No calls...

Nurses Job Hunt

Published

I am a Paramedic who went through the mobility RN program. I will be graduating December 12th. I'm very frustrated because everyone told me I needed to start putting in applications by October, which I have. I've probably put in 20 or more applications in the past month, but no calls. I have been putting in applications in areas like ICU, Cardiac Care, and ER. I understand that they generally want you to have experience to hire in these areas. While I don't have in-hospital critical care experience outside of clinicals, I do have critical care experience in the pre-hospital setting. I would think this would be beneficial and make me more qualified then other new RN's with no critical care experience. I guess I'm just venting here, but it's very dicouraging when no one is bothering to call.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

I was an EMT for 20 years (stopped during nursing school, SOMETHING had to give), but of course its on my resume. Doesn't seem to make a bit of difference regarding getting a start somewhere, so I feel for ya

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

I think once you graduate and pass boards you will have more call backs. Its tough for new grads right now, the job market is tough and HR recruiters are getting loads of apps a day. Im sure they are just looking over you because you are still in school.

Have you tried applying for tech positions, this might help open the door once you have graduated and passed boards. I would think the ED would love to have you :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree w/Sun0408..until you have your license I don't think you will hear much, if anything, from anyone - even with your Paramedic experience so try not to get too down..concentrate on finishing, the boards then applying. It will happen for you - just give it a little more time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Also agreeing. There's too many applicants out there that employers don't have to take a chance on prelicensure ones: they don't want to hire someone who didn't take the NCLEX yet, only to see them fail. So you're probably not being considered too much right now.

I'd still keep applying though, because you never know. And hang in there!

Best of luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

20? That's it? Keep trying and don't put in any more until you are licensed. If its a new grad spot go ahead, but staff positions? Wait till you have your license. Try putting in over 300 and if you don't have call backs, then complain. Also realize that it takes up to a month before HR even looks at your application.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I have to disagree with some of the other users on this forum when it comes to applications. I disagree with sending out dozens and dozens (or hundreds) of applications at multiple different facilities. I think that its better to send out a smaller number of applications after you have carefully researched each position and each facilitiy to which you are applying. I have found that spending out a massive amount of applications to a lot of different facilities ends up wasting a lot of time and energy often with little to show in terms of results. People also need to realise that when your starting out you may not be able to get the ideal position, if you are looking for a Critical Care position (ED, ICU etc.) you may need to find a Med/Surg position first and get some experience. Its a tough economy and finding a job can be very difficult. Best of luck to the OP and anyone else out there looking for a position!

!Chris :specs:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment