New grad RN job with no connections?

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Hi all,

I'm feeling pretty discouraged with the whole job searching process :( It feels like the only people from my class that have gotten jobs are those that have really great connections with recruiters/managers/directors in the hospital. I'm wondering if those of you that got a job w/out connections could share your story or any advice?

I think I'm going to start going hospital to hospital and just heading straight to the recruiters office to personally drop off my resume...as nervous as I am to do so! Has anyone had success doing this? I am sick of just submitting application after application online only to receive the classic "rejection" email.

I just feel like I am so behind. I graduated this past May (2011) and passed the Nclex on Aug. 4th....I feel like I've already missed all the hiring opportunities and no one is even looking anymore....Ugh, ok I'm going to stop being so negative, just needed to vent a little!

Any encouragement or advice would be greatly appreciated....Thank you so much!

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Specializes in Registered Nurse.

Hi. I know it's hard but I believe you will find a job without connections. It's harder, but if you keep trying you will succeed. Try the hospital, clinics, long term care facilities even if the job does not appeal to you. You just need to get your foot in the door. Then, who knows, what other opportunities and connections are waiting for you. I got my first nursing job without connections at the newborn nursery.

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I'm in the same boat as you! I passed boards in July, relocated to a "bigger" city with thousands of jobs not to find one! Good luck in your search.

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I am in the same position. I passed the RN exam in June, and I haven't found a job yet. This is the most frustrating thing. I just want a job. I need to pay up my school debt.

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I thought nursing was suppose to be the greatest career opportunity? Instructors forgot to mention that new grads aren't easily hired! Someone give us a bone! :nurse:

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Specializes in L&D.

I'm so sorry to hear this. A friend's daughter is in the same boat. A bit discouraging but keep going....as someone mentioned above, get your foot in the door "somewhere". take a job in any area jsut as a start. I also believe it is a good idea to go the HR depts in the hospitals and try to meet with the recruiters there. Find other nurses who are working and ask them to introduce you to the HR dept where they are working.

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Definitely on the same boat. I also graduated this past May and passed the NCLEX in the middle of July. I am beyond exhausted and stressed out with these hundreds of applications I sent out and only getting the dreaded rejection email. I applied to hospitals, LTC, and subacutes... all desiring at least 1 yr experience... I emailed/called HR and they are of no help. People weren't lying when they said finding a job is a full time job in itself ... what am I doing wrong?

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Definitely on the same boat. I also graduated this past May and passed the NCLEX in the middle of July. I am beyond exhausted and stressed out with these hundreds of applications I sent out and only getting the dreaded rejection email. I applied to hospitals, LTC, and subacutes... all desiring at least 1 yr experience... I emailed/called HR and they are of no help. People weren't lying when they said finding a job is a full time job in itself ... what am I doing wrong?

I hear you. My family has been on my butt about it. I tried talking with recruiters and I haven't heard back from them. I've been looking for career fairs but nothing has popped up.

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Specializes in Family Planning, STD, OB/Gyn.
Hi all,

I'm feeling pretty discouraged with the whole job searching process :( It feels like the only people from my class that have gotten jobs are those that have really great connections with recruiters/managers/directors in the hospital. I'm wondering if those of you that got a job w/out connections could share your story or any advice?

I think I'm going to start going hospital to hospital and just heading straight to the recruiters office to personally drop off my resume...as nervous as I am to do so! Has anyone had success doing this? I am sick of just submitting application after application online only to receive the classic "rejection" email.

I just feel like I am so behind. I graduated this past May (2011) and passed the Nclex on Aug. 4th....I feel like I've already missed all the hiring opportunities and no one is even looking anymore....Ugh, ok I'm going to stop being so negative, just needed to vent a little!

Any encouragement or advice would be greatly appreciated....Thank you so much!

Have you tried talking to your student services at your school? They have connections to employers. Or talking to your previous nursing instructors to assist you in jobs that they might hear about. I applied for Mollen Immunization Clinics for now until I get a steady job. Try applying there. Flushotusa.com

A job is a job to get experience to get "new grad nurse" off the resume. I graduated in Dec and passed boards in May. I'm sure there is a job waiting for you out there. Don't give up. =D

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Hi all,

I'm feeling pretty discouraged with the whole job searching process :( It feels like the only people from my class that have gotten jobs are those that have really great connections with recruiters/managers/directors in the hospital. I'm wondering if those of you that got a job w/out connections could share your story or any advice?

I think I'm going to start going hospital to hospital and just heading straight to the recruiters office to personally drop off my resume...as nervous as I am to do so! Has anyone had success doing this? I am sick of just submitting application after application online only to receive the classic "rejection" email.

I just feel like I am so behind. I graduated this past May (2011) and passed the Nclex on Aug. 4th....I feel like I've already missed all the hiring opportunities and no one is even looking anymore....Ugh, ok I'm going to stop being so negative, just needed to vent a little!

Any encouragement or advice would be greatly appreciated....Thank you so much!

Dress up nice and make plenty of copies of your resume, cover letter, references, immunization records, nursing license, drivers license, CPR certification, and anything else that you can think they might want. Then get out there and start showing up at places and giving them your cover letter and resume. If you get to speak with someone who wants any extra info then you will have it ready. If you get a meeting/interview then make sure you get a business card so that you can send them a thank you note.

Also, make phone calls. What I do is call a few days after I sent in my resume to make sure they got it and to ask when they will be scheduling interviews. This is actually how I got my current LPN job.

It felt good to know that I got my job on my own without having to know anyone on the "inside". Although, I admit if I did know someone then I would have asked them about me getting a job first.

Good Luck!!! Don't give up!!! :-)

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Oh and let me add: Accept any job that comes your way (Full time, part time or PRN). This will get you nursing experience to put on your resume. I was origionally hired PRN. I have been offered several full time positions(at my current employer) but I get so many hours working PRN and I get to set my own schedule and make more money doing it that I am staying PRN for now. And I never thought I would like being PRN :-)

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Hey Jess, sorry to hear that you're feeling discouraged. I know it can be pretty tough especially with job growth and hiring as weak as it is. Don't give up though, the biggest killer to your future is hopelessness. Shake that off and keep looking. Not sure where you live but my friend just told me about some Allied Health Careers at Columbus Regional. Keep lookin, you'll find something.

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