Hello all! Like many new grad RN's I am having more than my fair share of difficulties in getting a job. I have applied to many hospitals, pharmacies, managed care (HMOs, insurance), nursing homes/LTC, correctional facilities, blood donor centers, etc. I have left no stone unturned, not to mention, I even tried applying to Alaska and joining the military.
My background:
RN, BSN w/ Cum Laude
Holds both IL & CA RN licenses
Certified in BLS, ACLS, NIH Stroke Scale
Extensive Pharmaceutical experience
No CNA experience, but have completed 640 clinical rotation hours.
Unemployed since graduation in October 2010.
American Red Cross volunteer.
Open to any nursing positions that will allow me to gain experience and/or further my education.
My dilemma:
#1: Due to lack of work, I am contemplating of going back to school to complete my Masters. My school is offering MSN/MBA program (that seems to be the only Masters program that does not require the student to have any hospital experience). Does anyone know of any assistance programs that I can apply to help me pay for my Masters program, while looking for an RN job?
#2: Does anyone have any suggestions or advice as far as nursing job alternatives that I can look into to get some education or experience so I can get my foot in the door? I have thought about getting certified in Case Management, but that requires money and hospital experience. I am thinking of nursing research i.e. clinical trials, pharmaceutical, private labs? Eventually, I want to get my PhD in Nursing.
Yes apply to all positions even the ones that say minimum one year expierience up to 3 years. none of the positions will never say New Grad. Apply to each position as it becomes available and disregard the years of experience. Good Luck!
A few questions, if you don't mind me asking. Are you a BSN-RN or ADN-RN? And did you follow up with the jobs from plaksa or did they just call you? And how long did it take to hear back from these facilities after you applied through plaksa?
Sorry for the interrogation, but I'm just looking for tips and tricks to just get an interview. I've been searching for a job for about 2 months now and I've not gone to ONE single interview! I've applied to well over 50 job openings. I need some help! Thanks in advance.
ADN......Some called immediately like 1-3 days.....some took longer 1-2 weeks......one called after 4 weeks. Trying to find a new grad position is like the Lottery.......You play and take a chance....the more you play the better chance you have of winning. In one day try to apply to 30 positions....then thats 210 positions applied to in a week....which is 840 positions applied to in a month.......which in the numbers games pushes the odds in your favor! Desperate times calls for desperate measures! Apply to every single hospital and position that you can physically drive to.....and when 4 months passes and no luck...start applying to places that you can fly to cheap.....In my journey I've would estimate for every 100 positions I applied I got 1 call back.....sounds discouraging..but actually that 1 call is all you need! =) Good Luck!
hi micalove, i just wanted to thank you for all of the good advice. i applied for some positions on plaksa and just accepted a job at one of the hospitals! You're awesome! :)
Congrats on the job!!! any tips or advice about your interview experience? what kind of questions do they normally ask? I am motivated to apply at Plaska now :) btw, which hospital did you applied that are New grad friendly?
micalove62,
A few questions, if you don't mind me asking. Are you a BSN-RN or ADN-RN? And did you follow up with the jobs from plaksa or did they just call you? And how long did it take to hear back from these facilities after you applied through plaksa?
Sorry for the interrogation, but I'm just looking for tips and tricks to just get an interview. I've been searching for a job for about 2 months now and I've not gone to ONE single interview! I've applied to well over 50 job openings. I need some help! Thanks in advance.
Apply to ALL!!! The more you apply the better chance you have. Interviewers can be very tough with questions. Be prepared some will quiz you right on the spot testing your knowledge......questions that I continually was asked were.....How do you deal with conflict?.....Where do you see your self in 5 years?.......Why should we hire you?......What is one of your weaknesses?......Tell me about yourself! Its like question after questions...but stay calm, keep eye contact, and answer the questions the best you can.
Dress professinal...pull hair up....and walk in with confidence..and you should be fine! Good Luck =)
Thank you for all the job seeking tips micalove62! if you don't mind me asking..which hospital do you work for? I just applied to Alvarado and wanted to get some insight on their interview process. Thanks!
micalove62
8 Posts
Yes apply to all positions even the ones that say minimum one year expierience up to 3 years. none of the positions will never say New Grad. Apply to each position as it becomes available and disregard the years of experience. Good Luck!