New RN Grad...Cant find a job...NOW WHAT?

NurseThis21, BSN, RN · Dec 9, 2010

Hello there!

I'm so sorry that you are having difficulty finding a job right now! I was in the same predicament not too long ago, but I found out how to be creative in getting the jobs that I have. It definitely is all about who you know when it come to finding a job. Do you have a few colleagues who found work and can refer you to an open position? Do you know of anyone who is a nurse or who's parents or relative may be nurses? Perhaps you can land a job that way. Also, go to your doctor's office for a "physical". Chat it up with the nurse who's taking you vitals and see about any prospects on the horizon. You never know! I work with a colleague who also works in Human Resources and she said that the majority of the positions you see online get snatched up by "internal" word of mouth and the piles of e-resumes for that position are never viewed. Such a bummer and I was shocked too since there seems to be loop holes and magical side doors in Human Resources of all places! Argh! But yeah, hopefully you'll find something soon and forget about finding work as a CNA or LPN. You have credentials for an RN so you can't work under those licences unfortunately. But if you have the resources to go back to school then by all means go for it! Then you can really network, brown-nose, stalk, whatever the young people call it these days!

Good Luck in your continued job search and I wish you all the best!

puravidaLV · Dec 15, 2010

umm here is a link that is always hiring:

Nurse : Health Care : Careers s Navy: Navy.com

stop complaining and think outside your box.

Trinitas2010RN · Dec 15, 2010

umm here is a link that is always hiring:
Nurse : Health Care : Careers s Navy: Navy.com
stop complaining and think outside your box.

What happens if you started your career late and your over 40 and have family responsibilities? :confused:

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 15, 2010

stop complaining and think outside your box.

This comment is somewhat insensitive. Not everyone qualifies to join the military due to age limitations, health disqualifications, and so forth. In addition, the armed services has been flooded with inquiries and applications from nurses due to the poor job market, and some branches are having to turn people away.

MB103 · Dec 16, 2010

If you're willing to relocate, Sanford Health Hospital in Fargo ND is constantly hiring new grads. Keep in mind, however, that they take priority to those with BSNs

mswhitern · Dec 21, 2010

Please try local public health and VA...they do hire new grads..

jadu1106 · Dec 21, 2010

Hi!

Check online everyday for openings in your area (or not if you also want to apply out of state), attend job fairs, and get to know the nurse recruiters...for my interview, I emphasized I had knowledge in Women's Services because that is where I have been working for the past 4 years, but I said I would go wherever there was an availability and whatever shift it may be...sometimes being flexible really can help you get your foot in the door! Best of luck to you! :)

Flatlander · Aug 17, 2012

Hi, Jadu1106 --

Would you share how you go about getting to know the nurse recruiters? How do you establish contact and what can you expect in the way of help from them? Any other thoughts on making use of nurse recruiters? (I'm assuming you are referring to Human Resources recruiting personnel...?)

Thanks!:)

Nurse Connie · Aug 18, 2012

I was just hired and met with the recruiter to go over orientation, salary, etc. I was lucky enough to know someone who got me the interview, but she said it's always better when applicants come in person, instead of just faxing or e-mailing. Just call the hospital you are interested in and ask for the nursing office and ask what floor it's on. Show up in a suit and resume in hand. Also, I got some experience this summer as a camp nurse and my boss wrote me an excellent recommendation letter. Good luck!