New RN can't find a job!!!!!

[ajitamamasita]

Ok, so I graduated in Aug 2010, and passed the nclex Nov 1st. I have been applying everywhere and anywhere to local jobs in NM. I'm willing to work anywhere, day or night, full time, part time, temporary, or even prn. I have only received two call backs and so far have only had 2 interviews. None of the major hospitals are calling me and I am so disgusted and frustrated at this point. I've been back to school to the job connection center where they helped me clean up my resume, which they say looks great, and I apparently have a wonderful cover letter. The big problem is when I interview they say that I lack experience. So how can I get experience is my question??? If no one is willing to hire me that will never happen. I'm feeling so worthless now and wondering what the hell I went through all that schooling for. I'm ready to go back to being an Admin. Asst at this point....at least it would provide steady income!! If anyone has any suggestions I sure am willing to listen-please help me!!!

[ajitamamasita]

Good news..things seem to be looking up. I'm starting prn work at a nursing home next week. I also started visiting the hospital departments in person where I have applied online. It seems like just introducing myself and telling them how interested I am seems to help. One Nurse Mgr. said she would pull my resume and call me for an interview. Keeping my fingers crossed! Thank you for all the great advice.

[ricky75]

Glad things are working for you. Wish you best.

[Noimanurse]

Check craigslist, even part-time jobs can be great experience. Also, don't be afraid to call those HR dept. at the facilities you are applying, they are getting hundreds of resumes, make them take a second look at your resume by calling them and asking about any specific openings or interview times. Sell yourself!

[backatit2]

i have a degree in another field and haven't been able to find a job so i went back for nursing. the hospitals in my area have a scholarship where they'll pay for the nursing courses if you agree to work for them for a couple years after graduating. i see no down side to that since i have no intentions on moving (otherwise, i'd have a job with my other degree). it amazes me to see people struggling to find nursing jobs because i live in a small town and they're desperate for nurses to the point they'll pay you to go to school and become one! even if i didn't need the tuition i'd do it because you're literally guaranteed a job.

[BettyBoop01]

i have a degree in another field and haven't been able to find a job so i went back for nursing. the hospitals in my area have a scholarship where they'll pay for the nursing courses if you agree to work for them for a couple years after graduating. i see no down side to that since I have no intentions on moving (otherwise, i'd have a job with my other degree). it amazes me to see people struggling to find nursing jobs because i live in a small town and they're desperate for nurses to the point they'll pay you to go to school and become one! even if i didn't need the tuition i'd do it because you're literally guaranteed a job.

Not exactly. Several students in my nursing class did this and upon graduation were "let out of the contract" and told they did not have to repay tuition but that they had no job. 2 others were told they are now obligated to fulfill their contract but at the hospitals LTC center instead. They are happy just to have a job.

[backatit2]

Not exactly. Several students in my nursing class did this and upon graduation were "let out of the contract" and told they did not have to repay tuition but that they had no job. 2 others were told they are now obligated to fulfill their contract but at the hospitals LTC center instead. They are happy just to have a job.

i think that would be a rare occurance - that's a big investment to throw away.

[crossingfingers10]

i think that would be a rare occurance - that's a big investment to throw away.

Not so rare, unfortunately. This is happening in my area too with one of the large hospitals. They don't have the spots for the graduates so they are still covering their tuition since that was the bargain, but they no longer have a guaranteed job.

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

Not so rare, unfortunately. This is happening in my area too with one of the large hospitals. They don't have the spots for the graduates so they are still covering their tuition since that was the bargain, but they no longer have a guaranteed job.

Yeah, I've heard about it happening in my area too. It's a big investment to throw away, but from the hospital's perspective training them as a new grad when they're already low census is throwing good money after bad.