New Grad, No Job experience, How to find a job.

.RN. · Sep 19, 2011

I live in South California. I got my license last February 2011. I had to work as a home health aid even after getting my license because there are seriously no opportunity for new grad nurses here and I had to pay rent and other bills. It was tough. The finally I landed my first job as an RN after 4 depressing months. It was as a Summer camp nurse fir kids. The contract was for 2 months only since Summer is officially over and school has started. So now I'm back at job hunt. I have been attending certification classes, been volunteering in a doctors office, and now I'm working as a hospital sitter just to have an income. I can feel my morale slowly going down the drains. In fact I would even consider applying for CNA in a decent hospital just to get my foot in the door. (what do u guys think?) If that's not enough, I don't drive yet. I don't have car. I dot have family here so I don't have alot of networks. I'm really feeling so down right now. I'm so tired. ? I know what I am capable of as a nurse and I am really a hard worker, have a friendly personality, good communication skills, superior grades in college (Even topped the entrance exam at 98%, BSN), etc. If only they give me a chance. ?

Sorry for the rant. It's starting to get into me again.

LasalleRN · Sep 19, 2011

Hi, Im new at this forum and decided to join for support as Im in your same shoes. I live in NY graduated n got my license last yr 2010. It been over a year now that Ive been looking for work, without success!!! everywhere they want at least one year experience. Its been so discouraging I want to cry and give up on all this. I look at my license which took me hard work to earn and its collecting dust; I feel useless!!. I can completely relate to you, and share your pain.

kaufer01 · Sep 21, 2011

.RN. hang in there. I graduated in 2009 and have only really had summer camp nursing experience thus far. I'm living in the midwest and jobs here are pretty slim to come by. Keep chugging along and you're bound to come up with something. I know it's frustrating (I'm walking in your shoes!). You've got an income and you've got your foot in the door at a couple of places it sounds like.

Good luck in your job hunt and don't give up!

.RN. · Sep 26, 2011

@ LaSalleRN: I hear you. Its just so frustrating. Just as to not have employment gaps in my resume, I take whatever healthcare job comes my way. Also, I'm taking up all sorts or certifications hoping this will give an edge in my job hunting. You might want to do the same thing? =(

.RN. · Sep 26, 2011

@ kaufer01: Thank you for your kind words. I really need it. So I say the same thing to you- don't give up and stay positive. =')

Chrissy2003RN · Sep 26, 2011

I am to a new grad. I had to get a job at a LTC facility. It is definitely not my first choice. I have done my fair share of complaining about it. But that has done me no good. So I have to suck it up and look at the positives.

It's hard, I work nights when I never have. I have 40-50 patients. The med passes are huge.

Hopefully with a little time and experience, not only will I feel better and improve. But I will be able to get a job elsewhere.

This was absolutely my last resort.

Good luck!!!!

sweetlady10 · Sep 27, 2011

same thing with me.. dont know what joke is this.. they advertise and trick people into the profession saying nursing is in high demand and what not, and when u graduate u realize that u r of no use.. there is an urgent need for some new regulations in this regard, so that they cannt play with the career and emotions of the new graduates.. this is too much, really !