New Grad RNs...what are you doing in the meantime? Any suggestions?

U.S.A. California

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So, with the job outlook being what it is for us New Grad RNs, I'm wondering what most of you are doing in the meantime?

I just recently graduated in May and passed NCLEX in July. I've submitted all my info to every hospital possible and check Craigslist for one-off jobs constantly (ie. flu clinics, camp/school nurse).

Should I bother volunteering for a hospital, even though most hospital volunteer work doesn't seem too relevant?

Are you working as MAs, CNAs, LVNs, caregivers etc to help get an "in" at a hospital? Are we even allowed to apply for a job lower than our licensed responsibility?

I've heard of New Grad transition programs, but heard they may be just as competetive with 3+ years of new grad RNs trying to "keep up their skills."

Or have you just gone for a regular job just to pay bills? I'm desperate enough to possibly do that because finances are really starting to dwindle...

What other alternatives do we have?

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Specializes in Tele Step Down, Oncology, ICU, Med/Surg.

Im there with you; feel your pain.

By the way, doing new grad training didn't help me much despite performing well and getting an excellent letter of rec. The hospital I externed at is just not hiring new grads. I'm doing flu clinics and babysitting gigs. Have earned money by doing private duty nursing for newly d/c'd Geri pts and a new set of twins--all via word of mouth.

Mostly just focusing on my kids and the house and all the things I neglected thru nursing school. And, things are tight but we are used to living on one salary, but I may pick up retail work for the Holidays. I can't move as my husband and kids are entrenched in the Bay Area

I do notice that since finishing my externship I have gotten a couple phone interviews. I was also planning to do a mission trip to Mexico in August, but it was cancelled due to safety reasons. Disappointed as I really wanted to work on my Spanish.

Of course I've taken all my certifications and a couple of classes at the local UC. I asked this question a couple posts back so am curious to hear what others are doing.

Good Luck on your Journey!

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Im like you, graduated in May and took the boards in July, started applying, got ACLS & NRP (my goal is to work mother-baby unit), still couldn't find a job, signed up for volunteer at a local community hospital for flu clinic.

One day, i got the address of about 6/7 SNF's around and filled an application in each facility. Called all the DON's a week later to ask if they received my application, didnt receive a single call back. After about 2 wks, got a call from one of the DON's, set up an interveiw, got a Part time position and yesterday, got another call, interveiw is set for friday for a Full time position.

Just keep trying, call, talk to the people in charge, i got tired of on-line application

Good luck

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Thank you for your responses. I truly appreciate it. May I ask what NRP is?

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Specializes in NICU/Subacute/MDS.

NRP=Neonatal Resuscitation Program (acls for infants)

What helped me:

Read craigslist daily, check all the hospital web sites you are willing to drive to daily. You want to be one of the first to apply, before the stack gets ridiculously large!

Have a suit and professional resume ready at all times (went to a few job fairs, pple were in jeans, flip flops!!!) I had the least amount of experience and was called for 2nd interview because I went above and beyond to look very professional, including a black business bag and portfolio with my resumes)

Have business cards made at Staples (name, RN and phone #)

Cold-call at Doctor's offices, just drop by and give your resume, ask if they know any offices that may be hiring (these positions are almost always word-of-mouth and not posted). Just drop in and let them know you looking for a stable RN position and wondering if they know any offices that may have openings. That way they don't feel pressured, you are just casually asking for their knowledge. Leave your business card if they are not receptive to a full-on resume! (Be dressed for interview)

Check sub-acute facilites - I was able to work per diem. You can cold-call these too. Be dressed for interview. Be dressed for interview. If they do not have an opening or not ready to interview you, get the number and name of the person you want to speak to. Leave your card. You can send thank you notes to those have spoken to you and call back to check for openings. (Be dressed for interview)

Fill out your FAFSA and start a BSN or MSN program. This always looks good in interviews. You have goals other than just getting a job =)

Call or visit your professors. Ask if they know anyone at the hospital in particular that you can speak to. One of my professors volunteered to call the director for me. Don't lose touch with your professors, you need them for references and you don't want them to forget you. Call or email and keep them posted on what you are doing to find a job/further your career/expand your education.

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To add to the advice of the last poster: I had been an LVN for several years and RN for 1 year before moving to California. I was in the same position as the new grad RN's since I had only held jobs in the midwest as an office nurse for doctor's offices. That experience did not help much in this state since MA's have all the "office jobs" here. I was unable to find a hospital position with no hospital experience. I looked for jobs all day, everyday for 6 months. I cold called all the doctor's offices. Dressed up an went into various medical facilities to hand out my resume. I also checked craig's list everyday, Indeed, monster, and simply hired. I discovered a lot of the weight loss centers have licensed nurses on staff such as Lindora, oral surgeons hire nurses on staff, outpatient surgery centers, laser cosmetic centers, adult day care centers, private colleges hire RN's for instructing CNA and MA courses, home health agencies... All my persistance paid off. I actually was hired by a doctor who liked the idea of hiring an RN on staff with her own license vs. another MA. He saw the advantages and benefits for his practice. After taking the job I recieved 2 more offers for an adult day care and a clinic supervisor. Hope this helps! Good Luck and don't get discouraged your hard work will pay off.

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Im a registered nurse and since im a new grad I still do volunteering, rather do something than just hang around doing nothing, well of course aside from constantly applying for jobs.. Im in CA but also considering other states, CA's job market just frustrates me thats why

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I'm getting my IBCLC (Lactation Consultant) since I want to go into Maternal/Child nursing and worse come to worse I can work in private practice (which would be good mom hours anyway).

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Specializes in Community & Mental Health, Sp Ed nursing.

More suggestions to keep you from going crazy, most are free or cheap:

  • Track down all the free CME and learning opportunities you can.
  • Volunteer as a health assistant for your child's school (find out if they have diabetics that you can help care for)
  • Volunteer for a local Free Clinic
  • Volunteer in the ED of your local hospital
  • Be the volunteer first aid provider for sporting events or concerts
  • Learn how to teach CPR, then teach classes at Red Cross (cost to take classes).
  • Set up a Linkedin.com profile, ask for recommendations from your professors and volunteer co-workers to post on here.

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