New Grads: Don't give up hope

[msmoore]

Hey everyone! I will try to make a long story short!

I'm a new graduate, ADN, graduated August 2010. In school I was always told, "you will have no problem getting a job" "things will be great"....2 years and a degree later things definitely not that easy. Especially with an ADN (Where I'm at BSN is preferred) ....I finished school in one state and moved to another state 2 weeks later. I knew I was going to have a tough time in the most rural area of the state that I moved to with a my home state license (I haven't switched primary address yet). Obviously most people will look out for residents of their state before someone who just moved and hasn't even switched their primary address.

But anyway, on with the story. I began my job hunt before I moved, several months in advance actually, being a August graduate not too many new graduate positions were open anywhere, and the new grads from May had already been placed in the hospitals that were willing to take on new graduates.

Finally I was licensed in Sept, and I really stepped up my Job Search. I was determined to get a job, even if it meant calling the HR of hospitals until they answered and sending emails over and over again until I got some sort of response. (Be polite of course!!:)) Yes, being aggravating is not something that I would normally like to do. But.....it works. Trust me, these facilities at least knew who I was. I would fax resumes with "ATTN NURSING RECRUITMENT" then call asking "did you receive my fax?" Or call and ask "'I wanted to follow up and see if my application was received'..continue with..'I am extremely interested in your facility, I can relate to your mission, etc (DO RESEARCH ON THE FACILITY!!!)'" Also stress flexibility and that you are willing to start on any floor!

There are soooooo many people seeking employment, you HAVE to make yourself stand out! Let HR/NR (nursing recruiters) KNOW how MUCH you want to work for them. Think of all the applications HR receives everyday, some qualified, some new graduates, some even overqualified. No matter what level of experience one may have, HR may be willing to give someone a chance who actually seems like they want the job, not just applying and waiting for a call. I had a friend who called the HR dept at a very large hospital, finally he was transferred to a NR who stated "I'm glad you called, well over half of the applicants DON'T call or even follow up." This NR now knows his name.

I decided to write this because I've been there; down in the dumps, sad, worried, thinking "I am ever going to get a job?" The answer is, yes you will get work; it may take time, but stay positive, show excitement and eagerness, moreover be honest, be yourself. I am shy, I was scared to call all these hospitals, but I got over it, I wanted to be a nurse to make a difference in lives of others, in order to do this, I had to find somewhere to work.

Good Luck to all the New Graduates out there, don't give up hope! :) I finally got a job almost 3 months after graduation! It took a lot of work and dedication but its worth it in the long run.

[aye125RN]

Hey everyone! I will try to make a long story short!

I'm a new graduate, ADN, graduated August 2010. In school I was always told, "you will have no problem getting a job" "things will be great"....2 years and a degree later things definitely not that easy. Especially with an ADN (Where I'm at BSN is preferred) ....I finished school in one state and moved to another state 2 weeks later. I knew I was going to have a tough time in the most rural area of the state that I moved to with a my home state license (I haven't switched primary address yet). Obviously most people will look out for residents of their state before someone who just moved and hasn't even switched their primary address.

But anyway, on with the story. I began my job hunt before I moved, several months in advance actually, being a August graduate not too many new graduate positions were open anywhere, and the new grads from May had already been placed in the hospitals that were willing to take on new graduates.

Finally I was licensed in Sept, and I really stepped up my job search. I was determined to get a job, even if it meant calling the HR of hospitals until they answered and sending emails over and over again until I got some sort of response. (Be polite of course!!:)) Yes, being aggravating is not something that I would normally like to do. But.....it works. Trust me, these facilities at least knew who I was. I would fax resumes with "ATTN NURSING RECRUITMENT" then call asking "did you receive my fax?" Or call and ask "'I wanted to follow up and see if my application was received'..continue with..'I am extremely interested in your facility, I can relate to your mission, etc (DO RESEARCH ON THE FACILITY!!!)'" Also stress flexibility and that you are willing to start on any floor!

There are soooooo many people seeking employment, you HAVE to make yourself stand out! Let HR/NR (nursing recruiters) KNOW how MUCH you want to work for them. Think of all the applications HR receives everyday, some qualified, some new graduates, some even overqualified. No matter what level of experience one may have, HR may be willing to give someone a chance who actually seems like they want the job, not just applying and waiting for a call. I had a friend who called the HR dept at a very large hospital, finally he was transferred to a NR who stated "I'm glad you called, well over half of the applicants DON'T call or even follow up." This NR now knows his name.

I decided to write this because I've been there; down in the dumps, sad, worried, thinking "I am ever going to get a job?" The answer is, yes you will get work; it may take time, but stay positive, show excitement and eagerness, moreover be honest, be yourself. I am shy, I was scared to call all these hospitals, but I got over it, I wanted to be a nurse to make a difference in lives of others, in order to do this, I had to find somewhere to work.

Good Luck to all the New Graduates out there, don't give up hope! :) I finally got a job almost 3 months after graduation! It took a lot of work and dedication but its worth it in the long run.

Thanks so much for posting this. I am shy too and afraid to call these hospitals. I have been searching since I became licensed in March 2010. Some days I feel down in the dumps and some days not. But I keep on praying and holding on to the idea that someone will call eventually. And you are right, it does take time; and they say good things come to those who wait. Thanks again and congrats on your job.

[NursePati87]

Thanks so much for this post :) ...coming to this site and reading other peoples comments always bring a little hope to this difficult Job Search as a new grad in Houston.

[diprifan]

This was so inspiring!!! Thanks!