New Grads of 2009

Bobbkat · May 7, 2010

I'm a December grad, so I haven't been hanging around as long as you have, but I'm in the same situation. How did you go about getting the extra certs? When I try digging up a place to do anything extra, I run into a brick wall. I really, really want to do NRP, but all the info I can find is that around here it is only given through the hospital to the nurses that need it. My mom is a NICU nurse, she has the most recent NRP book, so I can read that, but can't figure out how to do everything else needed for cert. (sorry to hijack, btw).

If I hear 'you have to use the contacts you acquired in nursing school' one more time, I will punch someone. Then they will require my nursing care, alright. I live 800 miles away from my nursing school. Another fun one to hear is 'Well, you should have done an internship/worked as a PCT/etc, etc, while in school'. I didn't, and whether I should (or could) have or not, this is really not helpful advice to hear.

Vent, vent, vent. I'm hear to listen.

I have a degree in el ed. I would substitute teach, except I have no one to take care of my 2 year old on days that I was needed. I have definately considered it though. I want to be a nurse, but the world just isn't cooperating.

prinsessa · May 7, 2010

I'm in the same situation. Graduated in May 2009 and still no job. Now the 2010 grads are here. What does that mean for us? People tell me that I shouldn't give up but do I have any chance of getting a job? I don't think so

linRdsNay · May 7, 2010

Dec grad..same boat, no job... i keep looking almost everyday though, but i agree it's difficult to stay motivated at times.

freeflowchi · May 11, 2010

May 09 grad. Same situation. Not quite giving up. I have given up trying to find a new grad position at a large acute care hospital, however. You will be amazed by the reduction of stress if you change your strategy.

I went to a volunteer orientation at a very large hospital yesterday. You can do home health agency after one year of licensure (here in CA). The military might be a good option if you have a BSN. Some branches offer programs to get your BSN if you have an ADN. The Army accepts ADN grads, but it is competitive. I have also been told to try surgery centers.

smileymimi · May 12, 2010

People, relocate, relocate!

Even if it requires putting in out of pocket relocation costs, even if it is from credit card!

It seems like southern states are the ones that are hiring regardless of the economy.

They are not that affected by 2008 crash plus they don't have that many nursing schools in some cities.

Please be flexible even if you have family situations.

I recently spent over $1000 for the interview trip and was offered a position at the end of the interview.

I had fear about the idea of living alone but my career is the priority.

Don't rely on new grad positions.

Google hospitals in each state then apply.

Many hospitals don't advertise on career websites but have openings on their own website.

ittybittynurse · May 12, 2010

I am a graduate from May 2009, but I passed my nclex in December '09, I started looking for jobs after I passed. I have not found a job either

Jumpy · May 13, 2010

I am a Dec '09 grad who can't find a job. I have been a volunteer in 2 different EDs, and neither hospital is willing to hire me, despite having a letter of recommendation from both.

The thanks I get for volunteering for them is "You should try going to a different state."

Bobbkat · May 13, 2010

.
The thanks I get for volunteering for them is "You should try going to a different state."

Nice.

When people tell me I should relocate, I have to step back and take a really deep breath. I lived 800 miles away from my husband for 3 semesters of nursing school because his job was transferred. My daughter, who is very young, basically only saw him on a computer screen. After graduating, I moved 800 miles away from my home to live with him. We finally live under the same roof again. He has a great job, good pay, great benefits and is in a fast track promotion program. Obviously quitting so that we can all happily live under the same roof in some rural area where he is never going to be able to find work in his area of expertise is not an option. And after the year and a half apart, me moving away to another state by myself is not an option. I just can't do that to him. I can't do that to our daughter again. Most importantly, I can't do that to myself. Maybe that means I'm being picky. I personally don't think the criteria of 'a job in any healthcare facility, doing anything as a registered nurse, within an hour and a halfs drive of my home' is being picky. But if it is..... then I guess I'm picky.

prinsessa · May 13, 2010

I agree Bobbkat! I have two children so I can't just pack up and move. Should I leave them for a year to get experience? Being a nurse is very important to me but being a mother is the most important thing to me. Maybe that means I am picky also. I am willing to travel up to 2 hours each way for a job. Is that not far enough? I just try to focus on the positive things in my life. My children are healthy and have enough to eat. My son said something the other day about us being poor. I told him that we might not have money to spend on toys or vacations but we have a roof over our heads and enough food to eat. We have it better than most people in the world. Our life may not be exactly what I want it to be but we don't have a bad life.

GuatericanNurse · May 14, 2010

I wish I could get certification such as PALS but it seems as if you need RN experience to even be considered for that type of class!! How do you do it LUVNURSING!?