New Grad RN Job Search

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I just graduated with a BSN (May '12). I don't have any tech/care partner experience and I haven't taken the NCLEX yet for my certification. I've been applying for jobs and looking at residency programs, but without a license or experience my resume looks a little thin. Any advice on job searching and applying?

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Specializes in Ambulatory care.

Focus on getting your license ASAP. Many places won't even look at your resume without it on hand. Also should you get hired as a graduate nurse "with understanding that you will get license within X months AND you end up failing the NClex you'd probably be fired.

Student Resumes usually don't have much experience but put down your school club activities, volunteering, clinical rotations, and other work type experience even if ts not nursing. You can do CNA work / volunteer. Note once you get your RN license you will not be alllowed to work as CNA so keep that in mind.

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Where are these places that won't even look at our resumes without a license? I'm from the northeast of America and it seems like it's way too late to even be considered for a job with or without the RN next to my name.

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I recently passed NCLEX in April and still can't find a job. It's really discouraging:( I don't know what to do. A lot of my classmates are in the same boat as me!! Some have gotten jobs outside of the field because they had to start paying bills/loans. It's depressing for new grads. Others are even contemplating leaving the prrofession all together.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Flight.

I'm having trouble landing a job myself. It's so disheartening. All the blood sweat& tears to help others seems it was all for nil.

I'm discouraged and feel like I wasted my time.

Don't mean to thread jack, just letting u know others are other in ur shoes too =\

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thanks for ur post so is this mean once u get ur rn licese one will not be allowed to work as a CNA.ia m a forign nurse

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My advice would be to use ANY and ALL connections you may have. I did my Med-Surg II and Senior Practicum at the hospital I want to work at, and I got to know the Director of Clinical Placement very well. Since department directors come to her to ask for recommendations for new grads, she has been able to put my name out there and I got an interview for a Medical Telemetry unit this past Wednesday. I had only been looking for about 10 days when I got the call for the interview, so connections can make all the difference! Don't be afraid to drop names or call and email frequently.

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