New Grad Job Searching without Referrals?

[NewbieNurseRN]

I hope this is not a bother but as a new graduate, I am just wondering if there is anyways to find jobs that will hire/consider new graduates? I have applied to a handful of places and even got one phone call back (waiting to see if they will call about an interview, however, this was a referral from a current RN who works there). I am just wondering if there is any way to find positions that will even perhaps hire a new grad without a referral? I have filled out a handful of applications and am trying to not take it personally when I do not hear anything back as I know there are MANY more qualified, experienced RN's out there who deserve to get the jobs. Honestly, I am open to any hours and flexible for specialties (except OB and Long term would be my least favorite). All the other clinical locations and classwork I had I thoroughly enjoyed! 

[Blatant Shannon]

The hardest part of nursing is landing the first job. Good news though, it's easy to get another job once you have one. I recommend first talking with your classmates and then the school you go to (or went to) and ask for leads. If no one wants to put out, then check out some websites for leads. Linkedin is okay, facebook surprisingly has leads, and there are a few nurse websites that have job boards, such as IncredibleHealth. As a new graduate, your best bet is to call the HR department of the hospitals you want to work at and investigate if they hire new grads and when. I got my first job from a lead a classmate gave me. You'll most likely land the highest turnover unit, but once you're in you can plan your exit strategy. Because it's easier to get a job when you have one. ?

[NewbieNurseRN]

That makes sense and I totally see what you mean while sending out apps here. That is good advice and I really appreciate your help, it means A LOT! I have a couple of leads at the moment but am waiting to hear back and just a lot of uncertainty, anyway, thank you very much this helps me feel more proactive in my approach. 

[Quest5, BSN, MSN, RN]

In addition to the above excellent recommendations, don’t forget to stay in touch with the clinical instructors you had in nursing school, not just the program and lecture faculty. Even if an instructor’s clinical area is not of particular interest to you, they often know of opportunities on other units. If it has been a while, remind them of your name and the clinical group, plus the year and semester you were with them.(And if the experience was a good one, ask for a reference.) 

[NYCnewGrad2021]

On 6/30/2021 at 11:57 AM, The Blatant Nurse Shannon said:

The hardest part of nursing is landing the first job. Good news though, it's easy to get another job once you have one. I recommend first talking with your classmates and then the school you go to (or went to) and ask for leads. If no one wants to put out, then check out some websites for leads. Linkedin is okay, facebook surprisingly has leads, and there are a few nurse websites that have job boards, such as IncredibleHealth. As a new graduate, your best bet is to call the HR department of the hospitals you want to work at and investigate if they hire new grads and when. I got my first job from a lead a classmate gave me. You'll most likely land the highest turnover unit, but once you're in you can plan your exit strategy. Because it's easier to get a job when you have one. ?

I got a job offer from a retirement home where the census is 42 patients with 2 nurses and 4 CNA's. 75 biweekly and 45 dollars per hour is the pay. Would you advise a new grad to take this position to buy time until a hospital opportunity opens up?

[NewbieNurseRN]

On 7/4/2021 at 7:57 PM, NYCnewGrad2021 said:

I got a job offer from a retirement home where the census is 42 patients with 2 nurses and 4 CNA's. 75 biweekly and 45 dollars per hour is the pay. Would you advise a new grad to take this position to buy time until a hospital opportunity opens up?

I was wondering same thing...I just hate sitting around, I want to start working!! But all I can find that are interested in hiring seem to be Long Term Care or Home Health Care...if I wish to work in a hospital someday will either of these be any help? 

[NewbieNurseRN]

Thank you for the advice...it can get me down to still not have anything lined up now three weeks into the search. I am hoping the long holiday weekend has some to do but am trying to get as many apps out as I can. Just wish I could show some of these places my work ethic...does anyone think one should just apply as a CNA at a hospital and work my way up (despite being an RN already?)

[NYCnewGrad2021]

On 7/1/2021 at 7:25 PM, Quest5 said:

In addition to the above excellent recommendations, don’t forget to stay in touch with the clinical instructors you had in nursing school, not just the program and lecture faculty. Even if an instructor’s clinical area is not of particular interest to you, they often know of opportunities on other units. If it has been a while, remind them of your name and the clinical group, plus the year and semester you were with them.(And if the experience was a good one, ask for a reference.) 

I have a question, so one of the hospitals I interviewed for asked for references. Basically I fill out their information in an online portal and they get an email to fill out info on their end that should take about 15 minutes. How much time should you give that person to complete the reference before asking for an update on the completion? 

[bitter_betsy, BSN]

Try looking for new grad positions specifically.  Hospitals near me usually have a job posting that states new grad.  Also look for residency positions as these are designed for new grads.

[Blatant Shannon]

On 7/4/2021 at 8:57 PM, NYCnewGrad2021 said:

I got a job offer from a retirement home where the census is 42 patients with 2 nurses and 4 CNA's. 75 biweekly and 45 dollars per hour is the pay. Would you advise a new grad to take this position to buy time until a hospital opportunity opens up?

It depends on a lot more than just that. But, if I was a new grad, then the answer would be yes. I took a position just like this for $24/hr. $45 is an excellent rate. You have to know that CNAs run a retirement home. You learn to really value and appreciate the CNA role when you work in that setting. I would work that for 6 months to a year, then go for a Med-Surg job (if you want to play it safe). If your goals are to land ER or ICU, you'll have to do a lot to prove that you're worth the education and time to train you regardless of where you worked last. 

[Hannahbanana, BSN, MSN]

A referral is when somebody sends you somewhere, as in, “My primary care referred me to a specialist,” or perhaps, “My old charge nurse sent me to her friend who was a DoN across town for a job there.” Those are referrals.

I think what you’re asking about is a reference, which is a testimonial to your capabilities for a sought-for position, as in, “The Duchess of Grantham gave me a good reference when I left her service to work at the castle,” or, “My old employer only confirms dates of employment and does not provide references.” 

On 7/8/2021 at 12:11 PM, NYCnewGrad2021 said:

I have a question, so one of the hospitals I interviewed for asked for references. Basically I fill out their information in an online portal and they get an email to fill out info on their end that should take about 15 minutes. How much time should you give that person to complete the reference before asking for an update on the completion?

On the day of submission, I would call HR to confirm that they received your email submission and politely ask when to expect a follow up contact from them. If you get no answer, or die in voicemail hell, call back in a few days and ask again. 

[Janelle4Nurses]

Hey,

Have you found a position yet? What state are you looking to work in?