New RN in Portland having hard time finding a job

[Newgradinportland]

Hello,

I'm a new grad in Portland, OR with an ADN. I passed the NCLEX in June but I can't seem to find a job. I have sent out 35 resumes to Providence, Kaiser, Legacy and several clinics and offices and have only had 1 interview (with no call back so far). Is there a nursing job shortage in the area? Kaiser advised me that they will not be hiring new grads until December! I am thinking about getting a Washington license but I hear Southwest Washington Medical Center is having a hiring freeze right now. Does anyone have any advice?

Thank You!!

[oldiebutgoodie, RN]

Unfortunately, a lot of hospitals recruit and hire in the spring, and all their new grads are on orientation already. Many have formal orientation programs that start in the summer, which is why maybe you are having some problems.

Could you apply at a hospital you are interested in and be a tech or unit clerk until they hire again?

It is a Catch 22, because many hospitals also want you to have your RN license.

Best of luck to you.

Oldiebutgoodie

[Larry in Florida]

Unfortunately, a lot of hospitals recruit and hire in the spring, and all their new grads are on orientation already. Many have formal orientation programs that start in the summer, which is why maybe you are having some problems.

Could you apply at a hospital you are interested in and be a tech or unit clerk until they hire again?

It is a Catch 22, because many hospitals also want you to have your RN license.

Best of luck to you.

Oldiebutgoodie

Go to the jails , go to career builder online,go to PHS on line. Good luck!

Larry Rn in Fla

[anastasia niemi]

When I first graduated I sent out alot of applications too. Not many responses @ first. I then went to our academic adviser who helped me go through my resume and spice it up. We changed my format, my verbage, etc. The first new resume I sent out was met with multiple responses. This was during a non new grad orientation time at a med/surg cardiac step down unit. They met me, interviewed me and took the chance on a new grad. 10 yrs later and still working as an RN. Hang in there - the jobs are out there. Don't give up. Go back through your resume - make your resume specific for the job you are applying for. /good luck. I'm sure you're going to find something soon!

[mer_RN]

call HR and ask the status of your application. I did this when I was a new grad and didn't get any callbacks. Many times they apologized for not calling and set up an interview immediately.

[Newgradinportland]

Thanks to everyone who responded to my post!! I ended up taking a job at a SNF. I'm hoping that with a little experience, my resume will be more appealing to a hospital.