New Nurse - No Job!

[MissRN_Dior, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

As the title says I'm a new grad nurse who does not have a job, I have my license and I'm in an area where we have about 10 hospitals and I have submitted over 100 applications and or resumes online to those hospitals. I keep getting the same response: Thank you for your interest, we are pursuing a more experienced candidate and we will keep your application on file. I have tried going to an agencies, drug rehab/treatment centers and a few nursing homes with no luck. This past week I went to several Behavioral Health places in-person to hand out my resume, I even tried flu clinics and they already had all their positions full but would call me if things were to change. Right now I feel a little down and hard on myself because it seemed like most of my classmates have acquired jobs. I keep on thinking, what is wrong with me? I understand that more experience is more desirable, however, how do I get experience if I can't get hired? What can I do to make myself more desirable in spite of my lack of experience? I've been looking into certification classes to better my chances and considering paying out of pocket for some certifications {which I don't truly have the money for}. Any suggestions on anything (Certs,job opp, anything ), I'm open and receptiveJ I need a Job and Soon!!!

[nwbsoon]

Have you considered CNA positions to get experience and your foot in the door? I know it is a step down but at least you'll be getting patient care experience.

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

Boy, I hope I find a jon before 1 to 4 MONTHS.

[anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP]

Sometimes getting a job is a matter of who you know and pure luck so don't be hard on yourself! I have seen plenty of people get promotions and moved to different positions not because they were most qualified (unfortunately) but because they knew someone.

Make sure to check out smaller county hospitals as they often have less interest and are more prone to hire someone with no experience. Try ALL nursing homes and longer term care facilities. Rehabs. Some people get into private duty nursing (at the patients home). Can't say I totally recommend any home care as a new grad but I understand the frustration.

I looked on your profile and you're in southern Florida so make sure you know Spanish if you don't already. I'm sure being bilingual in your area is a must.

Don't give up because you've made it this far. If a position has been posted awhile go ahead and apply even if it says want experience. Worst thing that happens is they don't call.

Good luck and something will come along. Don't focus on a dream job at this point. Focus on getting some experience and then finding your dream job.

Oh and make sure to check government jobs (the state and usajobs.gov )

[Animaniacs, BSN, RN]

Some of my fellow new grad nurses are not even from the area where I work. But this is the only place they can get a job. Just keep trying though, you might have to apply somewhere else, maybe a different city.

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

Have you considered CNA positions to get experience and your foot in the door? I know it is a step down but at least you'll be getting patient care experience.

Most hospitals (in my area at least) won't hire an RN to be a CNA.

[DawnJ]

Volunteer. I did once a week at Planned Parenthood. I just worked in the office, but I got an understanding of the paperwork and the laws. When it came time to find a job, they offered me one but it wasn't the hours I needed. But they knew other people in my field (Public Health) and were wonderful in recommending me to their contacts. I had 3 offers within a week of being licensed.

Probably a little late advice for you, but for others....sow your seeds early. If you want a hospital gig, volunteer a few hours a week for a year. Want to work with kids, volunteer at Ronald McDonald House. It doesn't have to be volunteer medical work, you are giving people a chance to see your work ethic in action and form an opinion about you. Hopefully a good one, so that they will want to recommend this great new nurse to their colleagues

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Have you considered CNA positions to get experience and your foot in the door? I know it is a step down but at least you'll be getting patient care experience.

I would not even consider this option, if I were you. IF you can even find a facility that would consider this, you would be held to the standards of practice of your licensure (RN), while performing the functions of a CNA. In other words, you could be held liable for conditions outside of your control as a CNA.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Check out the hints in our Nursing First Job Hunt Assistance forum.

[MissJessRN]

Try applying to smaller cities/towns/rural areas, these areas will be more likely to call you in as they will have less applicants than bigger cities.

Yes, do not try doing CNA as you are already an RN. Applying to CNA jobs while as applying to RN jobs will look bad with the organizations you are applying to, you will look desperate and anyways most hospitals will not hire RNs as CNAs b/c they know as soon as RN gets an RN job, she will leave the CNA job and the hospital is back to square one in needing to find another CNA.

Volunteering is a good idea at least you show you are doing something. Also get BLS, and ACLS certifications and NRP and/or PALS if you have interest in L and D, OB, or Pediatrics. EKG helps for cardiac units.

[MissRN_Dior, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Thank you for the input, but becoming an CNA is not an option of which i was thinking.

[CoolKidsRN]

Have you tried applying to outpatient clinics? Hang in there, you will find the right job opportunity.