitals. I didn't want to look at south jersey, or super far north NJ, but I may have to now. I've only gone to St Peter's in New Brunswick open house, and St. Barnabas open house- those were the only 2 times I've had "interviews" so far.

I don't know what to do anymore, but look at other areas of NJ. part of me just wants to go back to school for my BSN now, and try to do babysitting part-time or something. I don't know how long I can wait anymore.

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Specializes in MICU/SICU.

Agreed.

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Have you guys looked into nursing homes or LTC? I know hospital experience is preferred, but just to have something???

I'm going to be moving to NJ soon, but since graduating in DEC and being a new grad myself, I haven't found a job here in FL only because I can't do 12 hour shifts and that's all that's offered here. I'm going to start at nursing homes this week just to get a job, just to work so that will help me in finding a job in NJ when I move.

I'm not planning on staying there for long, for about a year or so before all my family moves out to OH.

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Hi 206Bones! Are you a Diploma nurse or a BSN? So far 3 of the hospitals I've applied to in NY want only new nurses with BSNs. I have a diploma :scrying:

Keep looking. There ARE facilities that will hire a nurse from a diploma program. I am in a diploma program and I accepted a position for a summer externship program at a very well known hospital in NYC. During my 2nd interview, I was told that they and surrounding hospitals have hired students from my school. I know that one thing that managers look for is experience in the medical field other than clinical experience during your schooling. Im not sure which category you are in but, keep looking. Dont give up.

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Specializes in M/S, Infectious Dieases, Pediatrics/NICU.
Not true about central NJ hospitals. A few of my fellow classmates, we graduated in Jan. 08, are unable to get jobs in Mercer County. They have applied to most of them in the area and not one has called them back for an interview. I don't know what's going on up there. These hospitals have jobs posted on their websites, but are not hiring new grads for whatever reason. Now like others have said, they are coming up against the May 08 graduates, which I'm assuming most have applied for jobs already.

Looking at Capitol Health Systems web-site to verify it, and they have over 60 positions availalbe. The only thing they wont do is hire new grads for one department. (ex: New Born Nursery is VERY hard to get into.they may hire 1 or 2) So if the one you want is not availalbe they will tell you about others and then after 6 months of being in that one specific area, you can transfer. It is what I did when I graduated in January of 2007. The HR department are not the most put together of staff, but call again and I know that they will take new grads. RWJ is a little more difficult as they have set a cap on the number of new grads they will hire and St. Francis never gets back to anyone. lol.. Hope this helps.

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Specializes in MICU/SICU.
Looking at Capitol Health Systems web-site to verify it, and they have over 60 positions availalbe. The only thing they wont do is hire new grads for one department. (ex: New Born Nursery is VERY hard to get into.they may hire 1 or 2) So if the one you want is not availalbe they will tell you about others and then after 6 months of being in that one specific area, you can transfer. It is what I did when I graduated in January of 2007. The HR department are not the most put together of staff, but call again and I know that they will take new grads. RWJ is a little more difficult as they have set a cap on the number of new grads they will hire and St. Francis never gets back to anyone. lol.. Hope this helps.

Thank you aeronurs!:nuke: What hospitals are Capitol Health Systems? I've never heard of them.

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Specializes in M/S, Infectious Dieases, Pediatrics/NICU.

They are Capitol Health Systems at Fuld (formally Helene Fuld) and Capitol Health Systems at Mercer (Formally Mercer MEdical). Mercer is moving in a year or two to Hopewell NJ, Mercer is known for its maternity and Pediatrics, where Fuld has the Trauma unit (Pediatric and STU).

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Specializes in MICU/SICU.

:heartbeat

They are Capitol Health Systems at Fuld (formally Helene Fuld) and Capitol Health Systems at Mercer (Formally Mercer MEdical). Mercer is moving in a year or two to Hopewell NJ, Mercer is known for its maternity and Pediatrics, where Fuld has the Trauma unit (Pediatric and STU).

:heartbeatYou're the best! :yeah: Thank you.

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Specializes in pediatrics, oncology.
NJ doesn't recognize GN's anymore. You have to be licensed to work anywhere as a nurse, LPN or RN.

Really? So I won't get a job till I pass the NCLEX?

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Specializes in Emergency, CV, Resp.

No, that is not true.. They do not recognize GN's anymore, however you may work as an intern and do your orientation as you await boards. This is what I am doing now. Then when you pass, you get full RN status changed, and my hospital raises you a dollar an hour in pay at that point too.

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Specializes in ED.

Hi,

I have also problem to get job even in NYC. I got my license in April 08 and apply job all over New York state but so far I have three interviews and they did not call back. I do not know,how long it will take to put my feet in the Hospital scrub. wish you all good luck.

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