New grad RN jobs

sunmaidliz · Sep 17, 2013

Welcome to the world of being a New Grad. It's been like this for about 5 or 6 years. You can't just submit applications online and expect to get a response every single time. I think you might get a response about 1% of the time. That means for every 100 applications you put out, you might get a response from one. If that.

New Grad is almost like a 4 letter word in the world of nursing. You never know what you get when you hire a new grad. You might get a fumbling idiot or a sharp as a whip nurse who will take over the manager position in 2 years. Hiring managers don't want to play that kind of Russian Roulette with new grads so they hire nurses with more experience. They are cheaper and more likely to stick around longer. And they are less drama. And with budget cuts, a slow economy and legislation changes, the nursing market is going to get even tighter and more competitive.

Right now, you are looking to get that magical 1 year experience so you are no longer a New Grad. Keep putting in your online applications. Couldn't hurt. Apply for Residencies. Go to job fairs where you will get face time with recruiters. Go to smaller hospitals and boldly walk up to the manager and tell her why you are worth the money she would spend to train you. Apply for flu clinics. Apply for blood donation centers. Make cold calls to the places you hired and ask to speak with the hiring manager so you can tell them why you would be a great fit. Volunteer in the meantime so you get to know people in the field. Build your network.

You are in for a tough road that could take years or you may get a job tomorrow. It's pride swallowing, confidence busting, discouraging and disheartening. I hope you are one of the lucky ones who don't get the worse of it. Like me.

MrsFish · Sep 17, 2013

Thanks sunmaidliz. It does get really discouraging, you're so right. I am trying to keep my chin up and have tried many of the things you've suggested. I am also considering volunteering at a hospital. Since I am starting my BSN in early Nov, I will have to be logging some hours in a hospital. In the meantime, paying my bills is getting to be a challenge. I may have to take a retail type job and volunteer in a hospital while working toward my BSN. Praying it doesn't come to that. I have another job fair coming up and will continue to call some of the smaller hospitals. Best of luck to you as well, sounds like you are struggling too.