How long is it taking to land your 1st new grad job?

Nurses Job Hunt

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Hello fellow nurses!

I am wondering how long it is taking to land that first RN job. I know in some states jobs are scarce and I have read that many people have been looking over a year and still do not have a job. So I am wondering what you guys have heard or are experiencing. Also, if you could share which state you are in since job markets are varying from state to state.

I am going on two months of being a new grad, but have only been applying to jobs for about 2 weeks. I am just trying to get a realistic outlook on the market.

Thanks!

Specializes in Pediatrics, Congenital Heart Disease.

I am from CA. I graduated in May, licensed in June. I had 4 interviews in July, and got an offer in early Aug. I start beginning of September. I began applying in March prior to graduation, nation-wide, and my job is in CA -- I received 36 rejection emails (many I simply didn't hear back from, so this gives an idea of how many apps I put out)! I know that I fared pretty well compared to a lot of new grads, esp in CA.

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Specializes in Cardiac/Neuro Stepdown.

Norcal or Socal peanut?

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Graduated in June 2011, had 3 job offers before graduation. Had interviews in December 2010, passed boards July 8th, 2011 and accepted the cardiac step-down unit position, I accepted this position in January 2011 before graduation. I've been there a bit over a year now, love my job and hope to continue my education fall 2013, going onto become a FNP! I work in Pennsylvania at a large teaching hospital, we just hired on my unit alone about 7-9 GN's.

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Graduated in May, got my license in July. Failed to transition from the CNA/Unit Secretary role into the RN role at my last job, due to politics. Have been applying for jobs since April, before I graduated. Haven't secured a position yet. Am now looking out of state.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Congenital Heart Disease.
Norcal or Socal peanut?

Norcal - SF Bay Area

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Specializes in Cardiac/Neuro Stepdown.
I know that I fared pretty well compared to a lot of new grads, esp in CA.

Yes congrats! Im sure you worked for it, so far only 2 grads in my class found a local job in the EB, 1 acute, 1 ltc

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I am from CA. I graduated in May, licensed in June. I had 4 interviews in July, and got an offer in early Aug. I start beginning of September. I began applying in March prior to graduation, nation-wide, and my job is in CA -- I received 36 rejection emails (many I simply didn't hear back from, so this gives an idea of how many apps I put out)! I know that I fared pretty well compared to a lot of new grads, esp in CA.

Peanut,

That is wonderful! Like eleectrosaurus I am also curious if you are in Northern or Southern Cal. Also, you say you fared well compared to other new grads, do you mean you already had some hospital experience or had a lot of certs? What made you stand out if you don't mind me asking?

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Sorry Peanut, I just noticed you already answered part of my post :)

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whichone'spink, what state are you in?

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Out of our graduating class, only 2 have jobs so far (2/40) We graduated in June and I'm not sure everyone has passed the NCLEX yet, but I know some of us are struggling trying to find a new grad position around SoCal. I'm getting the impression that unless you either already work in a hospital or have a "connection" then you don't even have a chance at getting your resume read. Sorry, I'm just feeling discouraged.

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Graduated in March 2012.

300+ resumes.

3 job interviews.

Finally started my job at a SNF mid-August.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Congenital Heart Disease.
Peanut,

That is wonderful! Like eleectrosaurus I am also curious if you are in Northern or Southern Cal. Also, you say you fared well compared to other new grads, do you mean you already had some hospital experience or had a lot of certs? What made you stand out if you don't mind me asking?

I don't mind at all! I was mostly referring to the fact that most of my graduating class has not yet found jobs! As far as my experience, I did a LOT of volunteer work (>400 hrs), and worked with special needs children. I had the certifications that everyone else (for the most part) had - ACLS, PALS, NRP. I did my senior preceptorship in the exact specialty (but different hospital) I got hired into, which I think was the biggest factor overall. I didn't have any inside connections.

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