I understand new grads with zero experience have a very tough time getting a fulltime RN job (except for maybe new grad programs and some exceptions).
But.......... if a new grad just simply simply SIMPLY cannot find work (even at nursing home or home cares or at jobs that are really less competitive than RN jobs)......... then wouldn't the last resort the new grad have is to take anything even outside of nursing simply just to earn to survive? But obviously that wouldn't change your experience from zero anyways. So....... if someone finds themselves in this position (unable to get any type of nursing-related job), what else can they do? (besides taking a job unrelated to nursing of course)
In addition out of curiosity, I am not job hunting yet but when the time comes, I am definitely open to applying to absolutely anything, ANYTHING. So in your opinion, how hard is it to say, get a home care or nursing home, position from the external with little to no experience (no internal connections or anything)?
I'm sorry but hearing horror stories really shook me up (many of which are some people who graduated nursing and are now selling cars, becoming waitresses, or just babysitting to get by and as a result, have a bunch of potential debt and remorse and they even told me that their degree is worthless. :/ )
I apologize if it's a dumb question, everyone. But hearing from those who have come before me really instill fear in me when I know I shouldn't let it!
Definitely want to reiterate the point around location. The dean at my school suggested Midwest and really deterred anyone from considering California. Seems like it might be a little out of date but she also mentioned Rn deer (RNDeer.com) as a place to find hospitals that hire new grads. Good luck - there are a lot of us with the same fears!
I graduated with my BS degree in Exercise Science back in 2011. I tried to get into cardiac rehab and applied to different jobs all over the country (literally). No one would hire me because I didn't have experience. I had a degree and required certification but no experience. I was lucky to have a job upon completing college because I did my internship at this location but they paid dismal wages. I could barely survive. After sticking it out for 2.5 years and gained some experience decided to try my luck again and sent out resumes and got called back by 4 different companies. I now work as a health coach for a major health insurance company.
My point: A degree and license to be a nurse is a requirement to submit a resume. EXPERIENCE is a must if you want to land a job. Get some experience some how some way. Volunteer if you have to. Start now the sooner the better. Network, get contact information, make good impressions. Use linkedin and get resources. Don't make the mistake of thinking your degree and license will automatically land you a job. You are going to be in for a major wake up call. NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK. I can't say that enough.
I worked as a Executive Assistant for the nursing administration at a hospital here in south florida. My old boss the Associate Chief Nursing Officer is no longer at that hospital. I looked her up on linkedin and asked how she was doing and told her I was in nursing school to become an RN. She was ecstatic and said she was glad to hear from me and to keep her updated on my progress. NETWORK! I can't stress that enough.
You could work in the schools as a substitute RN, substitute clinic health aide or try to get full-time positions. I subbed in schools and met many school nurses who gave me great advice and networking while in nursing school.
My goodness, Esme12, this is embarrassing that my crazy anxiety is showing through my posts and posters like you can actually identify my posts now. ^^
Oh, thank you so much for the hugs and comfort! Yes....... I didn't even start yet but yet i'm already let myself become so frightened sometimes.
Yes, I am very aware of my loans and I will do whatever it takes to live at a minimum to survive at the moment and see where things fall into place.
Thank you again for the comfort, its posts like yours that everyone needs once in a while to let them know it's going to be okay! :) Thanks!
Thank you for taking the time to write all that out for me! I appreciate it a lot! :)
Congrats on your health coach job!
Yes, I absolutely know that I must have experience in order to job hunt, not just a degree and license. I hope it will be enough to land a first job though!
I will absolutely take your advice about networking definitely!
newrn2015
2 Posts
Definitely want to reiterate the point around location. The dean at my school suggested Midwest and really deterred anyone from considering California. Seems like it might be a little out of date but she also mentioned Rn deer (RNDeer.com) as a place to find hospitals that hire new grads. Good luck - there are a lot of us with the same fears!