New Grad / Difficult time

Nurses Career Support

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I graduated May 2013 and received my license July 2013 it is not the end of August and I still have NO job yet? I already hold a Business Admin Degree and previously found accounting job with no problem. I live in Atlanta but went to school in Alabama so I did receive offers from the Alabama hospitals but the 3 hour a day drive would be a bit much.

I had the perception that with this targeted degree there should be no problem....I was wrong. I have people to call me back but when we discuss about no previous experience (it reflects this on my resume as well) , I hear well maybe you can go and take some classes and get certified while I am willing to go to classes this cost money....I'm not clear on this challenge to obtain employment. My classmates mostly already LPN or CNA have obtained positions. One of them with no previous experience transferred her license to Alabama for the job and at the end of the day they said they were going to go with someone else...So I dont understand. Also my degree is ADN does that matter???? I am frustrated definitely praying about it. My professional demeanor is exact so Im lost...I can pay my dues of given the chance

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Have you tried networking, e.g. going to job fairs, etc.? My classmate got hired via a job fair.

Calling up old classmates to see if they can get you an interview? Another classmate was calling us to see if we wanted to work. Hell, I offered a job position to one of my old classmates because I thought it was right up her alley.

Why didn't you take those previous job offers and are you able to "get them back?" A three hour car drive is nothing compared to being unemployed. And at that point, you might as well rent an apartment. There is a girl who works with me who does a 2.5-hour drive when she's lucky, as she commutes from a major metropolitan city.

I had the perception that with this targeted degree there should be no problem....I was wrong.

That's the problem: You had a perception, a view occluded by delusions and altered by expectations. Already in 2009, prior to entering nursing school, a majority of my class including myself knew that the job market was really bad. Did you do research prior to obtaining your degree? And I mean, real research, not "Well, a friend said, etc., etc."

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I've also heard of people who stay in hotels for a couple nights when they have long commutes, so they don't have to drive back and forth every day.

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Yes I did research all the way down to the cost to hire me in comparison to an experienced RN. But I still could not foresee this challenge.

The 3 hours- issue I failed to discuss my need to be within 30-45.min as I have exhausted the majority of babysitting favors during school.

Networking I am doing now actively..The next job fair at Piedmont says that you have to have experience...Should I still go?

Thanks for the reply though any advice is much appreciated!!!

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Specializes in Pain, critical care, administration, med.

In certain areas of the country there are not many jobs. Many new grads are still looking 1-2 yrs post graduation. Many facilities especially Magnet organizations want BSNs. You might need to relocate or hold on till you find something where you are. I know it's frustrating just know you are not alone.

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Yes I did research all the way down to the cost to hire me in comparison to an experienced RN. But I still could not foresee this challenge.

I mean, research the job market. It's been pretty bad for a while, and many already foresaw a lack of positions for new graduates as far back as 2007.

Networking I am doing now actively..The next job fair at Piedmont says that you have to have experience...Should I still go?

At the very least, it may open a prospect, so why not?

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Specializes in Research.

Have you considered moving to Alabama? You've already gotten offers, but chose not to take them. Move back to AL, get your experience, maybe consider enrolling in an online RN-BSN program and then you shouldn't have a problem getting a job in Atlanta in a year or so. Good luck.

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This is true I will give it a try....@ cdscmb I cant I'm not the breadwinner as of yet so...definitely signing up for the RN-BSN program already!

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Specializes in OB/GYN/Neonatal/Office/Geriatric.

Many schools are touting the "nursing shortage" and "nurses are in high demand" in order to get students, and their money. Because of the economy, many are putting off retirement, cannot afford retirement with the high cost of living. Also, with Healthcare going through so many changes many places are not hiring because they are not sure how the ACA will impact the bottom line. You must keep trying as you really haven't been out there that long. Look outside the box of hospitals as well. I think getting your RN to BSN is a smart move. Good luck!

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Nowadays, there is no more nursing shortage :no: and getting a job as a nurse is becoming a harder task :sour::unsure: Did you wrote on your resume or application your clinical hours? they definitely count as experience. I learn this in school, and I wrote them as experience in my application, and I got the job. I also think that, it will help you greatly to know somebody in the hospital where you are applying. This person could give a good word for you to the nurse manager or HR. Network is an important tool. Good luck!!! don't give up..sooner or later you will get a job.

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Many schools are touting the "nursing shortage" and "nurses are in high demand" in order to get students, and their money.

Eh, kind-of true. There is a nursing shortage, but it's a shortage for experienced nurses. Training a new graduate is not the same as orientating a new nurse. Training a new graduate costs serious money (basically paying two people to do what one person can do) in addition to any other training needed (equipment competencies, etc.). Hell, some nursing schools in California don't even allow students to pass medications, ergo, even more training has to happen to get a new graduate up to par.

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Thanks guys I most certainly appreciate all of the suggestions and advice!!! I think I'm just so used to the my old career process!!!! Spolied definitely!!!! I can say the Lord sure know how to make you thankful!!!

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