new grad feeling discouraged

ear · Aug 28, 2007

Hi and CONGRATS on passing!!!:balloons:

Have you been applying through the hospital websites? I know that they dont normally look at random resumes they get. So perhaps that is where you should start.

Most hospitals have listings of open positions, and some that say something along the lines of "new grads apply here."

I just graduated last December, and I know in my area, med/surg/hospital jobs were a little difficult to get.

If you are looking at a specific specialty, and you see a position open and it asks for a year experience or something you dont have, try appliying for that, sometimes if they see someone is interested, they will give you a shot.

Best of luck to you, give yourself a break, and Congrats!!!

EMERGENCYRNNJ · Aug 28, 2007

I'm in the same boat, however, I've been applying for a lot longer than you. I started casually while still in school here and there in March through May. After NCLEX in early July, I went full force. Here we are today 08-28-07 and nothing. Talk about not only feeling discouraged, but totally depressed. There are about a handful of others from school also having the same issue. I've been hearing that there is no shortage in NJ. I've applied everywhere within a 50 mile radius. NY only wants new grads at night. I feel your pain...where are you in NJ and where have you applied?

newladyRN · Aug 29, 2007

i've applied just about everywhere. st. barnabas, JFK, morristown, hackensack, hobokenumc, etc.. sigh*

MAISY, RN-ER, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2007

I would suggest going to job fairs-did you go to the recent tarrytown ny fair? There are more coming up.

Dress professionally-ironed clothes, restrained hair, minimal jewelry, no piercings or tattoos showing, and forget the insane manicure.

Make sure resumes are on good paper and specific to that job.

Make sure you include a cover letter specific to that job.

If you go to job fair, make sure you speak with recruiter for specific hospital. Then call and follow up.

If there are positions listed, call-call-call!!!! You want the job, they have tons of applicants.

Understand that you may have to work nights.

Attend nursing functions and let them know your face.

During interviews know something about hospital-what are they proud of?

During interviews-expect to be asked why they should hire you-be prepared for questions involving you.

If you are still in school:

Make sure that during clinical rotations you meet with HR and get to know recruiter.

Apply for externships.

Work P/t or perdiem as clinical assistant or medical technician.

Get to know managers on units during clinicals or while working.

Include recommendation letters from professors when sending resume.

Remember tailor each resume to specific job description.

Getting a job takes work, I hope these ideas help. Good luck to those looking. If your school isn't suggesting some of these ideas as part of their job search. They are not helping you! Get a professional.

Maisy;)

Dalton · Aug 30, 2007

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 alot 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. 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.

newladyRN · Aug 31, 2007

thanks i never really thought about going to a job fair. thanks a lot for the encouragement i will now look for local or upcoming job fairs ;]..geeze i guess finding a job as a nurse isn't as easy as they say.:)

brookorrn · Aug 31, 2007

Make sure you call the facilities you applied at. I was having that trouble too, and then when I called them to make sure they recieved my application and asked if they needed any other information, they asked me to come in for an interview. I used to own my own businesses and honestly, if someone called me to check up on their application, I usually would end up hiring them if I had an opening just because they showed a genuine interest in the job. Good luck and keep your fingers crossed for me, I am wanting a job in a specific hospital that called me (after I called them to "check up on my application and make sure that there is nothing else they need") and I am still waiting to hear from them again (unfortunately, we are playing phone tag.....). So I am hoping they call me back after I left a message on their voice mail when I tried to return their call.:smackingf

newladyRN · Sep 13, 2007

i have so much to learn. i never realized calling back would make such an impact. i applied to so many hospitals i can't remember them all =X . but thanks so much for the tip. ;] i will definitely follow up on this one hospital i really want to work in.

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 13, 2007

Definitely follow-up on an application. If all you're doing is sending in a piece of paper or filling out an online form, that doesn't make you stand out in any way. Nor does do anything to encourage a human interaction with someone involved in the hiring process. You need to actually interact with the people involved in hiring so that they can see what you have to offer and be "nudged" into moving your application along rather than just leaving it sit in the pile of all the other pieces of paper on their desk.

I also recommend the "I was just checking to see if you received it and whether you need more information ..." approach. That's what I always use. It's neutral -- not too pushy ... not too desparate ... but gives the impression that you are eager and conscientious.

Also, is there anyone you can talk to (e.g. former faculty member or nurse-friend) who knows anything about the specific job market in your area? Such a person could give you some tips on how to handle the individual hospitals that interest you.

newladyRN · Sep 14, 2007

so i've tried calling back three hospitals and so far all of them have a recorded voice message regarding applicants calling to check the status of their resume. i never really had the chance to talk to anyone and show my interest because every time i called it was forwarded to a voice message telling me the same thing.." someone will get back to you"

deeDawntee, RN · Sep 14, 2007

When I was a new grad, there weren't a lot of hospital jobs available, so I did long term care and TCUs. What I would strongly recommend is to look into some sub-acute facilities (transitional care units: TCU's) these will give you excellent experience and look great on your resume. You are often taking care of people with post-op hip or knee replacements who need more physical therapy before going home etc. It is about as close to hospital nursing you can get without going into the hospital.

Good luck! Stay positive and stay assertive, if you need to actually walk into some of those human resource departments I would highly suggest it!