New Grad Freaking out about jobs

[rn4ever7411]

I graduated in December and just got my license in April. For this past month I've been submitting resume after resume after resume. Probably about 50-60 so far. I am not picky, and very flexible. I applied to Hospitals, LTC, Rehabs, surgical centers. I got one interview at an ambulatory surgical center but they are looking were looking for an Experienced OR nurse so this job was definitely not for me. They don't even have training!

It seems NO ONE is wanting to give a chance to brand new nurses...

I am in DESPARATE need of money, in huge debt cause I took off work to study for HESI's & NCLEX. credit cards are maxed out.

So I've even called couple hospitals to see if I can work as a Nurses Aid but since I already have my RN license no one wants to hire me for an NA position. I've even called my previous employers but due to my license they don't want to hire me. (I've worked previously in a Radiology center and a Physicians office as a medical secretary)

I don't know what to do. I'm even ready to apply as a cashier or office work but even that seems like I am wasting my time since I won't get more nursing experience.

I am willing to move to a different state but even that costs money to apply for reciprocity. So before I do that I need to make sure that there is a job market where I will be making another license.

Can anyone give me some advice? Is there any state that is more open to brand new nurses? Is anyone getting a job in NJ as a new nurse? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[lovemystalker]

WOW! I hear your fustration.....I have been looking for a job since April 1st, and I graduate May 15th. Northeast Iowa, Southeast Minnesota, and Southwest Wisconsin are saturated with working nurses and the very few jobs available need experience! I have most recently started looking into internships! This gives employers a opportunity to see your level of commitment, skills, and behaviors on the job before they hire you fulltime. It is also a chance for you to evaluate if it is where you want to be! Unfortunatly internships do not pay well, but it may be the opportunity to get your foot in the door! Best of luck in your job search! I think we all need it!

[kamiworm]

Same boat here! I graduated May 2009 became a California Licensed Registered Nurse in September. Jan. 2010 I began RN to BSN in nursing and have ACLS certification. It is tough to stay positive in California as we have an influx of Nursing graduates coming out every semester with no jobs, very few new grad training programs, and the qualifications for the new grad versant training programs is a BSN graduate degree. I am trying to stay positive! In one of my BSN classes we had this same discussion, and many seasoned RNs advised that this has happened before and if the thousands to millions of RN grads were to write our politians about this problem they may put a priority toward opening more new grad training programs in hospitals so there will not be a nursing shortage as predicted. We can't get experience without experience!!!!

[Azdream'nRN]

Dear Kamiworm,

Wow, congratuations on getting a BSN. It looks like there won't be a shortage anymore for nursing for a long time. Why not continue with your studies and go for a Physicians Assistant? Now definately there is a demand there. That's what I would do, because you know what? There is grant money for that and last time I looked, there were definately jobs available. That is a sister field, plus you would earn more money than you would as an RN.

Best Wishes, Azdream'nRN

[Propranolol]

hello. i know someone who lost their job and couldn't find work for 6 months. she applied for a job in texas. got the job and they paid for her moving expenses. yeah. theres jobs out there. the places that are hiring seem to be in the middle of nowhere. good luck.

[Malahide]

I hear ya! I have been an LPN for over 12 years with various experience including travel nursing. Now as a new grad I can't find a anyone wanting to hire me as a RN. I don't get it.

I will tell you this though - we all have worked hard to get here, so don't give up. Get your year in and then go agency!

Though jobs are advertised in the south I can't say if new grads are getting hired or not; I know I'm not.

Good luck ~

[saltlakenurse]

Right now it is a horrible time to be a new nurse. I graduated a year ago and still can't find a job. I have applied to over 233 job openings. I have found that nursing homes and home health will hire a new grad. That is where I am heading. Half of my graduating class still does not have a job and now we are competing with the 2010 grads. What a nightmare!

[Old and New]

Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home AR has continuous job openings.

Baxter Regional Medical Center

Our local college cranks out about 40 new grads a year, but the turnover is high. I worked there for about 2 months, and quit because I didn't get the orientation I needed to feel safe taking an 8 patient load, but I had no prior healthcare experience, either. That may not be the case with you.

Best of luck!

[elprup, BSN, RN]

IT sucks everywhere in Northern California. I think I've gone through every stage of grief over not keeping/finding my first RN job. And I moved twice!

good luck.

[denise2010]

I had the same problem as a new grad myself and it was very frustrating. I found that facilities do not want to pay the cost for training a new grad when they can hire someone with experience. Also there is competition out there with other nursing schools and the students that pass boards as well. There is too many of us out there at once trying to find a job. Just hang in there. Usually it's easier to get a job at the nursing homes, but it depends on what type of environment you want to work in.

[greytRNtobe]

I am a new grad from December 2009. I will move anywhere. I just need a job now! I passed my NCLEX and have applied all over the country. I want and need a permanent job where I can settle in and buy a house and stay for a long while.

[Guest296136]

You are not alone, it is very hard on the east coast for new grads. I know the Dakota's were looking if you don't mind the cold. You may have to go with a doctor's office first, there are some oncology offices that hire new grads for chemo.

Good luck and don't give up.

[anistasha]

Go to your local school district and ask about working as a Substitute School Nurse. Most administrations are EXTREMELY desperate to find people willing to take these jobs. You'll get some experience in the field at least :)