New Graduate No Jobs

[MKRN00]

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?

[Daisy_08, BSN, RN]

Apply to every single job within reasonable travel distance (I would think about an hour). Apply to jobs you don't want, you literally can't afford to say 'I don't like old people' or "I don't do nights' ect. Even if it is far from your dream job, apply. Even just going to interviews is good experience. Play up your strengths. You may not have LTC experience, but during your medical placement you discovered your passion for geriatrics and are determined to enhance the life of the client by providing dignified, compassionate care. You may not have leadership experience, but you can talk about how being a girl scout prepared you for leadership. Even if it says 20+ years experience a must, still apply. There may be no other applicants or they keep your resume on file.

My first job in health care I applied to 70+ places and only got one interview, but it was enough to get a job! My first nursing job I handed out 40+ resumes and over a period of 5 months got 3 interviews (not including the new grad - I think I applied to them all).

Just keep applying, treat it like it is your job, to find a job. They have hired people at my hospital who put their resumes in over a year ago. Just keep applying.

Good luck.

[ontnursec]

I am in the same boat. I applied to around 60 NGG postings. Not a single call. I've applied to every facility within a 100km radius of my home, for multiple positions (med-surg, float pool, psych, everything!). I've also applied to LTC, home health etc.

I did get hired for a home health position. Most agencies do not hire new grads for home health, because you need the experience in acute care to really consolidate those skills. I actually wanted to work in home health eventually, so I am determined to do well. I had a placement during BScN and health care assistant experience in home care, so I am counting on that, finding a mentor, and studying like crazy in my spare time to succeed.

Good luck with your search, its not easy out there unless you've already got a shoe in from your pre-grad for an NGG position.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

ON continues to lay off nurses and not replace retirees. Those positions are just gone or consolidated.

The other issue is the large numbers of IENS in the GTA who flock to the area in search of work. Many of them leave AB and go to ON because it's easier for them to obtain their license in ON.

So you have new grads, old new grads, experienced nurses, and IENs alll searching for work. Start your search even farther than 1 hour away from the GTA.

Regarding the New Grad Initiative, it's not you. Most applicants not contacted off those postings.