New grad struggling to find jobs

Nurses Job Hunt

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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.

Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

Christus Jasper, Jasper Texas. 75951

eR

ICU

Med surg

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Specializes in Surgical Trauma RN, Infusion RN.

Thank you, I applied to Christ is health in Tyler, Texas a few days ago, but was again rejected:( I don't know if that means I'm not considered for all locations or just Tyler. The position said "new grad positions available at all locations" it directed me to one application.

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Specializes in Surgical Trauma RN, Infusion RN.

Hey everyone, first of all thank you for all the insight. Second, I thought I would update you guys. I just got an interview at memorial hospital here in colorado for medsurg, neroscience, surgical trauma, and ortho. I guess I go to a meet and greet and get to talk with reps from all the different units then pick my top 3 and go have a 30 minute interview with each unit. Any advice or suggestions about the interview? In so nervous! Its my first interview offer and I want to make sure I impress them!

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Specializes in Dialysis.
Hey everyone, first of all thank you for all the insight. Second, I thought I would update you guys. I just got an interview at memorial hospital here in colorado for medsurg, neroscience, surgical trauma, and ortho. I guess I go to a meet and greet and get to talk with reps from all the different units then pick my top 3 and go have a 30 minute interview with each unit. Any advice or suggestions about the interview? In so nervous! Its my first interview offer and I want to make sure I impress them!

Study up on the facility's mission statement, and think about what might interest you about each dept, then formulate your questions on that

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Specializes in oncology, MS/tele/stepdown.

I agree with PP's that it's likely that you're being rejected for not having a license. There's some jobs that will consider you before passing your boards, but it always seemed to me that there were more that wouldn't even look at an application til you were licensed. I'm sure it depends on the area. In terms of applying in another state, if you're already planning on testing in CO, it takes an extra step to get a license by endorsement. For Texas it's not a long process but it is an extra delay they might not want to wait for if they have in-state applicants.

I hope your interview goes well! Most of my friends who are in peds now started working with adult patients.

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Specializes in Neuroscience.

Questions you should be prepared to answer:

1. Name a time when you failed, and how did you deal with that failure

2. How do you handle conflict? (Pro tip for free, you talk with the person, and allow that person a chance to talk about the issue)

3. Name a mistake you've made. What did you do to correct the mistake. (You took responsibility for that mistake)

4. Name your biggest weakness. (Make it into a positive: I am an A type personality, and I am trying to improve my ability to allow others responsibility rather than micro-manage. I have a problem with this, but I am taking steps to improve it)

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Specializes in Peds,Geri-Psych,Acute Care Rehab.

How about private duty peds or pediatric long term care or pediatric skilled facilities?

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.
@verene I do not have my license yet. My nclex is in June.

I've had my cover letters proof read as well. I've changed my cover letters for each job to tailor it toward the specific hospital.

I will keep sending in job apps!

This is likely the problem. If you are ticking the "no" box for license then you are getting screened out by software before HR even sees your resume in many cases. That how you are getting such quick rejections.

Either look specifically for new grad residencies that allow you to apply before getting your license or wait until you have one.

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Questions you should be prepared to answer:

1. Name a time when you failed, and how did you deal with that failure

2. How do you handle conflict? (Pro tip for free, you talk with the person, and allow that person a chance to talk about the issue)

3. Name a mistake you've made. What did you do to correct the mistake. (You took responsibility for that mistake)

4. Name your biggest weakness. (Make it into a positive: I am an A type personality, and I am trying to improve my ability to allow others responsibility rather than micro-manage. I have a problem with this, but I am taking steps to improve it)

LOL:D

I got exactly these four questions at an interview on Friday.

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I've been a nurse for a year. I'm from Houston, Texas. I was denied for 6 months straight after school. I moved to NY (where I'm originally from), went to LTAC and now I'm getting offers from hospitals. It's not easy to find a job in nursing. Sometimes You have to do some grunt work to get noticed. Good luck, hope you find what you are looking for.

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Specializes in OB.

There was just a news article the other day here in Santa Fe, NM about the current need for nurses here. There is a brand new Presbyterian Hospital opening in the fall and the other hospital in town is also hiring - Christus St. Vincent.

I'm a traveler so I've never been an actual employee of either of these systems but thought this might be interesting for those able to relocate.

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Specializes in Behavioral health.

Tanny22

You are not doing anything wrong. There is nothing wrong with your applications. The nursing hiring process is badly broken. The goal of HR is not finding the best and brightest but to screen out the large numbers of applications. If you had your license, there would be something else which your application would be rejected on. Your best bet is developing personal contacts. Go to nursing meet ups and networking events. Ask your professors if they can introduce you to folks. It really is true 'It's who you know.'

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