New Grad RN - employment options???

Selene006, BSN, LPN · Sep 2, 2009

What about home-care as an option?

nanciepaul · Sep 2, 2009

I can feel your pain. I also graduated last spring (with BSN and internship) but luckily able to find a job very close to my home. I also applied many hospitals and nursing home online but have not heard a word from them.. I got my job when I walked in to a nursing home to talk to the DON. I got the job the same day I filled out the application..So my advice for you is to do the same thing. Start going to some local nursing homes, you will find a job soon.. I guess, I have to wait a little longer to find my dream job in a hospital.. BTW, I also did my nursing school in another state and I think it is not a big deal..best wishes :up:

KK1017 · Sep 3, 2009

Thanks for the advice.

I did a week long home care thing for an agency working as a health aide. It was one of the worst experiences....ever. I'm nervous to work as an RN doing home health just because it would just be me out there with no one around to ask questions.

I'm planning on going to some nursing homes tomorrow. Any suggestions? Thanks again.

Kate:up:

nanciepaul · Sep 3, 2009

A small suggestion, wait until next Monday because a lot of people might be on vacation. However you never know your lucky day..

KK1017 · Sep 4, 2009

Good suggestion. I now have an interview somewhere north of Boston. The DON picked up the phone and basically said that there is no way I'll hire you if you're a new grad..but do you have any experience? I said that I had two years experience as a CNA and did a bit of home health. She sighed and told me to come in Tuesday. Hahaha...

nanciepaul · Sep 4, 2009

Great :yeah:Did I tell you will find one soon :wink2:..I am so happy for you!, now you will all that lazy days at home. Trust me nurses are always in demand in some place or the another..I am so happy to be a nurse:nurse:

KK1017 · Sep 4, 2009

Thanks!! She basically told me on the phone that I wouldn't get a job because I'm a new grad. However, I'll go into the interview with all the reasons she SHOULD hire me. Keep your fingers crossed! Thanks again!

KK1017 · Sep 4, 2009

Also, feel free to pass along interview suggestions!

nanciepaul · Sep 4, 2009

Is this is a LTC? If so I am surprised why she is making the interview this strict..Just be cool and genuine, talk about your experiences.. ask questions about the facility; Also look up for other jobs..:)

KristiRNBSN · Feb 28, 2010

KK- I just came across this thread and was just curious...did you find a job?? I am a new grad RN as of Dec 09. I went to school in PA and moved to Boston at Christmas. I'm having a hard time finding anything in healthcare at the moment. Just wondering if you have any advice! Thanks!

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2010

This new grad thing drives me nuts. All of these senior nurses started somewhere as a new grad themselves. Sitting around for the eight months waitressing pays the bills perhaps, but it does not in any way enhance your nursing skills. My point is, all the hiring managers are aware of this fact. And there is a shortage of nurses. So realistically, not everyone can afford to hold out for "experience".

Aside from selling the experience you do have, it wouldn't hurt to nicely, but assertively point this out during the interview.

Good luck. I think you just have to be willing to take anything for the moment. After a year and a half somewhere, you can move around, or at least start looking for better options. Also, keep checking with organizations that do not have postings. Send a resume anyway. Because the ones with postings are flooded with applicants.