No Job after passing NCLEX

Jinx322 · Mar 5, 2014

I passed my NCLEX on Feb. 20th and I still haven't been able to secure a job, much less an interview. It's frustrating but what I've been told is don't limit yourself to just hospitals/acute care facilities. As a new grad a hospital job is like the Holy Grail but sometime we have to take small steps to get there, like LTC or rehab centers. Stay focused and positive. We'll get our career started...just not as fast as we thought. :)

Hpy_Vly_RNBSN · Mar 6, 2014

These things take time. Especially in New Grad world. I graduated in September of 2013 and passed my Nclex in Nov. I didn't even start getting calls for interviews till January and by February I had 5 interviews and 4 offers. I just started my job this week. So it took me 6 months and that's nothing. I am starting with a girl who graduated in May be 2013. Just put as many applications out as you can and try to be patient.

RunBabyRN · Mar 15, 2014

Have you networked at all? This is how most find jobs successfully. Did you meet any NMs on the floor in clinicals? Know any nurses that would recommend you to their managers? I talked to the NM on the unit where I did clinicals and where I am now precepting, and I have a job waiting for me when I am licensed.

PCnurse88 · Mar 16, 2014

It took me 9 months after graduating / 7 months after passing the NCLEX to get a job, and I did everything I could. My resume was great, I tailored my cover letters to each specific hospital, I used LinkedIn both as a profile and to look up names of recruiters so I could address the cover letters to the right people, I volunteered at a hospital, I asked everyone I knew if they had any connections, I applied out-of-state, I used careerbuilder and monster and indeed - literally everything. I applied for 3-4 jobs a day in various states. I didn't have my first interview until January, and then got 2 more in February. Of the 3 interviews I was offered 2 positions, one in state and one 2000 miles away. Sometimes all you can do is remind yourself that eventually your hard work will pay off and one day you'll be able to come home, cook yourself a celebratory dinner, open a nice bottle of wine, and congratulate yourself on your first nursing job.

Best of luck!

rnaria · Mar 17, 2014

I applied every single day to different hospitals/sub-acutes in my area. I heard NOTHING, but randomly, got call backs three interviews for 3 sub-acute facilities in a two day time span. Don't give up! Also, look for open houses! They have more than one position open increasing your chances of getting hired.