New Grad RN job

klone, MSN, RN · Mar 24, 2010

I'm sorry. It's a hard job climate out there for new grads. I certainly don't envy your position, and that of everyone else out there who have recently graduated or are about to graduate.

Have you looked into SNFs or LTCs?

empathykitty · Mar 24, 2010

hi.. i know how you feel b/ that what i went thru last year..

here's a suggestion, have you search hospital job in washington dc area?

b/ this state acutually do RN endorsement thru walk-in, meaning no mail or longtime to wait..it's all done in a day. i actually got my d.c license in 2hrs... so that way you don't feel wasting time or money.

hopefully this helped

good luck :heartbeat:heartbeat

kaliRN · Mar 24, 2010

I am also a new grad, so sorry no "experienced nurse" advice here. I did however want to offer this - if you are willing to relocate. In the VA Healthcare system, as long as you have an active license in ONE state (say CA), you are able to work at any VA in the nation. Now, how employable are you into one of their Versant (New Grad) programs as an out-of-state RN? I have no idea, but with the climate being what it is, I would explore this route if I could relocate. While I am sure you will hear as many opinions on the VA as there are employees, take some time to decide for yourself. The bureaucracy can be a turn off to some, but weigh that against the benefit package - tuition reimbursement - student loan repayment - salary and opportunity for advancement. As far as the patient demographic, only you will know whether it will feel allow you to feel rewarded or burned-out.

Also, as far as licensing in another state, the school I attended warned us against trying to obtain our license elsewhere, as each state's BRN can have different program requirements. It seems wise you don't want to relocate unless you have found a job. On the other side, it would be equally terrible to invest the time and energy in finding a job in a state you could not license in without taking more classes with a BSN. Keep in mind, you can always go through license by endorsement, once you have passed NCLEX and received your license here.

I just thought I would add what I can, in the hopes it may help. I try to stay away from threads that do not offer solutions on this site. It's depressing and discouraging and I do not want to carry the weight of that as I hit the job market.

wanabenurse · Mar 24, 2010

Hang in there ccorrigan3 !!! Im a dec grad and have been applying for 2 months at least you have a head start :rolleyes: . Have you been applying to grad nurse or nurse intern positions in hospitals out of state? I had to apply out of state but I figure it will be worth it. There seems to be more options down south (and zip in Maine!)

RelloydRN · Mar 24, 2010

I think you'd have an immediate job if you join the US Army Nurse Corps. Just a thought.

Polly Dipcya · Mar 25, 2010

I also am having trouble finding a job as a RN. My 2 1/2 years as an LPN on the med/surge floor in a small hosp apparently means nothing. I've tried home-care, hospice, hosp within 30 mins away. (I live in North IN- snow belt) AS for LTC been I got my start there as a CNA-good experience then..Also too old for military. Is the economy, recession, down sizing,my age? I have 35K of student loans to pay back....I applied for many many job, online, mailing resume, going to facility with resume and ref's. I'm getting very discouraged, and scared how I'm going to make my loan payments. Are a lot of new RN's also having trouble?

Blackheartednurse · Mar 25, 2010

I also am having trouble finding a job as a RN. My 2 1/2 years as an LPN on the med/surge floor in a small hosp apparently means nothing. I've tried home-care, hospice, hosp within 30 mins away. (I live in North IN- snow belt) AS for LTC been I got my start there as a CNA-good experience then..Also too old for military. Is the economy, recession, down sizing,my age? I have 35K of student loans to pay back....I applied for many many job, online, mailing resume, going to facility with resume and ref's. I'm getting very discouraged, and scared how I'm going to make my loan payments. Are a lot of new RN's also having trouble?

I personally think it is not your age since the average year of a nurse is I believe 42..well trust I'm almost 20 years younger than you and it took me nearly 6 months to land a job for which I had to move to another state.

Nrscass · Mar 25, 2010

Thank you for all your posts. Yes, I have looked into LTC and this would not be an issue for me. Polly, I am not sure where you live but In Az with your experience as an LPN and being a new RN you would be the first to be hired under an EMT with experience. I know the Navy is hiring, to bad they won't take anyone over 42. Hummmm. Onward to the job search!

Polly Dipcya · Mar 25, 2010

Thanks for the support, I just needed to vent and/or feel sorry for myself..lol Indiana still has a pretty high un-employment rate and I do live in a rural area. Population 3500. I'm just glad I have a place to come to talk to fellow nurses, EMT's, anyone of us in health-care.. Thanks again Nrscass, and blackheartnurse. made my day! I updated, actually redone resume etc. Have a great day!

Lizzie21 · Apr 30, 2010

I must say that colorado isn't doing much better for new graduate jobs. There are tons of nursing programs in the Denver/metro area alone and no one is getting jobs. I've probably applied to 50 jobs and I have been rejected each time. I also have no experience in healthcare, besides my clinical rotations. my best advice would be if you know any nurses that have jobs, I would ask them if their floor is hiring or have them hand in your resume to the hiring manager. Then maybe something will come out of it. I'm having a friend of mine who just graduated and got a job, hand in my resume to her mom (she's the hiring manager for her floor) to see if there is anything I can do to really make my resume say "WOW". Then hopefully she likes it so much, she could hire me. All wishful thinking. It's definitely a tough market out there.

NurslingRN · Apr 30, 2010

yes it is very tough to get a new grad position..even here in FL. I graduated in december and have an interview on monday. My advice would be to apply for a position and then call the nurse manager directly to discuss the opportunity for an interview. That is the only way i can get them!..ive only had 2 though! :uhoh3: anyhow, good luck and keep us posted!