New Grad... Job hunting advice anyone?

[Camemile]

Hello Everyone!

I am graduating next week with my ADN:yeah:!!! It's been a long road! I was so excited about starting nursing school and becoming a RN... Until... I started to hear the ADN vs BSN debate and the negative outlook on jobs for new grads. I'm in the Houston area and can't relocate, but with all the hospitals in the area I never imagined I wouldn't be able to find a job! Every posting I see either lists so many years of experience required or NO new graduates please! There aren't any internships/residency programs going on at the moment that I'm aware of. I've completed the prereqs for the RN-BSN program and hope to start that in January because I do value education and want to have the highest qualifications for my job but are the employers forgetting that I will still have an EQUIVALENT license? I put in A LOT of blood, sweat, and tears in nursing school and it's almost to the point that I can't enjoy the fact that I'M DONE because I'm stressed about the next hurdle which is finding a job. Oh and the networking during clinical didn't get me anywhere as all the charge nurses and nurse managers I encountered were way too busy to even look at me let alone talk to me! Does anyone have ANY advice about where to start looking for a job? I hate to be negative but I'm not receiving ANY positive indications that looking for a job won't be as hard as getting through my nursing program ! Sorry this turned out to be so long but thanks in advance for any info!

[nerkeynurse]

Hi there! congrats on getting through nursing school! :) I graduated back in May from an ADN program, so I feel your pain;) Anywho, I applied for literally ev-er-y-thing I could. Honestly, I didn't get any bites until after I took boards. And now, three interviews and two job offers later, I have a job at a local hospital on their med/surg floor! I start on the 8th ... So my advice would be don't get discouraged, and keep on keepin on! :)

[swtpea48]

First thing you should worry about is passing boards. No one will consider you for a position until you are done with NCLEX. Once that is taken care of apply for everything you possibly can (full time, part time, PRN, per diem, etc). No matter what they call you in for it's a foot in the door. Also, did you stay in contact with any of your clinical instructors? Sometimes they can help you out by mentioning you to their nurse manager. I also graduated in May from an ADN program and the only reason I have a job is because I stayed in contact with my clinical instructor from second semester. Last thing, don't give up! Even if it takes you six months the job you are meant to have is out there.

[Brittanymarie]

Definitely worry abouot boards first! But even after that its hard. Im in the Houston area and graduated in May. I passed my boards and sent out tons of applications. Havent heard anything yet but I've heard to just keep trying, and it may be a while, but it's worth it. Its also just a case of luck, right application at the right time!

[ShantheRN, BSN, RN]

Don't assume you won't be able to get a job somewhere for whatever reason. If a manager tells you no, there's no harm in going above their head and asking a director. I know some people will tell you this isn't a good idea, but it's the only reason why I have a job at my Magnet hospital and the other ADN grads on my floor (who have been there longer and/or have a BSN) do not. I've lost a few "friends" over it, but hey....I'm quite happy with my decision to go directly to the clinical director. I have a full time position on a floor that I love at one of the best hospitals in the country :)

Another friend got a position on mother-baby as a new ADN grad at a place that's very close to getting Magnet status. If you call the floor, they'll tell you they don't hire new grads and prefer experienced BSNs. She got the job by showing up and talking to a manager for 2 minutes.

Good luck, and try to keep the faith. I did apps for 4 months (over a hundred!) before a position opened up on my floor. It's so discouraging but all the frustration turns to sweetness when you get that offer!