New Nurse - No Job!

[MissRN_Dior]

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!!!

[MissRN_Dior, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

LOL....Im still looking for my "jon"

[MissRN_Dior, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

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 )

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Thanks! im trying to hang in there, but yesterday i got a few NO's in a row For my Senior Practicum i went to the small rural hospital that we have around here, they even offered me a job after i passed boards THEN new management came in and everyone i made contact with were moved or let go . Home care and a new grad don't mixed in my area ive tried alot of agencies ... Yes Spanish is important i can have a conversation but im not fluent . I made a contact at the local VA hospital but right he doesn't have any open positions for RN's just ARNP's

[MissRN_Dior, ASN, BSN, MSN, 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.

I have a few other places to apply this week if nothing comes of it i shall try another county .

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Do you have a BSN?

Try to see if those contacts are on LinkedIn and tech out to them that way.

Your are going to have to network, and keep casting the net wide.

[MissRN_Dior, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

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

Thanks i will check that out this week i know a local soup kitchen that needs help on saturdays.

[MissRN_Dior, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

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.

Thank you! Being a CNA is not an option i was thinking of .

[MissRN_Dior, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

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.

For my Senior Practicum i went to the small rural hospital that we have around here, they even offered me a job after i passed boards THEN new management came in and everyone i made contact with were moved or let go

CNA is not an option now. but i plan to volunteering, and maybe getting a few certifications . Thanks !

[MissRN_Dior, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Yes, needed atleast 6 months exp

[MissRN_Dior, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Do you have a BSN?

Try to see if those contacts are on LinkedIn and tech out to them that way.

Your are going to have to network, and keep casting the net wide.

No, im and ADN but im starting in Jan to continue my education . I started an LinkedIn and have made a few new contacts...

[MissRN_Dior, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Thanks for the help, This week I plan to be in turbo speed and send out resumes, fill out applications and pound the pavement going directly in to a facilities to hand out my resumes. Wish Me luck !!!

[scaredsilly, BSN, RN]

Who you know is important, and you mentioned that everyone is gone from where you did your practicum, but what about your other clinicals? Is there an old preceptor who would put in a word for you? how about all your classmates who you say found jobs; how did they do it? You might ask them what methods they employed and do the same thing.

Also, know your market. Where I am, hospitals won't hire ADNs, do they where you are? If not, then try clinics, Drs offices, SNFs and LTCs.

[MissRN_Dior, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

In my area they will, Its a great school and is know to put out great nurses, but with the hospitals going magnet status they do look for bsn's first then my school then others. All these hospitals besides the rural one have a new grad program and they receive 100's of applicants so they can pick, choose and refuse as much as they want . new grad programs come in two waves December and june