new grad having extreme difficulty

Boomer MS, RN · Jul 25, 2017

So I graduated nursing school with an accelerated BSN from NYU in January. I have a former degree in psychology and some work experience just not in a clinical setting. Its almost august now and I've gotten no offers from any hospital.
I can't relocate because lets be honest relocating isn't cheap and requires money. As a new grad I'm living with my parents and applying for jobs.
My loans are almost due... I'm open to working in any specialty, any shift. Not sure what is going on. I've applied to hospitals in Long Island as well.
I really need advice on what to do or if anyone has information on who I can contact.

Don't give up. Keep trying. You most likely will have to take a position that is way down on your wish list. One of my daughters received her accelerated BSN from NYU in June 2012. She was just as discouraged as you sound. It took her seven months to find a job, which was 12-hour nights on med-surg at one of the university teaching hospitals. After a year, she moved to southern CA, her dream locale. I know about the job market for new grads here in CA, and I understand NYC is very difficult too. Keep looking, go to job fairs, talk to classmates about openings at their facilities and try to network. My daughter took some waitressing jobs to survive. It's discouraging, but something will come along. Hopefully recent grads in NYC can add some ideas and wisdom. Good luck.

momo42 · Jul 25, 2017

Thanks, it helps to hear that this is not such an abnormal occurrence. I am applying everyday, all I can do now is hope I suppose.

TheMoonisMyLantern, ADN, LPN, RN · Jul 25, 2017

Have you expanded your job search to LTC or SNF facilities, dialysis centers, psychiatric hospitals, correctional facilities? If not it might be time to do so. Remember that any nursing experience is better than none on a resume. Good luck!

roser13, ASN, RN · Jul 25, 2017

Thanks, it helps to hear that this is not such an abnormal occurrence. I am applying everyday, all I can do now is hope I suppose.

No, this is NOT an abnormal occurrence. You have misread the advice. Either you move or you drastically lower your expectations. Mostly likely you will HAVE to relocate.

Living with your parents is not a reason to NOT move. Indeed, it is a reason TO MOVE. Relocating is not cheap but you can't afford not to.

momo42 · Jul 26, 2017

I was originally hoping for a speciality of my choice but I really have no preference at this point. I apply to all positions. As for relocating I'm sorry but I don't see how one can move to a new place with out having money. You would need money for rent and food and that's just for basic needs. How do you move and relocate with out a job or income?

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jul 26, 2017

Cast a wider net. Hospital nursing is not the be all/ end all - esp. for someone in your position. Looks at LTAC, ECF and the like.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jul 26, 2017

You say "hospitals" in your post several times...are you also applying to LTCs, rehab facilities, chem dep facilities, etc?

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Jul 26, 2017

As for relocating I'm sorry but I don't see how one can move to a new place with out having money. You would need money for rent and food and that's just for basic needs. How do you move and relocate with out a job or income?

You apply to jobs nationwide or within your state (depending on your desperation). Once you have accepted an offer, move closer to your new job. Apartment managers will accept your job offer email as proof of employment. You may need to put utility and rent deposits on a credit card or have your parents help out and then reimburse them once you get your paychecks.

If you don't have a credit card, now is the time to get one (even a secured credit card). Make small purchases and pay it off in full each month. It will help you build credit which is essential in the adult world.

momo42 · Jul 26, 2017

I would prefer hospital but yes I have applied to Chem dependency clinics and long term care facilities.

Indigo7 · Jul 26, 2017

You apply to jobs nationwide or within your state (depending on your desperation). Once you have accepted an offer, move closer to your new job. Apartment managers will accept your job offer email as proof of employment. You may need to put utility and rent deposits on a credit card or have your parents help out and then reimburse them once you get your paychecks.
If you don't have a credit card, now is the time to get one (even a secured credit card). Make small purchases and pay it off in full each month. It will help you build credit which is essential in the adult world.

I'm not sure about NY (I'm from MO), but are sign-on bonuses not attached to hire there? New grads go like hot cakes here and sign-on bonuses are $5000 for two years of work. If you want to stay less than a year, you can pay some of it back; the amount corresponding to how long you worked. Here in MO, I've known plenty of nurses that have relocated from another state or city and were able to do so using both funds from their bonuses AND relocation stipends. I'm not familiar with a situation where a new grad, especially one with a BSN degree, had difficulty finding work. I'm not saying it's not normal in NY; I wouldn't know. I'm saying there are many places with RN shortages and hospitals willing to help relocate you in order to have you working with them. If you pursued something away from your city, I agree that you may have to put things on a credit card or borrow money for the move, but I feel like you could quickly reimburse whoever after you got your bonus and/or relocation stipend.

shibaowner, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 26, 2017

You can postpone paying your student loans if you don't have a job. Please go to your lenders' websites to get information on this or give them a call. Good luck.