New Grad RN can't find a job

[morganv]

I graduated in December 2014. I passed my boards a couple of weeks later in mid January. Since then, I have applied to over 200 jobs. I have sent follow up emails, made phone calls, the whole 9 yards. Yet, still nothing. I am in the metro Atlanta area and have increased my search to many surrounding cities. I have searched for nurse residency programs and new grad RN positions. I still can't find anything. What else can I do? I'm frustrated that they always say "nurses are always in high demand" but no one wants to give the new grads a shot.

[OCNRN63, RN]

ROFL did someone actually say dying? Of course I probably shouldn't be chuckling as I'm not far from a Boomer and if caught in bright light without my make-up on..... Oh well no worries young chickies I plan to skedaddle between 60-62.

Oh yes, someone did indeed say that, because I clearly recall apologizing that my cancer hadn't killed me off fast enough. This was quite a while ago, and I would never be able to find that post, but I would never make something like that up, that's for sure.

Well, that is interesting, I thought you were a guy. Of course, maybe you are a guy, just one who wears makeup.

[MidLifeRN2012]

It took me 2 years post graduation to find a job. And I graduated with a BSN.

Thank God I was still full time employed in my prior career.

[MatrixRn]

It took me 2 years post graduation to find a job. And I graduated with a BSN.

All I can say is WOW!

[skylark, BSN, RN]

i applied and was offered a new grad job at northside... omg the pay was horrible. 23 bucks and hr! I was floored how retarded and low that was!

So you have no experience but think you are worth more than $23 an hour?

Explain.

I can think of many CNAs and ER Techs that I would happily pay this amount, but a new grad with a critical attitude . . . .uh, no.

[Jules A, MSN]

So you have no experience but think you are worth more than $23 an hour?

Explain.

.

I made that as a new grad LPN with no experience more than a few years ago.

[Jules A, MSN]

Oh yes, someone did indeed say that, because I clearly recall apologizing that my cancer hadn't killed me off fast enough. This was quite a while ago, and I would never be able to find that post, but I would never make something like that up, that's for sure.

Well, that is interesting, I thought you were a guy. Of course, maybe you are a guy, just one who wears makeup.

Well I'm glad you are still around. Yeah I'm a chick but I think sometimes I do come off like a dude probably because I work with mostly male physicians and my thought process can be a bit, ummm concrete? Although I prefer the term pragmatic. :)

[Billy11]

Hey there. I understand it's frustrating. I graduated in Jan. 2014 and was already working as a nursing assistant on the floor I work on now. I honestly wish professors would stress the importance of getting a job as an NA before graduating. But needless to say that has past.

Just a few thoughts...are you close to any of your professors? Meaning can you reach out to them to ask if they know anyone that's hiring? Secondly, have you attended any career health fairs in the area or the surrounding area? Thirdly, do any of your friends from school have jobs? Can they recommend to you any units that are hiring in their hospital? Can they speak for you?

[KaiserRecruiter]

This seems to be a sticky topic! Several RNs I talk to are in the same predicament. Many facilities require 6months-1 year of experience. Many RNs often get their foot in the door at a CNA then once they pass their NCLEX they do an internal transfer to an RN position. Keep your head up and definitely keep networking!

Leah (all invitations welcome!) Kavanagh | LinkedIn

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

There are two elements that create this problem - one the large number of For profit schools are turning out new grads two to three times a year and they are flooding the market. Second changes due to Healthcare reform are requiring that many hospital's that accept Medicare and Medicaid will have to phase towards staffing all BSN's currently employed nurses are grandfathered in but also heavily encouraged to complete their education. I have worked in Mental health for 11 years and love it. I recently got caught in a reduction of force last November right before Thanksgiving and just got another job this week - so things are tough all over. If I were you I would take a class or seminar in Resume writing and Interview Skills so when you do get that interview you can present any past job experience in the best light as it may pertain to nursing and also present yourself as confident and employable. This may sound stupid but if you are female always interview in a pantsuit or skirt - with hose and shoes and the whole nine yards. If you are male suit and tie. Cover any visible tattoos or piercings other than in your ears. Hospital's are generally pretty conservative and often have strict rules with regards to dress and appearance and it helps to show your self off to your best advantage

[TexMex22]

If you really want a job, you may well need to look outside the Atlanta area. I know that's painful to consider, but sounds like reality.

REGISTERED NURSE INTERN - NEURO/ORTHO

Methodist Health System 32 reviews - Dallas, TX

[TABLE]

[TR]

[TD=class: snip]Are you a New Graduate RN or an RN seeking an opportunity to transition to Acute Care? Last year, Methodist Health System provided more than $132 million in non...

I found this listing and LOTS of others on "indeed.com."

Happy hunting. [/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

[PinkEagle]

North Dakota people

Might try living there too! Are living expenses low there?

[TexMex22]

Oh and if you aren't working at all right now, volunteer --- any hospital, hospice, "free" medical clinic, AIDS clinic, The Red Cross… you get the idea. In Atlanta, there must be hundreds of opportunities for an RN volunteer.

You will be getting experience (which helps fill out your resume) and making connections.