New Grad RN can't find a job

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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.

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

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We have a very active job board that we are trying to really promote and get more positions.......

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Specializes in CVICU CCRN.
MODERATOR NOTE:

We have a very active job board that we are trying to really promote and get more positions.......

allnurses jobs | jobs | Choose from 32,525 live vacancies

I was pleased to see there are now listings for the Spokane, WA area :) I'm glad that it is growing!!

OP, my area is fairly new grad friendly, but I received the best response from residency programs. In fact, I had two to choose from. I've decided that I'm going to accept an offer from the OR. Eastern WA has several hospitals but I have heard from others in my network that they give hiring preference to those who attended local schools since they completed their clinical there. I second the other opinions about networking and showing up in person; all advice that worked for me!! Good luck!!

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You should look into the Twin Falls, ID area. The main hospital is St. Luke's, just the other day I was looking and they had a lot of openings there and in the Boise area. I know you'll land something! Good luck!

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I graduated last April and had applications out to every New Grad Program across the U.S. starting in January. Those programs are extremely competitive and honestly, I got interviews at many of them NOT because I was a CNA (because I wasn't, in fact I never worked in a hospital) but because I had a strong customer service background. So don't freak out if you weren't a CNA. There are actually nursing shortages and hospitals begging for anyone they can take if you are willing to travel and go to small rural communities. you have to keep an open mind and realize you won't get your dream job right off the bat. A lot of my nursing school friends started on a med surg floor or nursing homes until they got more experience. Just don't give up, a job will open up for you, just know it takes awhile for most people. I was one of the lucky ones that was able to accept a position just a couple of days before graduation, but it wasn't my dream job and it was in a location that I didn't want to be...But after 7 months in a trauma ICU I lined up a job that I really love and has me one step closer to my ultimate career goal. Have faith and keep your eyes peeled for new grad postings for summer residencies!

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Specializes in Psych, LTC/SNF, Rehab, Corrections.

Are you going to these facilities?

Just because you're throwing out 200 apps a day doesn't mean that your job hunting efficiently.

A great deal of LTC/SNF/Rehab, etc...places still do spot interviews. HH/Agency are always begging for people. If you want a job, you can have one. Same day.

There is a shortage (in the two states where I've lived, anyway: TX, FL), in my opinion. Just doesn't apply to new grads....

Too many of you; too many good apples to chose from.

If you're not networking or working as an aide or something...it's going to be a bit harder for you. Getting into the hospital will be harder still, if you're an RN without a BSN. It's not as though the hospitals' going to take you and all 20 of your classmates because the hospital unit's "just that desperate for people".

Anyway, if I were an RN student, I would've taken the PN boards.

Why don't more 'generic' RN student do...that?

Then, they would have 1-2 years of nurse experience and no problem securing a job. I would think that one could still pull 'new grad hospital internships'. Even if you've had 1-2 years of nursing experience, you'd still be a 'new RN'.

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North Dakota people

Is North Dakota still a "hot spot"? A lot of the explosive growth of the nursing job market there was tied to an upsurge in hiring in the oil industry. Back in those "boom days", when oil was over $100 per bbl, it made sense to drill there. With the spot price now below $50 per bbl, that boom may already be over.

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Is North Dakota still a "hot spot"? A lot of the explosive growth of the nursing job market there was tied to an upsurge in hiring in the oil industry. Back in those "boom days", when oil was over $100 per bbl, it made sense to drill there. With the spot price now below $50 per bbl, that boom may already be over.

Who would want to live in ND? I'm all for relocating for jobs, and doing rural work 2 hours from a major Eastern city (just as an example), but I'll pass on the tumbleweeds on the Dakotas!

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I can feel your plight and I'm sorry you are having a tough time finding a job. I was lucky as one of my Professors got me an interview with her director in the ICU. So in my case it was all about who you know. Have you tried reaching out to any of the nursing educators to see if you could just do a shadowing shift, that way you can meet people? Volunteering is also a great way to get your foot in the door. I wish you the best of luck!!

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Specializes in Cath/EP lab, CCU, Cardiac stepdown.
Who would want to live in ND? I'm all for relocating for jobs, and doing rural work 2 hours from a major Eastern city (just as an example), but I'll pass on the tumbleweeds on the Dakotas!

While you personally may not want to live there please don't knock on north Dakota. There are actually plenty of people who go there to get a start on their careers. It's a great place for new grads who are willing to move.

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Specializes in Cath/EP lab, CCU, Cardiac stepdown.
Is North Dakota still a "hot spot"? A lot of the explosive growth of the nursing job market there was tied to an upsurge in hiring in the oil industry. Back in those "boom days", when oil was over $100 per bbl, it made sense to drill there. With the spot price now below $50 per bbl, that boom may already be over.

From what I've seen, they're still actively accepting new grads. The oil issue did cause the rent to rise in certain areas but you can still find a decent priced place.

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If you have your BSN consider the military. Great training, great benefits, paid relocation, and the military will pay for nearly 100% of the cost for obtaining advanced degrees. It's not for everyone, but might be an option for a few years to get some experience, more education and save money/pay off current school loans. With a BSN, you come in as an officer.

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I made myself more "attractive" to employers by applying to LTC facilities, and telling them that I'd work night shift. Had two offers in two days.

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