New Grad positions anyone/anywhere???

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My classmates and I are having a hard time finding any new grad positions in Northern California and the whole state in general. I passed the boards on July 13, 2009 and have been applying for jobs since April. I have received over 50 rejection emails/letters and am feeling very discouraged. This is my second time coming out of school in a bad economy. I have my BA in Community Studies, ADN in Nursing, and did internships in the ICU and PACU. How do I get these recruiters to call me over the 500 other applicants in the pond? Any advice or lead would be greatly appreciated. I have applied everywhere, even the prison system to no avail. I am willing to move anywhere to work as an RN (out of state). Nursing is my dream and I don't want to be a waitress in the meantime. Thanks for your help!

Melissa

Specializes in Pediatrics.

I'm in the same new grad boat. I graduated in May with my BSN (passed my NCLEX in mid-June) and have been applying to hospitals since March. I just relocated from Boston to New Orleans because my boyfriend is going to med school down here. Supposedly the New Orleans job market is "better" than Boston's, but there don't seem to be any jobs here for new grads either.. and if I had $1 for every time someone asked/told me about the "nursing shortage" I wouldn't be so worried about finding a job right now.

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Specializes in Agency, ortho, tele, med surg, icu, er.

ttt for later

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Specializes in Community & Mental Health, Sp Ed nursing.

Hello Melissa:

I graduated the class before you and as you know in SC, my class took all the positions in LTC. I just got a job as a school nurse in Pajaro. It pays the same as teachers, which is not as good as you'd get in a hospital but it's a great job and you already have what you need to be a school nurse.

While they would prefer experience, you need a BA/BS, which doesn't need to be in nursing, your ADN and three letters of recommendation. Once accepted to the position you get fingerprinted and then a temp-temp permit is issued while the state process the paperwork for you temp permit, good for 5 years. Just like the CBEST for teaching, you need to get your crediential in this period of time if you want to continue. I had already applied to SJSU MSN as a back up and the school district is kind enough to work with my schedule so I can take classes.

This is not where I planned on being when I graduated, but I'm ok with it as I don't have the freedom to leave the area. I'm truly happy I get to work with kids and have m-f 8-3 hours with holidays and 2 months off in the summer. As a new grad, this is a luxury! Hopefully the economy will improve soon.

Good luck to everyone out there and keep in mind this info is for Santa Cruz, CA. Other counties and school districts may have different requirements. Eddjoin.org is where to go in CA.

Cheers,

elizabeth

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Specializes in OR Hearts 10.

We have opening for new grads as well an experienced nurses and can't fill the positions. We are hiring out of area also....

What is the deal?????????????

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We have opening for new grads as well an experienced nurses and can't fill the positions. We are hiring out of area also....

What is the deal?????????????

Sandra where are you located?

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Specializes in Internship in ICU and PACU.

Sandra,

What hospital do you work at?

Melissa

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Specializes in Internship in ICU and PACU.

Hi Jobless RN,

I can completely relate to how you are feeling right now. I am living on my credit cards. I spend everyday applying to new grad positions in other states and all over California. I don't care where I have to go, I just want to be a nurse and help people. I didn't spend the last 5 1/2 years getting to this point to quit now. I have faith in the universe that something will open up. Don't give up. Our determination show how much of an asset we will be to our patients and the lucky hospital that decides to give us a chance!

And yes, I like you applied to the VA in Palo Alto, Stanford, Valley Med, and hospitals all over CA. I feel a little better knowing I am not alone. I was starting to think I wasn't doing something right.

Thanks for the reply!

Melissa

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Sandra,

What hospital do you work at?

Melissa

PLEASE let us know where you are!!!! You have at least 3 new grads who would be more than happy to fill those slots!!!!!:D:bowingpur

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Hi Jobless RN,

I can completely relate to how you are feeling right now. I am living on my credit cards. I spend everyday applying to new grad positions in other states and all over California. I don't care where I have to go, I just want to be a nurse and help people. I didn't spend the last 5 1/2 years getting to this point to quit now. I have faith in the universe that something will open up. Don't give up. Our determination show how much of an asset we will be to our patients and the lucky hospital that decides to give us a chance!

And yes, I like you applied to the VA in Palo Alto, Stanford, Valley Med, and hospitals all over CA. I feel a little better knowing I am not alone. I was starting to think I wasn't doing something right.

Thanks for the reply!

Melissa

And thank you for making me realize that there's not something wrong with me. I have never been so depressed in my life. We should start a NGA group (New Grads Anonymous).

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yep,yep I as well started to question myself and became depressed after looking actively for a job for over a 3 months now,it got to the point that I dont even care if I get my lincense anymore since it seems like it wont help me to land a job anyway.

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it got to the point that I dont even care if I get my lincense anymore since it seems like it wont help me to land a job anyway.

LOL. :chuckle. I know, right? Our license is useless. What was the point of jumping through all these hoops anyway?

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Specializes in Internship in ICU and PACU.

Hi Beachbutterfly,

Don't get discouraged. Despite not having a job, it was very gratifying getting my license and putting that title at the end of my name. Something will happen for all of us.

Melissa

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