New Grad starting the job hunt - Where do I start?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Hi Nurse Beth,

I'm currently stuck right now. I am a new grad who passed my NCLEX-RN the past April and I took this summer to relax and now I am starting to apply to jobs but I do not know where I want to work. I have been advised not to start at a SNF and to work at hospitals and I do want to work at a hospital even if it takes a while to find a job. But at the same time, I don't feel ready or qualified enough to be hired at a hospital. Also, I don't know what specialty unit I want to work on but I did precept on a med-surg unit my last semester of college and I enjoyed it.

Do you have any advice for me on how I should go about my situation? I am from the bay area.

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Dear Where to Start,

The Bay Area is a tough job market for new grads. Many from your area are either taking jobs outside of acute care, or relocating, for example, to central CA.

Being that you are already six months out, it's important to ramp up your efforts. Make sure your resume is stellar, practice your interview skills, and apply to several facilities. It can be easier to find a job in Med Surg than in specialty areas such as ICU or ED, so that's in your favor. It's also excellent for building your skills.

As far as feeling ready or qualified, you can't wait for a feeling. Everyone feels unsure in the beginning, and it's OK. The only way past that is through it.

Connect with others here on site for support and tips on how to proceed. Check out the Nursing First Job Hunt discussion board.

Here are some other articles that might help you.

How to Land a Job

Revamp your Resume

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[Eschell2971, BSN]

Great job on passing the NCLEX! I don't understand why some people say, "Don't work in a SNF." I don't understand why many nurses discourage other nurses from, well, nursing! A mentor once told me, "The best job to have, especially when you're a new grad and getting started, is the company that hires you."

I would encourage you to apply and seek work in many places. NEWSFLASH: You are NOT obligated to retire from the place you start!

As nurses, we need to change our 'traditional' mindsets. Too many of us only think of working in a hospital and/or a SNF as the only way to do nursing. How limiting is this thinking? Is this why our profession often has a bit of a problem when other professions don't see nursing as a profession? I think we, nurses, are our own worst enemies.

Remember, no matter where you work, YOUR ATTITUDE, drive, integrity, dedication, and willingness to learn and leave better than you started, makes all the difference in the world. Maybe I'm naïve, maybe I'm too idealistic, but, I do know I live and work in the BEST country on earth, affording me many opportunities, so many, I will probably never be able to claim them all! BUT, I still believe in trying. NOTHING beats a failure but a try!

Get out there, get your job, start your career, and improve our profession!