New grad woes: cannot get hired as a RN. Advice?

Nurses New Nurse

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I understand this is a common type of post, "How do I get hired with no experience if the only positions open require experience." Volunteer, apply as a CNA, apply farther away, network with your school, previous jobs/colleagues etc.-- are among the most common tokens of advice I will get. I understand it's common, especially in these economic times, that many people graduate and wait 1 year or more to find jobs.

I have been licensed for 2 months now (RN, BSN, PHN). I've had 2 interviews, neither of which landed a job. I tried all hospitals in my area, and have recently applied to countless SNFs, mental health facilities, prisons, etc. It's just disheartening to know you have a giant loan to start paying off in 2 months without even a nibble.

I will not give up and I will keep trying everyday to land this first RN job. I just wonder, what did you do that you found most effective in landing a job? Applying online feels pointless as my resume seems to fade into cyberspace neverland after being sent to so many employers. There is a service, ResumeArrow that allegedly sends your resume and cover letter to 3,000 recruiters, but who's to say my resume would not be a spam message in the inbox of a recruiter. I've found applying in person (SNFs are more likely to have actual hand written applications than big hospitals) to increase my chances. I've had my resume checked by a good deal of professionals and colleagues, but that "New Grad" label seems to always be the downfall.

Anyways, I think I got my point across. Any words of wisdom for those starving New Grads?

Specializes in SICU.

Just saying what worked for me and 80% of my graduating class who all got 2-3 job offers within 3 months of licensure!

Specializes in CVSICU, case mgmt., Psych, education.

Advice that I give nursing students and new graduates:

Build your Brand

Change your email address to gmail (ditch yahoo or hotmail), and definitely get a new account if your address is something like "lovestoneedlepoint@..." or "hotdaddy@..."

If you have a Facebook Page (I'm sure you do), make sure to clean it up and remove those questionable profile statements and photos.

Get a Linked in profile and start asking for recommendations from others on the site. Also, there are nursing groups on the site that you can join.

Start a blog (keep it professional and pertinent to your area of experience, or desired area to work in). On that note, follow other nursing blogs and become part of the community by commenting on their posts.

Keep your resume simple, and don't fill it up with too many specifics about your clinical work in school just to fill the space (unless it really stands out).

Get a simple "about me" website that highlights your goals, achievements, volunteer work, etc. Tell a story.

Get a business card, there are many opportunities to market yourself.

Do not agree with everything just to get a job. If you don't feel good about it, or you feel forced to make it work, then walk away. Making some concessions is a normal part of any business, but respect yourself and don't be afraid to negotiate. One who negotiates conveys a true interest in the job and organization, and not someone who's just willing to accept anything to get experience. You're a nurse, not a factory worker (all due respect to those who work in a factory).

All of the above is about building your brand. Embrace technology, take every opportunity to network, and get yourself a suit (man or woman).

I've had the pleasure of helping quite a few nurses, and so far, I've had a 100% success rate. I truly want you all to succeed.

It sounds to me like your focusing too much on being a new grad. Does your resume say "New Grad"? Get rid of it and just put when you graduated. Also, are you exuding confidence in your interviews or are you acting timid and unsure. Focus on your strengths and what makes you stand apart from the crowd. Just keep going girl. Sometimes the places you think you would most like to work, aren't really the best fit for you. Keep moving!

Specializes in Gastroenterology.

I totally agree with the importance of networking and being open to moving if you have no connections in your area.

Just wanted to add that I know one grad who was still unemployed almost a year after graduation and she reached out to one of the deans at her nursing school. Essentially she told them that they needed to help her because she'd spent thousands on tuition and tried everything and was still jobless. The dean got her an interview at a local hospital and she got the job. Sometimes you have to be a little ballsy.

No trouble being hired in home care. Some agencies offer training but it's hard on new grads who want to learn a lot. Plus there is a huge difference in caring for a child at home. Good Nursing not just black and shite on paper Nursing is always appreciated anywhere your career may take you. God-Bless

No trouble being hired in home care. Some agencies offer training but it's hard on new grads who want to learn a lot. Plus there is a huge difference in caring for a child at home. Good Nursing not just black and shite on paper Nursing is always appreciated anywhere your career may take you. God-Bless

What state are you in? Im in CA and am having no luck getting a job in home care. They all want at least 1 year of experience.

Specializes in PICU, ICU, Hospice, Mgmt, DON.
What state are you in? Im in CA and am having no luck getting a job in home care. They all want at least 1 year of experience.

And rightfully so, obviously there is a reason for that. I think it is down right dangerous for a brand new grad to venture into home health. A new grads assesment skills are minimal at best and they just do not know what they do not know. It does not do the patient any justice to put new grads into the home without any acute or at least some long term care experience under their belt.

In home care, you are the front line and are there with no back up. You need to assess and if things are not quite right, think on your feet and sometimes make quick decisions all on your own. Without experience you have nothing to base your decisions on...and you lack that "sixth sense" that most nurses will all develop..that gut feeling that tells you when things are "not quite right" and are about to go south....

I think a minimum of one year....

I'm having the same problem, so its nice to know that I'm not the only one. I have an interview coming up and the only way I got this one was to keep applying! I have probably sent 25+ applications to one hospital for different postions. I also talked to the nursing recruiter in person and called to show i had interest. And as for the moving thing... remember that when you move you won't know anyone (or hardly anyone) so that can also set you back bc it takes a lot longer to network. I just moved and found this is a big setback. Good luck!

Specializes in geriatrics.

Rural areas are always looking. I moved 2500 miles away for my first job. Less than ideal? Yes. But the cities are saturated with too many new grads and few jobs. You do what you have to do.

I definitely feel your pain. I graduated last December and it took me six months to find a seasonal job at an immunization clinic. It isn't my ideal job but I learned a few things along the way. Now that the immunization clinic is coming to a close I have began to send my resume out into "cyperspace" and like you I feel that my resume is getting lost in the spam inbox. I have tried networking with family, friends, friends of friends, doctors and other nurses and still am not able to land even an interview. I am also in the process of applying to hospitals ect. in San Antonio. I am so eager to work and it feels like all my hard work in nursing school and desire to be a great healthcare provider are going to waste. What more is there to do?

Feeling hopeless,

dmarti24

I live in New Jersey. Nurses need jobs after school finishes to pay for their loans, food and shelter. It's unreasonable to expect they won't take whatever job they can. That is why Nursing education needs to change. It takes a lot of courage to do what these new grads are doing to feed their families. One new Nurse I know gave one shot in school signed up to give 200 flu shots in a few hours time and did a great job. In New Jersey Craigs list has lots of Nursing opportunities like this posted. Other new graduates are stuck doing night shifts in Home care learning nothing and bored and angry. another new grad worked in a family practice for one year before getting NICU part time.

Also camps will take on Nursing grads no pay for the first summer.

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