New grad can't find work

AspiringNurseMW · Feb 15, 2016

Move. I live in Northeast PA and there are sort of desperate for nurses. In fact a recruiter was at our school today. They've already started to hire GN who graduate in May

Dranger · Feb 15, 2016

In the NW where I am at, we hire anyone with a pulse. Expand your searching, a lot of areas are desperate for nurses new grad or not.

Twinmom06, ASN, APN · Feb 15, 2016

Move. I live in Northeast PA and there are sort of desperate for nurses. In fact a recruiter was at our school today. They've already started to hire GN who graduate in May

This!!! Geisinger Health Systems in NE PA is ALWAYS hiring...

lavenderskies, BSN · Feb 15, 2016

In the NW where I am at, we hire anyone with a pulse. Expand your searching, a lot of areas are desperate for nurses new grad or not.

I'm curious where in the NW you are that hires the pulsating nurses.

apillarofsalt · Feb 16, 2016

I just got hired as a new nurse with an associates degree at a facility that typically only hires BSN candidates. It's almost never done, but I was able to attend a job fair and speak directly with my unit director and let him know that I was already accepted to a BSN completion program and intended to work as a floor nurse at the same time.

Taking initiative looks great to employers, and they were impressed that I wrote follow-up emails to thank them for their time and ask for a formal interview. In my email, I was able to leverage some mutual connections from my school and remind them to get in touch--these folks are busy, so submitting an application sometimes isn't enough.

Sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone is tough, but I have found in my limited experience that when I step up and ask for what I want, I typically have good results.

Don't be afraid to brag on yourself--if you have related experience in your nursing practice, tell them. If you know someone at the facility, name drop. It's not fake or phony, and shows you're able to reflect on why you have a personal interest in the job.

Good luck on your search!

Artsy_RN · Feb 16, 2016

I'd get ACLS and PALS certified if you want to get into the ED as they are a must and will make you standout from other new grads. If you have to work in another area before the ED you can always renew them every 2 years.

LVHI_RN · Feb 16, 2016

If you're desperate, go down to the units & hand in your resume in person. This has worked for many of my colleagues who were having a hard time getting a position. Also, stalk the managers, figure out their emails & email them your resume. LOL. Hey, whatever works right?

JeanaO522 · Feb 16, 2016

I am acls and pals certified and will be taken a critical care course

AspiringNurseMW · Feb 17, 2016

This!!! Geisinger Health Systems in NE PA is ALWAYS hiring...

Always! I used to like browsing jobs every few weeks/months just to see what's available. But it's like EVERYTHING is ALWAYS available, regardless of specialty......

Spuen · Feb 17, 2016

If you can, like most above, try to search outside your state. If you search 'new grad position' there are A LOT of programs and opportunities for new grads in various states, sometimes just a few cities over in your own state. Just make sure, if you do look into relocating, to do your research on the hospital and City to make sure it's somewhere you feel safe moving to.

I live in South Florida where the job market is absolutely flooded. I got my associates back in 2010 and still working on my BSN because of lack of money and family issues. All while working as a school nurse. I started applying out of state out of desperation and with in a month had 2 call backs on interviews with high chances of getting an offer. I'm on the final round of interviews with now. With your background even as an LPN you still have a good chance of getting a job as an RN somewhere.