new grad RN still no luck!

[k.soriaRN]

i passed my boards in august and it's december already and still no luck.

i live in southern california and i've applied to a few NEW GRAD RN programs and i was turned down by two of them.

a lot of the hospitals say to keep checking online and to call back at the end of december.

when i called back, they said their NEW GRAD RN programs are closed. GREAT.

the next new grad rn programs are the ones 5-6 months from now.

i am just so frustrated and i want to give up already. maybe i'm not meant to be a nurse?

i want to work already and make a change in the world.

[urfoxyrn]

I feel for you, I know where you're coming from because I had the same experience. I got turned down by two hospitals; Sharp & UCSD. But what can we do? I heard that they got so many applicants for a few positions, so that's really something. Where did you applied anyways?

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Here in the Fort Worth area they had over 500 applicants for 16 new grad positions at the county hospital. I really hope things start changing for you soon and I really wish the schools would stop saturating the market by pumping out a ridiculous number of new grads when there are not jobs for them. It is so unfair!

[backinwonderland]

I was in your position a year ago so I completely understand how you feel. Have you tried applying to do vaccinations for the rest of the flu season? I did that as well as volunteered at a free clinic (I lived in the Bay Area) while I was applying to hospital jobs. I've heard of some new grads getting PRN positions with home health organizations as well. It's not ideal, but the entire economy isn't ideal either so at least it's something. Hang in there.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Perhaps it is time to seek out non-hospital employment while you wait to get hired at a hospital. If you wait around for a hospital job in this ultra-competitive market, you might realistically be unemployed for a year or longer.

There are nursing homes, home health, private duty, clinics, doctors offices, hospices, group homes, adult day cares, psychiatric facilities, and other settings outside the hospital that are often willing to accept new grads.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Here in the Fort Worth area they had over 500 applicants for 16 new grad positions at the county hospital. I really hope things start changing for you soon and I really wish the schools would stop saturating the market by pumping out a ridiculous number of new grads when there are not jobs for them. It is so unfair!

I was actually interviewed by a unit manager at the Fort Worth area county hospital for one of these positions, and was actually recommended for a second interview, but was never offered the job. This job-seeking environment is becoming super-competitive across the country.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

I was actually interviewed by a unit manager at the Fort Worth area county hospital for one of these positions, and was actually recommended for a second interview, but was never offered the job. This job-seeking environment is becoming super-competitive across the country.

It is ridiculous, but the public is not getting the word so it keeps compunding itself. I think it is horribly unfair that in spite of this the schools just keep accepting more students and even expanding programs. UTA is a prime example!

[iRN5]

i passed my boards in august and it's december already and still no luck.

i live in southern california and i've applied to a few NEW GRAD RN programs and i was turned down by two of them.

a lot of the hospitals say to keep checking online and to call back at the end of december.

when i called back, they said their NEW GRAD RN programs are closed. GREAT.

the next new grad rn programs are the ones 5-6 months from now.

i am just so frustrated and i want to give up already. maybe i'm not meant to be a nurse?

i want to work already and make a change in the world.

I'm in the same boat at you. I graduated in June, licensed in August, and still no job. I don't have any advice for you, but just know you're not alone.

What program did you graduate from?

[love-d-OR]

I feel for you, and as others have said you should look into other specialties or maye even move if you can afford to. The market just is'nt what it used to be... But why are people blaming the schools? Did they promise you work? Did they personally invite you to go to nursing school? No, so why blame them. Supply and demand, remember? They are a business, in the business to educate people and make money. It is the responsibility of the student to look at the major, the job market, and their potential job satisfaction!

It's a sad reality, but nursing is not the secure blanket job it once was. I see it every day at my work, new grad RNs working as CNAs because they can't find work

[ICUSkeenRN]

I understand completely. I felt like I wasted a lot of time applying to countless LA/OC new grad programs and applying to places online. What helped me is calling hospitals and asking to speak to unit directors directly. Yes, it's bold, but I landed 2 interviews and got the job of my dreams in ICU. Where in So Cal are you?

[CSULB ELM]

Pasadena

Any local small hospital or urgent care in your mind?

thanks

I understand completely. I felt like I wasted a lot of time applying to countless LA/OC new grad programs and applying to places online. What helped me is calling hospitals and asking to speak to unit directors directly. Yes, it's bold, but I landed 2 interviews and got the job of my dreams in ICU. Where in So Cal are you?

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

Did you see this flyer for San Diego? I'll copy and paste it here.

San Diego Health Care Association

New Grad RN Residency Program to begin in 2011.

This program consists of a 90-day training period for newly graduated RNs. In order to be eligible for this program, RNs must be receiving unemployment, receive public assistance or have a low family income. During the training period RNs will receive an hourly rate of $19 paid by the sponsoring facility. Each sponsoring facility will set their own starting salary at time of hire after the program. Each sponsoring facility is to receive $2,000 to cover mentoring/hiring costs (many new grad RNs may be eligible for tax credits at time of hiring as well).

To find out if you are eligible or to request more information, please call Doug at [phone].

This program is funded by the San Diego Workforce Partnership in order to:

•Use Federal Workforce dollars to train RN’s in specific long term care issues

•Increase facility’s RN ratio for new Five Star Ratings

•Use RN’s to increase your staffing ratios during training period

•Develop large pool of RN’s experienced in long term care for future hiring needs