Published
What is a new graduate nurse supposed to do if there aren't any jobs available?
Especially if relocating/traveling is not an option.
I graduated in December 2012 with a BSN. I was part of a very demanding accelerated nursing program which left little time for anything but studying. During the course of the program I had to quit my steady and long term job at a dentist's office to focus on my studies full time. I took the NCLEX and passed first try! Woohoo!!
I knew it was going to be hard to find a job as a new grad but had no idea how difficult it has been. I spoke to a few of my classmates and out of 50 only three already found jobs. The three that found jobs have relatives who work at the hospitals where they got hired. Go figure! I am happy for them but what are the rest of us supposed to do to get hired too (me included).
I have been looking for a few months without any success. I have applied online, called human resource departments, asked family and friends and even meet with two recruitment managers at two mayor hospitals here in NYC. One nurse recruiter told me that they haven't done any hiring since 2011 and the other told me they had long waiting lists and were not hiring at the moment. It has been a soar experience so far. I don't want to lose faith but it has been very hard. My goal is to ultimately work at a hospital, start practicing my skills and provide good quality patient care. However, with 0 nursing experience this Job Search is getting no where.
I would like to know of any job alternatives or suggestions that you may have for a spanking new registered nurse. I am open to working in a variety of settings except traveling (I am not able to afford a car at this moment) or volunteering because I have several bills that need to get paid asap. I just don't want to start working for example at a nursing home or community clinic only to hinder or hurt my possibilities of working at a hospital later on. I hear hospitals do not consider certain jobs as nursing experience. Any advice would be highly appreciated.
Yours truly,
Spanking New Registered Nurse:nurse: