New Graduate No Jobs

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Hello!

I have graduated and passed the NCLEX (first try) over the summer and have registered for the New Grad Initiative Program. I've applied to NUMEROUS positions through the website with only one call back (did not get that job). The program gives you a certain time restraint to find a job otherwise youre on your own. Well, my end date for the program has come and now I'm feeling a bit lost.

Because I haven't been able to find a job through the new grad program, I think it will also be highly unlikely to be hired into an RN position coming as a new graduate. Majority of the postings I have seen are looking to hire someone with years of experience - something that us new grads don't have. I have been thinking about going back to school to get my critical care certificate. I feel like it has been so long since I have practised in the acute setting and you know the saying "use it or lose it". At least this way if I go back to school I am refreshing my memory while still looking for jobs. Do you think I am making the right choice?

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Specializes in Dialysis.

For critical care cert you have to have so many recent hours worked in that area. It works that way for most certs

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Specializes in NICU.

Are you only applying to one hospital?

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Specializes in PACU.

I guess the most important question is: where are you located? Also, what facilities are you applying to? How many jobs have you applied to?

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Are you only using the new grad initiative website? How many is "numerous"? You can't be certified without experience. Apply to any and all jobs guy can. Don't be over selective

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It sounds like you're from Ontario.

I applied to 80+ positions through the New Grad initiative on the HFO website, did not get a single call for interview. But this is to be expected. A lot of times, the vacant positions are advertised with a new graduate already in mind, so they are put up as a technicality, if you want to look at it that way, the job's already in the bag for that new nurse. HOWEVER, there are exceptions to the rule, and some hospitals' HR departments DO comb through the applicants to see who is a good fit or not. I applied externally to dozens of positions as well in different hospitals, and was successful in getting hired! So moral of the story: Don't rely on NGG too much, apply externally. Certifications are good in that they show initiative, but it's not going to be your golden ticket to a job.

Good luck! It may take upwards of a full year to get hired.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Agreed. Many of the people I knew who applied through the new grad initiative were never called, including myself. I applied to 10 positions and then started looking for permanent work outside the Province.

That was more than 5 years ago. I relocated and have no plans to return. I'm also assuming you're from ON. Are you able to relocate? Start looking at home health, LTC, and clinics.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

We moved this thread to the Nursing in Canada forum. Good luck to you.

Hello!

I have graduated and passed the NCLEX (first try) over the summer and have registered for the New Grad Initiative Program. I've applied to NUMEROUS positions through the website with only one call back (did not get that job). The program gives you a certain time restraint to find a job otherwise youre on your own. Well, my end date for the program has come and now I'm feeling a bit lost.

Because I haven't been able to find a job through the new grad program, I think it will also be highly unlikely to be hired into an RN position coming as a new graduate. Majority of the postings I have seen are looking to hire someone with years of experience - something that us new grads don't have. I have been thinking about going back to school to get my critical care certificate. I feel like it has been so long since I have practised in the acute setting and you know the saying "use it or lose it". At least this way if I go back to school I am refreshing my memory while still looking for jobs. Do you think I am making the right choice?

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Apply everywhere. Forget the new grad program and just apply. I work with several new grads that were hired right out of school. That being said there is a definite shortage of jobs if you are looking in a big city. Try a more rural area. Apply to everything.

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I'm the same as you.

And people say apply to anything--how can you apply for something that you arent qualified for? Especially when trying to make a "unique" cover letter for each and every resume like people on this website tell you too. If it says "X amount of years required or this certification/skill required" what are we to do?

I am so frustrated and bitter about this situation! I've applied to well over 150 jobs like you OP with NO LUCK! Even rural jobs like some posters have been saying. And to believe I once thought nursing was a for sure, stable job, so much for that mindset.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Ah yes the old " become a nurse! There are tons of jobs!" myth

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Hey there,

No I have been applying to numerous hospitals (I have applied to about 8 different sites)

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