New grad struggling to find jobs

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Specializes in Surgical Trauma RN, Infusion RN.

Is anyone else getting denied new grad bsn jobs left and right? I graduated from a well known college (Beth-El UCCS) and have turned in several job applications. Almost all of them have denied me within several hours. I have sent my resume and cover letter to several of my instructors and the current nurses I know and all have said my application is exceptional. I don't understand what I am missing. My passion for nursing lies within pediatrics but I have made it known that I would be happy in medsurg as well to gain value or knowledge and experience. I truly feel like I am a qualified candidates for these new grad programs but keep getting denied without even an interview. Is anyone else experiencing this? Any advice or insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Try applying out of state, or in a more rural community in Colorado. The metro areas of Colorado are extremely competitive.

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Specializes in Surgical Trauma RN, Infusion RN.

Thank you I appreciate your advice I have applied to 4 jobs in Texas and have also been denied. I don't understand what I am doing wrong:( I've been working so hard on my cover letters and resume.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
Thank you I appreciate your advice I have applied to 4 jobs in Texas and have also been denied. I don't understand what I am doing wrong:( I've been working so hard on my cover letters and resume.

Four applications is not enough. Look for small community hospitals in towns that are an hour+ away from other hospitals. Those are the areas that have nursing shortages and are desperate to hire.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Hell, if you want to relocate to the Oregon coast, I can practically guarantee you a job, assuming you are relatively intelligent and well-spoken.

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Are you open to somewhere in Utah? I know a big hospital looking for new graduates.

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My passion for nursing lies within pediatrics but I have made it known that I would be happy in medsurg as well to gain value or knowledge and experience.

I'm sure it's not an issue given that your resume has been reviewed by several trusted and experienced professionals, but I thought I'd ask: Do you have phrasing similar to the above in your cover letter and/or resume?

And agree w/ the above - 4 apps may be nothing in your area.

Good luck to you! ~

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Specializes in Palliative, Onc, Med-Surg, Home Hospice.
Thank you I appreciate your advice I have applied to 4 jobs in Texas and have also been denied. I don't understand what I am doing wrong:( I've been working so hard on my cover letters and resume.

How far away are you willing to relocate? If relocation is not an issue, try other states. Some areas are having a shortage of nurses (and not just experienced nurses).

Honestly, if you are told that your resume is good, it's probably not you that is the problem. It's probably that you are in a tough market and others are edging you out for something that is not your fault. It happens.

The only advice I can give you is to keep on applying. Expand your horizons, so to speak.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

1. Four apps is nothing. If you applied in Texas to major cities, they are flush with new grads and you will not be competitive compared to those actually living in the area. There are not enough acute care jobs for every new grad that wants one in DFW, Austin, Houston area or Corpus Christie.

2. If you are applying stating you really want peds but will do med-surg if you must nobody will be impressed.

3. Peds, L&D, ER and ICU are the most competitive specialties and will be harder to land. This means you need to do wayyyyyyyyyy more applications than it sounds like you are doing.

4. The economy is better than it was but new grad internships remain hard to get into. You need to cast a larger and wider net. More locations, including rural, Indian reservations, SNF, LTACH, border of Mexico and other areas where the talent pool is small. Then you act like whatever nibbles you get are what you really want. None of this "I want peds but will settle for XYZ." Not when it comes to interviews and cover letters. Nobody wants to be second choice. That is like a guy saying " I really want to get with your best friend but until she notices me I'll settle for dating you, since I might learn something that will help me get her".

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

If you are getting denied with in hours something is very wrong with your application. You've had your resume proof read so it is likely not that. Are you also having your cover letters proof read? This is an area you really want to tailor to each job application. Not just to show your interest but to really sell yourself and show all that you can do for the company hiring you.

Do you have your license yet? While many places are understanding that new grads have liscense pending, some will flat out not even look at your resume if you can't tick the "yes" box on liscensure and provide a number. Double-check you are applying for new grad positions and not those seeking experience.

Finally, recognize that pediatric new-grad residencies tend to be competitive and it may simply take a number of applications and a wide geographic areas to find a hospital willing to offer a job in this specialty.

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Specializes in Surgical Trauma RN, Infusion RN.

@JKL33

Sort of.. I said my passion is in pediatrics but I am interested in medsurg as well to gain valuable knowledge and experience. Should I change my wording?

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Specializes in Surgical Trauma RN, Infusion RN.

Thank you for your insight great tips!

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