New Grad, Can't Get Hired?

Nurses Job Hunt

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Hello!

I am a RN-BSN graduate from an accredited school of nursing class of 2016. I moved across the country upon graduation and got licensed in my new state in February 2017 (It took a while due to multiple long issues with the BON).

I graduated with honors and have 1,200 clinical hours and a 300 hour capstone. I have multiple letters of reference, a nice resume, and a nice cover letter. I've had old professors and preceptors look over all of my resumes/papers, and they say everything looks great. I also feel like I do well in social situations, ace all of my interviews (according to the people who interview me?) and generally people take a liking to me.

I have applied to most places within an hour of me, every position, every availability, everything I can find. I'm applying for about ~30 positions a day, and about 50% automatically tell me no. I also always check to see when new positions have opened that I can apply to. I get called in for interviews for a few positions...but not many. Interviews seem to go well, they act very pleased with me and interested in me, tell me they can't wait to see me next, then I get letters that another candidate was hired. Its been four months so far and none of my interviews have come to fruition. I am worried I will have to apply for a license in another state and start searching for jobs elsewhere.

One thing I keep getting is "We're looking for someone with more experience", but my last interview said they preferred New grads. I did two interviews (nurse manager and peer), and shadowed with them. The way they were speaking to me it sounded like they had already decided to hire me. They told me to look for a call from them the following week. Instead I received a letter stating "another application has been chosen...".

Is there anything I can do? Anything I am doing wrong? I feel I am getting so discouraged and stressed. I spend hours prepping for every interview, and the interviews keep going so well but then I don't get hired. I am so excited to start working, even anywhere, I don't care at this point, but every day I check my application statuses and see "another candidate has been chosen".

Specializes in oncology, MS/tele/stepdown.

Philadelphia has a lot of nursing schools and consequently a lot of their own new grads, plus everyone coming to work from South Jersey and Delaware. I would look in surrounding areas rather than in Philadelphia specifically.

Specializes in med-surg, IMC, school nursing, NICU.
Hi! I moved to NJ! One of the Nurse Managers I interviewed with said the NJ BON is notorious for taking MONTHS to process applications (Even though I was calling them every 2 weeks).

The nurse manager was 100% correct.

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

In most places, nursing homes are usually hiring. I have worked in one myself. Think outside the box. Also consider moving if you can, to an area less saturated with new grads.

Thanks for the advice and encouragement! I'll make sure to stay on top of the position openings so I hopefully don't miss any opportunities. And hopefully by 7 months I won't be having this worry!!

Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVICU.

Yeah, I think most of the better options have been covered: SNF/Rehab/NH or different location. Larger cities may seem like they have more opportunities for new grads and have new graduate programs, but the sheer number of applicants makes them ridiculously competitive (not that you aren't competitive). I'm sorry things haven't been going well for you. Currently working in Upstate NY (though only for one more month before I move), I can tell you that it is very easy to get a job as a new graduate in Med/Surg, Tele, even ICU. Maybe not your preferred location, but there are places out there. One year of hospital (hell even 6 months) can make it much easier to get a job in your desired location. Your NJ license is likely valid for a few years, so it will still be there if you want to move back if you go somewhere else.

Hi! It seems like Nursing homes are the #1 piece of advice I'm getting here, so I'm definitely going to start applying to all the ones in my area! Originally I was a bit afraid that being a young new grad and immediately taking a job at a nursing home would look bad on my resume for future employment, but seeing as everyone is recommending it I'm going to follow the advice of all you older and wiser nurses :) Thank you!

For my own personal reference: did you work as a CNA before graduating as a nurse?

Don't rely on online applications. When I was hired during the recession, I had to find a reason to go to HR in person. Putting a face to your application will hopefully land you more interviews.

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Four months is not long at all for a new grad Job Search. In this job market, it takes months or even longer to land that first new grad job.

Make sure your net is as broad as possible: apply to anything and everything, even if it's not your desired specialty. Even if it's not acute care. Even if you have to commute and/or relocate to an area with more opportunities. Keep in mind that New Jersey likely has nurses from all over the Tri-State area plus PA commuting to work, so you've got lots of competition for those jobs.

The one thing worse than being a new grad is being an old new grad, because your chances of getting hired plummet the longer it's been since graduation. Any nursing experience is better than no experience.

Keep at it and best of luck.

Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

Yes, the NJ BON is a nightmare and takes a long time to do anything at all.

Please do call or write when you have an interview that went well and you didn't get the job and ask for feedback. Just any feedback they can offer at all to help you.

I live in NJ and it took me a few months. If you are in South Jersey, apply for positions in Delaware and get reciprocity there. Good luck!

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to a different forum

Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.

Try Urgent Care Centers. My former employer has some in your location. Great job to get your feet wet!

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