Notes for new grads, part II

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Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

A few months ago, as a desperate new grad, I wrote this post as a way of keeping myself sane and positive through a grueling job search. Today I'm glad to say that I was offered a job in a fantastic new grad residency which will start in April. Ironically enough it was the very first job I applied for way back in the beginning; it was my "backup plan" in case nothing else came through. Well, this is my first and only offer, but the more I think about it the more I realize how this really is the best thing for me, more than many of the other jobs I had applied for and was rejected.

From the perspective of a no-longer-unemployed new grad, I am going to offer more notes and food for thought which I hope will be helpful. While I was still in the desperate new grad category I tried very hard to be happy for the successful job seekers and not get jealous or resentful, but it was hard. I also resented the posts that made it sound like if we would all just be as smart/hardworking/resourceful as they are we would all have jobs. I am here to say that it is not the case. I feel sincerely grateful to be given an opportunity, but I know I did nothing special to get this job more than any of the other jobs I applied for and wanted so badly. I believe that it was simply my turn for my number to be called, and for all the new grads out there, your number will come up too, sooner or later.

Many new grads have shared their approach for how they got hired, and I have to say that while I have my strong points, self-promotion isn't one of them. I'm soft-spoken, and cold-calling recruiters and persuading them to give me a chance is something I am not very effective at. I tried many different avenues and techniques, from applying online, going to job fairs and open houses, showing up in person in hospitals, and many, many follow-up calls with recruiters. I also volunteered twice a week, in pediatric homecare and LTC, and got my ACLS, PALS and IV certifications. (Turns out I will probably never use these skills in this job.) I can't say that any one of these things in particular was what got me the job... I think that if you just keep knocking on enough doors eventually someone will let you in.

I had to deal with a LOT of rejection during the job search, including hospitals that were hiring my classmates left and right without even giving me an interview. It was very hard to keep my head up. Sometimes I needed to take a break for sanity sake. Fortunately I have a non-nursing job and a family that kept me busy during this time. Even though I was disappointed time and again, I can now honestly say it was for the best, because the offer I have now is a much better fit for me than any of the other jobs would have been (although I couldn't see it clearly then).

So to new grads who are still looking, I wish you all the best, and as desperate as it gets, DO NOT give up hope. It was a difficult and painful time for me and I hope never to forget it, or to be insensitive to the struggles of new grads.

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Specializes in Hospice.

hello jeanette. thanks for this. you give me hope. it enlightens my mind to what possibilities i may take..

by the way, im an international graduate student, i graduated last March 2009 and have no experience at all. I recently passed Nclex, like yesterday (thank GOD)...i was browsing through the net and i saw some new grad programs in my area, Los Angeles, CA; which will start JULY/AUGUST 2011. A friend of mine told me that new grad programs prioritizes those nurses that graduated here in the US. I was a bit frustrated and it's like my whole life becomes dark. Like I worked and prayed hard for my license and what now?...

I already feel how hard to find a job esp i do not have experience, i'm introvert kind of person, and feel a little bit shy coz i do not speak english very fluently...

I have something to ask.

1. Since im an international graduate, i havent secured recommendation letter from my clinical instructors way back then after i graduated from school..Can i secure a recommendation letter from that clinical instructor who is presently not connected anymore to my school? Because some also have migrated here in the US, it's much more easier and fast to communicate with them than to travel so far to my country.

2. Kindly give me some tips on how to make an effective resume and cover letter. For two days, i am with a paper an pencil trying to figure out what to write. But nothing comes my mind, and it gives me a terrible headache.

3. Is it a good idea to volunteer like twice a week on a hospital? Does is add plus point to my resume?

On monday, I will have my BLS training. That's what I can afford for now.

Thank you so much for your words, I will read your other post to find new ideas that will work for me...

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Yeah, sometimes posts could be really dismissive, not only of the efforts many of us were and are taking (I get SO annoyed when someone suggests that if new grads were just willing to take night shift/LTC/whatever positions we'd all have jobs-HELLO, my classmates who are still looking are not being picky!) but also of the major stress a long job hunt has on one emotionally. I hope that my posts never come off that way- when I share my tips I try to be more along the lines of "in case you hadn't thought to try this yet."

Anyway, I'm glad your number came up!

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Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.
Yeah, sometimes posts could be really dismissive, not only of the efforts many of us were and are taking (I get SO annoyed when someone suggests that if new grads were just willing to take night shift/LTC/whatever positions we'd all have jobs-HELLO, my classmates who are still looking are not being picky!) but also of the major stress a long job hunt has on one emotionally. I hope that my posts never come off that way- when I share my tips I try to be more along the lines of "in case you hadn't thought to try this yet."

Anyway, I'm glad your number came up!

Thanks, hiddencat. Yes, I think the hardest part of the job search was the emotional aspect... dealing with feelings of inadequacy, feelings of jealousy and resentment of others who got jobs faster than I did for positions I wanted. (It's only been 6-8 weeks since my classmates started to get hired... but those six weeks felt like FOREVER when they had jobs and I didn't even have prospects.)

I am happy with the way I spent the last six months though... I really had to work through those feelings and I think I came through it stronger and more compassionate of others who are going through similar struggles. I am extremely grateful though that the offer came through now... because I don't know how much more of this I could have handled. I was trying to stay strong and hold it all together but as time passed I felt myself losing it more and more... losing my motivation, my confidence, my commitment to nursing. I also tried to be mindful of the fact that while I didn't want to have all this free time, since I had it I would use it to the fullest. I didn't exactly live it up on the town (not that type of gal) but I did take the time to read many good books, started writing again, started baking my own bread (YUM!), spent more quality time with kids... But now I'm rested up and raring to go as a nurse!

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Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

Chillceb, my responses in bold

by the way, im an international graduate student, i graduated last March 2009 and have no experience at all. I recently passed Nclex, like yesterday (thank GOD)...i was browsing through the net and i saw some new grad programs in my area, Los Angeles, CA; which will start JULY/AUGUST 2011. A friend of mine told me that new grad programs prioritizes those nurses that graduated here in the US. I was a bit frustrated and it's like my whole life becomes dark. Like I worked and prayed hard for my license and what now?... Congrats on passing the NCLEX. Go ahead and apply to the new grad residency, but you may have better luck if you try other areas of the state or country... many new grads are having a hard time in LA.

I already feel how hard to find a job esp i do not have experience, i'm introvert kind of person, and feel a little bit shy coz i do not speak english very fluently... All I can think of is to try and network with nurses who are from your country or speak your language. Maybe they can help or point you to some resources.

1. Since im an international graduate, i havent secured recommendation letter from my clinical instructors way back then after i graduated from school..Can i secure a recommendation letter from that clinical instructor who is presently not connected anymore to my school? Because some also have migrated here in the US, it's much more easier and fast to communicate with them than to travel so far to my country. Go ahead and ask the instructor for a letter, even if they're no longer affiliated with the school. The important thing is that they know you and can write about your skills and abilities.

2. Kindly give me some tips on how to make an effective resume and cover letter. For two days, i am with a paper an pencil trying to figure out what to write. But nothing comes my mind, and it gives me a terrible headache. I wish I could help but I must have rewritten my resumes and cover letters at least 10 times and never felt like they were good enough... after all I only have a 0.5% success rate at getting a call-back after sending out hundreds of resumes. But evidently there was one person who liked what she saw and that was all I needed. I have no idea what makes a great cover letter, and I'm not sure if it's the cover letter alone that will make a recruiter pick up the phone, but at the very least make sure it's neat and clear and grammatical... have someone look it over if English is a problem.

3. Is it a good idea to volunteer like twice a week on a hospital? Does is add plus point to my resume? Excellent idea, and it will certainly be a plus for your resume, especially if you have no other experience. Try to volunteer somewhere where you can gain some actual nursing skills. For example I volunteered in pediatric homecare and I did suctioning, trach care, tube feedings etc. My volunteer experience definitely helped me get the job I was offered. I got this volunteer job by calling an organization that provides resources to families of children with medical needs.

On monday, I will have my BLS training. That's what I can afford for now. Good idea... all nursing jobs require BCLS at the minimum. Do make sure you practice well and it's not something you do to get it over with... you never know if it might save someone's life one day.

Thank you so much for your words, I will read your other post to find new ideas that will work for me... Thank you too... good luck!

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Specializes in Hospice.

Thanks Jeannette, continue to inspire people by ur writings..

will be hoping for a good result with my job hunting...will look into what u said, and will look further here in the internet on how to have a nice resume and cover letter..

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@Chillceb

Depending on your ethnicity or nationality, you could search out and find a Nurses Association and become a member. Also do this for a particular specialty you want to start your career in, find a local chapter, contact the nurses that have been elected as leaders and ask them if you could attend some monthly meetings before becoming an official member. When you get there, shake hands, introduce yourself and NETWORK. Hope this works. Currently trying to see if it does....waiting for the next meetings in my area.

Good luck

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