I am New Grad from January 2012 (I dont know if it counts a new grad still though). I been applying to hospitals since March 2012 after I took NCLEX and received my license. I have been on 4 interviews since April, 3 for hospital and 1 for a clinic (where I currently work at).
I have 4 years experience (Im a second degree BSN graduate, my previous degree was in Health Sciences) working as a child development associate at an organization for children with disabilities, certifications in BLS, NRP, ACLS, IV, PALS. Bilingual in English and a major foreign language, Volunteer experiences at clinic and at hospital, Great customer service skills, and great references from previous employers and preceptor for my senior internship, and 6 months of working at RN at a pediatric clinic.
I'm looking for a hospital position as working in the clinic the skills used are very basic and physical assessment and very little of everything else we learned in nursing school so I want to learn more and in the clinic there is no chance for advancement. I feel like I'm not using nursing skills like one would be able to in a hospital. And I been told that in a hospital is, not in nursing school, is were new grads really learn everthing.
Anyways, I went on those 3 hospital interviews and HR and the nurse managers all said how impressed they are with my qualifications and experience and constantly hint they would hire me. They all say they will call me in a week or two. So time passes and then I contact the HR department about the position and they all inform me they are "still in process of interviewing". More time passes, one month, two months and nothing. I heard of new grads in the city where I live with zero experience that are interview and hired within a week of interview. I feel so rejected especially since the managers acted like they really like me and thought me a "good fit" for their unit.
So New Grads that were so fortunate to be hired? How did you do it? I sent thank you cards to the interviewers but I'm thinking may be I should have sent a cake. LOL.
1) They could be concerned that they don't have enough to offer you - either in terms of reasonable pay per your experience or in experience an opportunities that would entice you to stay.
2) You've spoken a lot here about how you appear as a candidate on paper, however there is a definite aspect of personality that fits into the equation when interviewing for a position (even though technically it isn't supposed to). One characteristic of an excellent nurse is his/her ability to put someone at ease and establish trust very early on. You have to be personable and open with your interviewers - they are looking for skills in you that you may not have been required to have in previous positions. In nursing, trust is huge.
I worked as a tech for much of my schooling and could have stayed on as an RN where I worked, but decided to explore my options - ultimately deciding to go with another facility.
Here are some of the things that worked for me:
I never skimp on the cover letter. Never. I understand how this can be difficult if you are applying for a large number of positions, but I sincerely feel that if you do it right the first time, you won't have to write so many - because you'll have more interviews.
Research the facility. Go to their website and read their mission statement. Look at their events calendar. Find out what kinds of things they do as an organization to enrich the surrounding community. Learn about the things that they do that they are proud of and see how well they match your core beliefs, aspirations, and/or world view. Focus in on one of those things in your cover letter. If they are proud of the fact that they are able to provide free services to underserved populations, then highlight how much you respect that accomplishment and tie it into your personal experience as a volunteer. Let them know that you share the same core values. That should improve your chances of getting to the interview process.
Once you've reached the interview process, they know what your qualifications are. They know all about your experience. They (hopefully) know that you are a great fit for their organization in terms of vision. I consider the interview to be the time to make a personal connection. Face time is precious and should not be wasted rehashing my resume because they've probably got it in hand to refer to at will. It is the time to be open, warm, frank and personable. Get them talking about what they look for in an employee off the record. Discuss everyday things about yourself that reveal your aptitude for the position. Smile. Have a sense of humor. Find an appropriate time to make an appropriate joke. Laughter eases the tension and lets you both put your guard down.
Don't ever forget to ask questions. Put them on the spot. Ask (politely and with understanding) why the position is open. Ask about the unit culture. Ask about their management style. Ask how you can expect to be evaluated. Ask what qualities they feel a successful employee has and discuss why you feel you have those qualities. Sometimes it's easy for a hiring manager to forget that you are testing them for a good fit as well.
Hope this helps and I hope you find something soon!
A lot of people here have said, "It's who you know." I don't think that's necessarily true. I think if there is nothing else to set you apart, knowing someone can make the difference. But without out that advantage, you have to be able to make yourself seem familiar - as though they've known you forever. THAT is what will set you apart.
Specializes in MedSurg, PACU, Maternal/Child Health.
Thanx that is good advice. When I would mention something about me the panel said how it fits their ideal candidate. The manager had started the interview by saying what qualities they are looking for and as it went on they pointed out how I fit those qualities that they are looking for and we all had a laugh or two as well during our conversation, which is why Im confused what happened that no offer came out of that. But oh well, time to get over it I guess.
Thanx that is good advice. When I would mention something about me the panel said how it fits their ideal candidate. The manager had started the interview by saying what qualities they are looking for and as it went on they pointed out how I fit those qualities that they are looking for and we all had a laugh or two as well during our conversation, which is why Im confused what happened that no offer came out of that. But oh well, time to get over it I guess.
I've been in that position and it can really shake one's confidence.
In all likelihood, it simply means that someone else had just a bit more to offer or that an internal PT person decided to go FT.
Take heart in the knowledge that it went as well as it did - it should just be a matter of time for you.
As a fellow Northeast RN-down here in Philadelphia-I was an LPN for seven years until May 2012, passed the boards, licensed in June. I have a total number of 12 years in healthcare, including CNA, Home care, Outpatient, Rehabilitation, SCI, TBI and T/V, and Pediatrics. My previous experience in Pediatrics as well as the time away from and acute or step-down facility limited me in even being considered for an acute care Med-Surg position-I was constantly rejected for those positions, plus, the new grad residency programs were very competitive-I had a 2.89 GPA. I was at my current job for 4 years. A pediatric medical daycare during my schooling. I worked as a RN there for 3 months before I started the process of the job I will start in February (which will make me removed from my nursing classes for over a year-I completed my nursing classes December 2011.). Here are some factors I observed when I was going through the process:
• I spoke to a recruiter at an nursing job fair event. She suggested to use a experience dominated resume mix, where I emphasize my step down/ acute care experience, then my community and home health experience, etc. I also put my skills and knowledge in another category, which lead into the work experience. That allowed my significant experience to stand out. I made sure to explain my format ensure who was interviewing me I had the capabilities to handle an acute care setting, plus I was able to group what my duties were. My resume was two pages, double sided. Emphasize your skills and specify which strong experiences your were exposed to during your clinical experiences, whether its a rotation in the ER which you did patient teaching, surgery and PACU shadowing, ACLS monitoring, etc. Then you can expand on those strengths.
• Reflection after my interviews: I interviewed for two outpatient jobs and a pediatric mental health position before I landed a hospital interview. In the first two interviews, I realized the line of questioning for me was geared toward me how I could possibly NOT be a good fit. A lot of open ended questions about myself, not about clinical situations, due to my experience. I followed up with emails, didn't send thank you cards. Once I knew that I didn't interview well DESPITE the enthusiasm that they had for me, I didn't go the extra mile.
When I went on the last interview, I took the opportunity to establish my resume as a guide on my experiences and my desire to gain acute care experience. Also, I was able to identify how to tackle the questioning, and take advantage of letting my personality shine through from the phone screen, my email contacts-I emailed my recruiter at least once every two weeks-when I had to obtain transcripts, to confirm appointment for the interview-in which I made sure that they were still interested in me (I asked in my email) and made sure to express that I am committed to making the interview, and asked how long was the process to take when I heard a decision-I asked weeks, not months-I stressed the importance that If they were truly interested in me as being a "good fit" that I wanted to make sure I made appropriate professional etiquette in leaving my current job. The organization was very candid in letting me know the number of positions open and the process. In approximately two weeks, they offered me the position, and I will start my Position as a clinical nurse I in the PICU February 4th. I DID NOT use anyone I knew. Two of my classmates/nursing sisters have jobs there, and I did not reach out to them or use their name. I have a LinkedIn profile, but I did not see and views from recruiters, etc. I maintained a very assertive relationship through out the interview process, kind of like the nurse-patient relationship steps that we learn through nursing communication skills in fundamentals and mental health nursing courses.
I hope my personal account can assist you in some way on reflecting on what transpired in your past interviews, how you can tweak your resume where more recruiters can take notice, or play any current strengths factors and strengths in your current position can assist you in getting over that threshold and into that position that you want. Also, don't lose hope. A fellow co worker of mine interviewed for a position in May. She JUST got a call back and is starting January 14th. I had a hospital call me back every six months offering me a position as well when I left LPN school. A lot if organizations have a list and file of people that they do call back. Keep applying! Apply for part time or per diem positions as well...urgent clinics...sometimes the out of the hospital box positions can give you a chance to use your skills as well. Keep the faith, keep you nursing knowledge fresh, and you will land that job.
Specializes in MedSurg, PACU, Maternal/Child Health.
Thank you for the detailed account! You had more to offer than I did and it still was so difficult for you too. I don't understand how they can pass up someone with years of job experience and they take other people with zero and with ordinary personalities a week after their first interview. I agree that everyone deserves a chance but people with extra skills for being a new grad get rejected constantly and it does not make sense. I have a connection or two here but I didnt use it because I feel like "im using people to get a job" so I did not even ask However she offered to take my resume to her hospital's HR but I havent heard anything for 3 months. I been applying out of state as well, however I only have NY license and may have to endorse to all those other states but I'm not sure if I should spend the money (it adds up to a lot) if I cannot be sure if it will lead to a job. Meanwhile I'm enjoying my current job: i like the company and the kids I see in clinic and at their home. The only thing is that we only use basic skills and i'm afraid to lose hospital skills we learned in school.
Estrella, having experience sometimes puts in a position where they want to make sure how you can "fit in" as a new grad. Keep playing up your strengths. If possible, get some firm of continuing education like PICC line competency, etc, wound care...those are great assets to have as well. Your job sounds like a great starting point and will give you great leadership, advocate and educator skills...these will be great assets in obtaining a per firm or getting onto a float team at a hospital...and hospitals still put you in a classroom before you hit the floor, so you are still in a great position! I had many destinations in landing in my dream job that Si have now, and it was worth the travel...made me a better nurse!
I graduated the same time as you and I'm also in NYC. I applied everywhere and never got one call back. Ultimately, I got my job through a professor at school whose sister is a nurse manager at a hospital. 8 months after graduation, she got me an interview and I got the job. I also got a camp nurse job through another professor from school. So if you have any contacts at all, use them! Good luck!
Specializes in MedSurg, PACU, Maternal/Child Health.
Thank you for the advice. I had one connection, she took my resume to HR. They took it and said they have over 300 applications so the chances are slim. I already started getting rejection emails from out of state but at least they let me know. From nyc, you never hear back a decision even if you had face to face interview Nd not hired HR doesn't let you know and when you call they claim they are still interviewing candidates Idk how they can interview people for months bc classmates (0 Exper besides clinicals, no connections and nothing to make them stand out) told me once they got hired a week after interview. So frustrating, I take great care of my patients and in my previous job, the kids assigned to me and I was told it shows at interview and with my references but still no hosp gives me a chances to work there and gain clinical skills. I give up I guess I ll make being in a clinic with basic skills my career. Bc no one wants someone without a year of hosp exper as I been told that working in a clinic doesn't count as experience. But At least I have a job.
If you are willing to travel, Maryland hospitals are hiring lots of nurses with no experience, I just interviewed with St Agnes last week but I was lucky enough to just land a new grad position in my hometown. I hv no hospital experience or hookups. I showed my personality and that's honestly how I think I got the job. It was a gpa requirement, I had a 3.7. I hv my bsn too
Specializes in MedSurg, PACU, Maternal/Child Health.
Congratulations on your job! I tried Maryland but from one hospital I got a rejection email "we chose candidates that better fit our needs" and from others I havent heard back. I have good resume however only NY RN license and not MD but I stated in the online app that I will be endorsing to a MD RN license. but that was no help.
My advice after a month would of been to look outside city you reside in. My advice after 2 months would have been look outside of the state you are in to where you have family or friends. At 3 months you need to look at places with high needs and apply.
So Since March you have only been applying in NYC and not even Northern NJ?? That is where you went wrong. NYC is a wonderful city, however not for a new grad who does not have a solid connection to get in the hospital. I moved states away for a job. I considered a state and city where I have some family. I love that I have a job in a field I never thought I would break into right away. The same can happen to you but, you will probably need to leave the Northeast. The Northeast is a bully of a market.Try TN, AR, TX, OK and AZ.
If I am looking in TX, do you think I should into the big cities like Houston or Dallas? For me I do not have a car so living in a rural area may not be possible.
Idk how they can interview people for months bc classmates (0 Exper besides clinicals, no connections and nothing to make them stand out) told me once they got hired a week after interview. So frustrating, I take great care of my patients and in my previous job, the kids assigned to me and I was told it shows at interview and with my references but still no hosp gives me a chances to work there and gain clinical skills. I give up I guess I ll make being in a clinic with basic skills my career. Bc no one wants someone without a year of hosp exper as I been told that working in a clinic doesn't count as experience. But At least I have a job.
metal_m0nk, BSN, RN
920 Posts
It could be a few things...
1) They could be concerned that they don't have enough to offer you - either in terms of reasonable pay per your experience or in experience an opportunities that would entice you to stay.
2) You've spoken a lot here about how you appear as a candidate on paper, however there is a definite aspect of personality that fits into the equation when interviewing for a position (even though technically it isn't supposed to). One characteristic of an excellent nurse is his/her ability to put someone at ease and establish trust very early on. You have to be personable and open with your interviewers - they are looking for skills in you that you may not have been required to have in previous positions. In nursing, trust is huge.
I worked as a tech for much of my schooling and could have stayed on as an RN where I worked, but decided to explore my options - ultimately deciding to go with another facility.
Here are some of the things that worked for me:
I never skimp on the cover letter. Never. I understand how this can be difficult if you are applying for a large number of positions, but I sincerely feel that if you do it right the first time, you won't have to write so many - because you'll have more interviews.
Research the facility. Go to their website and read their mission statement. Look at their events calendar. Find out what kinds of things they do as an organization to enrich the surrounding community. Learn about the things that they do that they are proud of and see how well they match your core beliefs, aspirations, and/or world view. Focus in on one of those things in your cover letter. If they are proud of the fact that they are able to provide free services to underserved populations, then highlight how much you respect that accomplishment and tie it into your personal experience as a volunteer. Let them know that you share the same core values. That should improve your chances of getting to the interview process.
Once you've reached the interview process, they know what your qualifications are. They know all about your experience. They (hopefully) know that you are a great fit for their organization in terms of vision. I consider the interview to be the time to make a personal connection. Face time is precious and should not be wasted rehashing my resume because they've probably got it in hand to refer to at will. It is the time to be open, warm, frank and personable. Get them talking about what they look for in an employee off the record. Discuss everyday things about yourself that reveal your aptitude for the position. Smile. Have a sense of humor. Find an appropriate time to make an appropriate joke. Laughter eases the tension and lets you both put your guard down.
Don't ever forget to ask questions. Put them on the spot. Ask (politely and with understanding) why the position is open. Ask about the unit culture. Ask about their management style. Ask how you can expect to be evaluated. Ask what qualities they feel a successful employee has and discuss why you feel you have those qualities. Sometimes it's easy for a hiring manager to forget that you are testing them for a good fit as well.
Hope this helps and I hope you find something soon!