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?
I'm sorry to hear that many of my fellow new grads are having the same experience as me! I agree it's really hard to apply for jobs when many of them require years of experience that we do not have yet. Are you also from Ontario?
Thanks for your insights FancyPants! It is definitely unfortunate that many places will post in HFO yet already have a certain someone in mind. I'm near the city and understand that its hard to land a job there. I have applied to hospitals in the city as well as outside the city and I am willing to relocate though not too far (maybe an hour or so away). Hopefully I'll be able to land something soon....and I wish all you other new grads on here the best in the search of a job as well!
8 sites is not very many considering the job market. Hospital jobs are not easy to get. Try clinics, LTC, corrections, home care agencies. Home care is not ideal for many new grads but some agencies provide decent training programs.
Also consider small towns if you want to work in a hospital because they are often in need.
The problem is, you're competing with experienced nurses and old "new grads" from 2 years ago who are still searching for work. Every year, ON lays off nurses and every year, more hopefuls enter the market.
Managers have a candidate selected before the job is posted. All suitable applicants are given the opportunity to interview in order to be fair according to union rules. There are many internal candidates for these positions, so externals are often not called.
Any advice for applying internally? Should I try to find as many hiring managers in the hospital as possible and give them my resume? I love the hospital that I'm at right now and just want to get hired on any unit that I can.
I'm a student doing my consolidation at a hospital and I have access to the internal job postings.
Are you currently employed by the hospital (as in they are paying you for your services, not on a volunteer basis)? If not, you are not considered an internal candidate, but external.
MKRN00
8 Posts
I'm sorry to hear that many of my fellow new grads are having the same experience as me! I agree it's really hard to apply for jobs when many of them require years of experience that we do not have yet. Are you also from Ontario?