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.

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

Expenses are very low in North Dakota and you will get hired on pretty fast there as well.

Yes, but you'll have to live in North Dakota.

[kidnurse07]

if you're willing to relocate, you'll find a position in no time. i declined an offer from a Midwest state. i held an RN title no more than a month. the majority of my classmates landed jobs in less than a year because they had an inside connection. they are hiring...

i see a billion ads for registered nurses but they all require 1+ year of experience (California) . the issue is that the senior/experience nurses aren't willing to train us... not sure why this is. anyway, after you get 2 years under your belt, you can own 2 if not 3 jobs. =)

[RescueNinjaKy]

if you're willing to relocate, you'll find a position in no time. i declined an offer from a Midwest state. i held an RN title no more than a month. the majority of my classmates landed jobs in less than a year because they had an inside connection. they are hiring...

i see a billion ads for registered nurses but they all require 1+ year of experience (California) . the issue is that the senior/experience nurses aren't willing to train us... not sure why this is. anyway, after you get 2 years under your belt, you can own 2 if not 3 jobs. =)

Please don't blame it all on more experienced nurses. Many would love to train new nurses to reduce patient to staff ratio. It's management and hr that doesn't want to hire.

[OCNRN63, RN]

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. :)

The same thing happens to me on another forum. I wonder what it is about post style that makes people think that? :)

[anashenwrath, ASN, RN]

I agree with those who are suggesting you look into LTC. If you can swing it, apply for the night shift. They're always looking for the night shift! You can also look for float pools and per diem work.

I hate saying it, but your standards might need to be pretty low at the start. It doesn't mean you're not a great nurse, but putting in a year at a 2-star nursing home might give you the experience you need to move in the direction you want. A lot of hospitals even have training programs specifically for LTC nurses making that transition, but you got to have the LTC experience first! (And who knows, maybe you'll end up loving LTC like I did!)

Also, make sure your resume is a NURSING resume. List all the skills you learned in school, list all the different units you worked on. Dedicate maybe a sentence to any previous non-nurse work, and in that sentence, focus on your ability to manage, work on a team, improve outcomes, etc.

As soon as you can get into a BSN program, do so! And if you get an interview as an ADN, mention how much you look forward to pursuing your BSN asap.

It sucks. And I'm sorry you're going through this frustration. But especially in an urban setting, you have a lot of competition. Focus on getting that one year of ANY nursing experience under your belt. It might be a crappy year for you, but you'll start seeing a few more doors open afterwards!

[noureend]

Hi. I am in the same position. Graduated in December passed my boards the first time and still can't seem to get a job. I have applied to soooo many positions and have worked as a CNA before but was told you have to have at least 1 year experience. I am confused if i don't get a job how can i get the experience. Any advice would be great. I have applied to grad positions, residency, and prn.

[redlacct]

Come to michigan. we are hiring

[socialworknurse]

Have you applied at Northside? They have new grad residencies and hire ADNs.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

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. :)

I didn't think your posts read "dude" at all, LOL....but your NAME is one I have only known to be held by males! I never considered whether you were an effeminate male, though

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

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.

I graduated 6 years ago, with an AS and no nursing experience. My first job offer, 8 months after graduation, paid $28 per hour. Unfortunately, the job was cancelled, and I was sent home 45 minutes into my first shift.

[RescueNinjaKy]

Honestly I would say don't expect good pay as a graduate nurse. The experience is what's important. But of course don't go for ridiculous pay either.

For instance, North Dakota has pay around $23 for new graduates but their cost of living isn't that high so I find it acceptable, especially as you can get experience in the specialty that you want most of the time.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

This just caught my eye. I still have PMs from Joyce. She was the best!

Daytonite:

critical thinking flow sheet for nursing students

student clinical report sheet for one patient

Yes she was....I try to keep her here...I use her advice to students all the time.