New Grad in Northern California - ABSOLUTELY no work!!!!

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Hi everyone,

I graduated from a Local Nursing school back in 07, worked for 4 months with my interim license, but to my dismay, I failed the NCLEX. TWICE. And to make it worse, the BRN lost my paperwork for 4 months. Its July of 09, and I have not more than 4 months experience as an RN - then the economic recession really complicated things. I live in Santa Rosa, CA, and there are absolutely no positions from Ukiah all the way down to Stockton... I call, I modify my resume, I check daily online and I get nothing. I'm really getting depressed. I even went to interview at a local nursing home and even THEY turned me away because they wanted someone with more experience. I don't know what to do.. any recommendations? I ... guess i just need some help and, if you're kind, a little encouragement.

Thanks in advance,

Capuzcapuz

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Take a bunch of resumes and go (in person) to each of the nurse managers in the hospitals and just ask if they have any openings and hand them your resume (don't forget to thank them :D). That is how I was able to get an interview and a job after not hearing anything for months (I also left a bunch of voicemails and haven't heard anything). During my interview, the nurse manager commented on how I came in person to hand in my resume- she also stated she receives about 10 applications a day on her computer! In my experience, HR takes takes a long time processing applications, so it is better to go directly to the nurse manager instead.

Good Luck!

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I've never done that. And that's exactly what I'm going to do. Thank you so much!!!

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

I live in NorCal and I got hired into L&D before graduation. Granted I have an above average resume for a new grad; I think employers can be more selective in this economy. A gal that graduated from the other nursing program in my area that was at my orientation said that a girl in her class just got hired at Ukiah. Willits told me they are always hiring. You have to pound the pavement and KEEP pounding it. And go to the nurse managers and give them an application, introduce yourself, be friendly. Don't just apply to the hospitals that are advertising. Try Jerald Phelps in Garberville, last time I checked they were hiring.

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thanks for the advice! please give more detail to the "above average" resume you have.. I may have to beef mine up some...

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.
thanks for the advice! please give more detail to the "above average" resume you have.. I may have to beef mine up some...

I did three-hundred extra precepted clinical hours through a separate nursing program; half over my summer break and the other half over my winter break. I am a Certified Labor Doula and am writing a grant for a program I am creating for underprivileged women to get a doula at their birth for free. I got NRP (neonatal resuscitation) and ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) before graduating. I took a Beginning Midwifery course. I worked as a Certified Medical Assistant for about 4 years before starting nursing school. I write exam questions for the California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants and have been asked to write CEU (continuing medical education units) as well. I graduated Cum Laude and am a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society. I have an article published in the University Nursing Journal that I was the main writer and editor with some classmates. I am pretty good at writing so I know how to put together a good cover letter. You have to sell your self.

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If you don't mind, you can also apply to the state correctional facilities in Sacramento, Atascadero, Soledad and Coalinga. You can apply online or in person. They'll usually call you for an interview in about a month.

Good luck

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Hey did you ever find a job? Just curious.....

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