New grad in Northwest OH

[bubbletoes_24]

Hi guys!

I am a new grad, licensed about a month ago, in northwest OH (Findlay/Toledo area). [i'm a second-degree RN..first degree in Kinesiology, if that matters] I'm wondering if there are any new grads or other RN's out there in my area that know where the jobs are! I have only been on the job hunt for one month, but have been discouraged by the lack of job openings in the area. I live in Findlay (about an hour south of Toledo) and have applied to Findlay, Lima, and Toledo hospitals. There just aren't that many job openings, except in Toledo. The problem with that is ProMedica seems to run the show, and new grads can't get in unless they go through the residency program. The applications for that closed before I started applying, and probably won't open up again for quite a few months.

I am looking for acute care jobs. I don't want to go long-term care unless I have to. Anyone out there have some insight on job outlook here!? Any and all job hunt/career advice for this new grad is greatly appreciated!

[Jill-]

Unfortunately its a lot harder to find a job as a new grad nurse than most new nurses expect. There are too many nurses looking for work, and not enough new jobs so this causes the number of applications to be higher than they were years ago. On top of that there is more competition of experienced nurses that apply for entry level jobs.

Where are you looking for jobs? Just the big job sites? or are you targeting local listings, clinics and classifieds as well?

How do you feel about your resume? Making some serious changes ended up really helping me getting noticed by recruiters.

[bubbletoes_24]

Thank you for the honest feedback. I knew it would probably be harder for me to find a job because I am new to the area (zero connections). You are right though, I expected there to be more open positions available to apply for. I started with going to the hospital websites and seeing the open positions there. When I applied for what I could there, I moved on to Linkedin, other big job sites, and local listings. I haven't had any luck with that because most that I have seen are for experienced RN's.

As for my resume, I feel pretty good about it. I have tweeked it here and there recently, so I'm hoping that could be a game-changer.

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

OP any reason you do not want to do a residency program? That is a great way in, or was it that you missed the deadline?

As a new grad always make sure they have a solid training program for new grads, not just a regular orientation. Be careful about any new job, especially if you want a new grad residency because if you start working too long at a temporary job, you wouldn't be a new grad and would be then expected to come in as a highly functioning nurse.

What about looking into Michigan? Are you specifically tied to that area, if not look to other states.