New graduate... 23 y/o, no job hx... Where do I start?

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I graduated in June, and I have been submitting applications and E-mailing recruiters nonstop. So far I've received ~5 phone calls asking me if I had "experience"... I said yes... 2 years, as a student RN :)... after they hear that, they say "**** you" and hang up.

I'm a little lost now, it seems there are no opportunities anywhere for me. I have a really good portfolio and resume, but there is no "work experience" section. When recruiters see that, they instantly throw my application into the garbage... my bls/acls/pals/ecg certifications are completely useless. I got them because I wanted to go into critical care, but now I'm going using those certifications for a hospice position or something (lol). :nuke:

I've been lurking around Allnurses for a while, but never made an account. I wanted to ask if anyone has any recommendations for someone in my position... Very young graduate, male, with zero work experience... I can't see any recruiter taking me over someone who is already experienced or older. I've done my absolute best with what I can with my resume, cover letter, and letter of intent. But nothing seems to work without any RN experience, let alone any sort of work experience...

If anyone has any tips or information that would help, it would be much, much appreciated!!! If anyone is willing to look at my resume and give me criticism, that would be awesome too :redbeathe:redbeathe:redbeathe.

:tku: Thank you!!!

Also, here is some cake. Feel free to take a slice.

:BDCk::BDCk::BDCk::BDCk::BDCk:

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Long Term Care (you probably do not want to hear that but is a good career avenue), flu clinics, blood drive volunteer broaden your mind and think of all the different sections in your nursing textbooks and where they apply in the real world besides hospitals. Check (go in dressed for success with a good resume) local DR.'s office to see if they could use a new grad nurse who is not afraid of work, be upbeat and enthusiastic remember "Debby downers" do not get hired and even if they say no leave the resume and say please call me if you have position open up that I could fill "Thank You".

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Even LTC centers are looking for experience now... Most of them told me on the phone they won't even consider someone without experience :/

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Specializes in ICU, ED, PICC.

Unfortunately, patience is needed. I'm right along with you. I've been looking for jobs even before I graduated and still nothing. Right now it is all about who you know. So start to volunteer somewhere and get to know people in the field. I started volunteering with the American Red Cross and hopefully I can make a connection to someone, also I really enjoy volunteering for them :) Also, it looks better on your resume than just sitting around and doing nothing (besides looking for jobs).

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Specializes in CVICU, CCU, SICU, MICU.

This is a copy of something I posted on another thread. =)

I just got a job, graduated June, boards in July. I consider myself EXTREMELY lucky and am still trying to convince myself it's happened. I spent almost 2 months applying online, etc., until I realized that's not how you get a job. It's completely WHO you know!! Join a professional organization, hand your resume out to everyone, put blasts on Facebook to friends to see if they know anyone in healthcare that could introduce you. Talk to anyone that you had a good relationship with in clinicals. Go to professional mixer/networking events, just let anyone and everyone know that you're an enthusiastic, qualified RN who is looking for a job in which to excel! See if there are any clinics in your area that will allow you to volunteer as an RN. Summer camps need RNs, some will allow you to volunteer your time and still use your license. I'm in an ADN-MSN program (went in straight after getting my ADN) and the more experienced nurses in the program have been amazing resources and many have given me their managers' name & e-mail address to send to information over directly.

I hope that helps a little bit. You can do it!! There are jobs to be had, you might have to widen your search radius or the areas you're looking into- check out Craigslist!! I got several interviews and 3 job offers off of Craigslist (a couple were part-time, but hey!). Make sure you're on Indeed and Monster. Although I haven't had much luck with them, some people on this forum swear by it.

Good luck! Remember, you worked your behind off for this degree/license. There's something out there- go get it!

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Are you able to relocate? Take note that the majority of your classmates, with babies and families in tow, are unable or unwilling to relocate. That gives you a competitive advantage.

Go to where people do not desire to live. They will welcome you with open arms.

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I'm willing to relocate anywhere in the US if there is a job available. Do you know which areas are good areas to look for work?

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I'm willing to relocate anywhere in the US if there is a job available. Do you know which areas are good areas to look for work?

You might try this, if you really are open to relocation: http://www.ihs.gov/MedicalPrograms/Nursing/index.cfm?module=prof

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Specializes in Women's Health.

It just pains me inside to see new graduate RN's having a difficult time finding a job. 2 years ago I had the same problem. I started in LTC. Though it wasn't what I wanted, I knew I needed to gain experience. Not only did I gain experience but I was also able to travel. I moved to Montana from MA for this job. It was a tough transition at first but I knew it had to be done. Once I gained enough experience I started to look at jobs back in MA. Thanks to experience, I was able to get a job in the Women's Health field. It all takes patience and dedication.

I advice volunteering and joining organizations. Make yourself STAND OUT. Also if you have classmates that are working as RN... ask them if there are any openings. I know a few friends that got into Med Surg with the help of other classmates.

Good luck!

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I graduated this May and passed NCLEX in July. I have no RN or CNA experience at all. I have just started my career as a hospice nurse this week.

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Stardust can I ask you where you got your job at? and did u graduate with a BSN? MSN? ADN?

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Specializes in Med Surg - Renal.
I have a really good portfolio and resume, but there is no "work experience" section.

:BDCk::BDCk::BDCk::BDCk::BDCk:

A really good resume has a work experience section.

Thanks for the cake!

So get some work experience in healthcare. Any way you can.

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