New Grad=No experience HELP!

[jessica8302]

Hey everyone! :)

I graduated in May with my ADN and passed the NCLEX June 24. I am having a very hard time finding a job. I have had several interviews at hospitals and LTC facilities, but nothing more than that. I've even had place call me for an interview only to call back a few hours later to cancel because I have no experience. Before nursing school I was a stay at home mom and I knew I didn't want to be that forever. I am a 30 year old new grad that nobody wants to hire. I feel like I am being punished for not working as a CNA during nursing school (which we were told we should not work during nursing school). My background previously is Marketing so I have no medical experience. However I am very good at what I do if I'm given the chance. This is the first time in my life I have gone to job interviews and did not get the job. I don't know what to do. I have excellent recommendations from clinical instructors as well. I am absolutely lost have don't know which way to go. Any and all advice is welcome!

[HappyWife77, BSN, RN]

Don't give up. LTC will usually hire new grads. Sometimes it takes a while for call backs. Go online and look for places hiring. Maybe show up in person to make a great first impression rather than applying online. One of my favorite jobs was a place that I had applied to 3 months previously. Get your name and your face resume out there. Try to network with previous students you know to see if they have any leads.

A lot of times it's about who you know that can recommend you. Best wishes!

Congrats on passing!

[jessica8302]

Thanks for the advise! A few of the LTC interviews I went to recommended I work in a hospital first. It's also hard to network because I don't know hardly anyone in my town (not from here and nursing school made me a hermit haha).

[thinwildmercury]

I don't understand why people listen when your school tells you not to work!! Drives me nuts because you should know what you are capable of doing and do what's in your own best interest and not the school's. Everyone in my class worked during school. My only advice for you is to try to find somewhere to volunteer (I recommend free clinics or public outreach, etc). You barely got your license. It's probably going to take a few months to find something. Just keep on truckin and applying to everything you qualify for. Reach out to managers and HR personnel and let them know who you are. Make a Linked In account. Have people review your resume and cover letters. Get some extra certs if you have the money (ACLS/EKG). Good luck! It will happen for you.

[jessica8302]

I also choose not to work because I knew I would not have much time for my 2 small children and I was not about to sacrifice that. I know I'm sure that sounds stupid too but I will never regret that decision.

[thinwildmercury]

Never said it was stupid to skip working to be with your kids. I implied it was stupid to not work because your school said so. That is all!

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

Pound the pavement and apply in person.. network with classmates. That is what helped me land a job.

[jessica8302]

I am happy to report I finally got a job at a rehab facility!!!! I feel like a million pounds have been lifted off my shoulders!!! Thanks for all the wonderful advice!

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

It is taking months, sometimes a year or more for new grads to find jobs. Put in the time and effort and eventually you will get something.

Congratulations! i will the above for others..................

[laKrugRN]

Don't give up! I was having issues as well. I got my BSN in May and passed boards shortly after. Had a lot of interviews and applications. I was getting frustrated. I finally landed a job 2 months after graduating! I would keep plugging away and LTC may be your best bet to get your foot in the door and get some experience. Good luck!