New Nurse - No Job!

Nurses Job Hunt

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  1. How Long Did it Take you as a New Nurse to find a jon

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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!!!

My advice is go to job fairs, look into working as a CNA (positions are offered to employees before they are posted to the public, this give you time to go to the managers of the hiring units! And if your manager likes you as an aid they may got to bat for you!), volunteer, look for new grad RN programs, student nurse positions etc.

I feel for you, its ugly out there.

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

I agree with DawnJ. Volunteer, because it is a great way to network and meet people. Network like crazy...get out into your community and meet people...present yourself as a capable, responsible, professional individual. It sounds as if you have already done some earnest job-seeking, but continue to press on, with your eye on the prize! When you are volunteering at the soup kitchen, make it a point to introduce yourself to the people in charge. I have found that people with backgrounds in social work and psychology, as well as nursing, make excellent contacts. You can never meet too many people when you are networking! Good luck, keep us posted!

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It took me a closer to three months to find a job. I am licensed in three states and have applied to more than 200 positions. I checked all the hospital sites every morning and would apply to every position that interested me. Don't give up! I also applied to numerous residency programs and that's where I found success! I have BLS, ACLS and PALS. I believe that your resume is integral so make sure that when you submit it online it contains keywords and in person ensure that it is on resume paper. Unfortunately a lot of nursing is about who you know and if they are willing to take a chance on a new grad.

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Specializes in Med-Surg,Tele,ICU-Step Down, LTAC.
My advice is go to job fairs, look into working as a CNA (positions are offered to employees before they are posted to the public, this give you time to go to the managers of the hiring units! And if your manager likes you as an aid they may got to bat for you!), volunteer, look for new grad RN programs, student nurse positions etc.

I feel for you, its ugly out there.

It is ugly out there, thanks for the advice, Im doing some paperwork to start volunteering :)

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i hope you get a job and me too:up:

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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 actually logged on today to gripe about this. I am not being hired as an RN because I don;t have 1 year acute experience and I can' get hired as a CNA because I don't have a CNA license..and can't get one because I'm an RN. I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.

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Specializes in Med-Surg,Tele,ICU-Step Down, LTAC.
I actually logged on today to gripe about this. I am not being hired as an RN because I don;t have 1 year acute experience and I can' get hired as a CNA because I don't have a CNA license..and can't get one because I'm an RN. I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.

I feel your pain, its hard out there..keep your head up and trust me something will come your way !!!

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Specializes in Med-Surg,Tele,ICU-Step Down, LTAC.

SO....i have had 3 interviews .....just waiting :(

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It took me 1 month. What a joke. I wish I waited for a better job because the one I took was a nightmare for me.

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Specializes in public health.

Try to work in a flu or wellness clinic first. There are lots of them across the country. Most places hire you as long as you have your RN.

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