New grad interview

Nurses Job Hunt

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I am a new RN grad with no prior nursing experience , I've been on three interviews so far and I'm beginning to feel like the only graduate who hasn't found employment yet! The interviews seem to go great , I meet with HR , nurse manager, even get a tour of the unit . I feel positive about getting the job when I leave but then I get that "sorry we can't offer you the position at this time " I'm begining to wonder if I am reading too much from the interviewers or do they make everyone feel like they got the position? Anyone have any advice or going through the same situation? I appreciate any words you have to share . thanks :)

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Moving to First Job Hunt Assistance Forum for more targeted responses.

Good luck!

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Specializes in MedSurg, PACU, Maternal/Child Health.

HI

I am a new grad (sort of) also (Jan 2012). I took NCLEX in March and was hired as RN a clinic/homecare agency in June. I have tried hospitals (NYC) so I can get clinical skills I would not get in an outpatient setting where I am now. Like you, I have had 4 hospital interviews but no job offer. I have certifications, Im bilingual, and have previous health experience (though not in nursing or CNA role) with disabled people and current RN experience in my job as outpatient setting. All my 4 hospital interviews with the interviewers (HR and Nurse Managers) made me feel as if Im a great fit for their unit and they are excited for me to work with them. I follow up with thank you note 2 days later and follow up emails or calls (alternating) reiterating my interest and skills about every week or two. However no job offers. But I know New grads with nothing besides required school clinicals get hired. I noticed a trend that hospitals prefer those who graduate from big name private schools (ie NYU) as opposed to city colleges, even if we also have BSN and our city college has a good reputation. Its depressing as to why this happens. Its very odd but I guess it's all subjective based on who interviews you, it could be that an interviewer had an issue with your hair or posture during the interview (sounds stupid but has happened) adn it is enough to pick someone else over you. A coworker of mine whos a new grad also is going through the same situation. We do not understand why we are not hired since we have a lot to offer but we have decided to just concentrate on the present, be positive, and enjoy our current job, which is great just that we dont learn/use much clinical skills due to outpatient setting.

My advice for you would be to apply to non-hospital jobs, as any experience is better than no experience. Also if you are able to get certifications such as ACLS and if interested in Peds/Maternity get PALS and NRP. And keep positive and do not worry, take up or continue a hobby (music, dance, cooking, etc) to help keep you mind off the situation. I know this is hard at first as you wonder why you arent getting hired but worrying only makes up feel sad and stress. Eventually your ideal job will hire you (and me and my coworker) but I do understand the wait is frustrating and discouraging especially when other new grads are getting hired and you do not know how. If you have an ADN, enroll in an RN to BSN program. Employers like to see that you are on your way to a BSN and still hire while you are a student.

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Well I finally got a New Grad position in a hospital intermediate surgical unit. After countless rejections I can finally experience the excitement in beginning my career in nursing!

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Specializes in ICU.

wow congrats! it only took a few months for you, right? that's pretty good. good luck with your new position!

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Well I finally got a New Grad position in a hospital intermediate surgical unit. After countless rejections I can finally experience the excitement in beginning my career in nursing!

Congrats!! Any advice on how you landed the job, and if you don't mind me asking where. I graduated in jan 2012 and still looking.

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Specializes in MedSurg, PACU, Maternal/Child Health.

Congratulations! and it only took you 2 months after NCLEX. Please share which state. Im a January 2012 grad (took NCLEX in March 2012) and I have 8 months RN experience in NYC in a clinic/home care setting (I see clients in our clinic and in their home) and 5 certifications NRP ACLS etc. It is great but I need hospital experience if I want to advance in the future as every job post nowaday is "1 year HOSPITAL experience" not just RN experience however no luck. I had 4 interviews and managers act excited and hint they will hire me and then nothing not even an email saying I wasnt hired and when I call to follow up they just say "oh we are still interviewing" even if it gets to be 2 months or more after the interview..hmmmm why are they so evasive and cannot just be straight up and say we didnt hire you? I resolved

Anyways which states are hiring? Im considering moving I have nothing holding me back no husband no kids etc

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Congrats!! Any advice on how you landed the job, and if you don't mind me asking where. I graduated in jan 2012 and still looking.

Thanks! Well for starters this position at this particular hospital was what I really wanted. So when I got the chance to interview, I wanted to know alot about what the staff was like, what the unit was like, what would the expectations be of me as a new grad, what the staff had to offer a new graduate such as myself, so I asked alot of questions. I did not have experience but I made sure to use what experience I did have from previous employment that could pertain to the units needs and patient scenarios. For example cultural competency, effective communication, accountability & responsibility, willingness to learn and apply what I have learned, and most important the ability to adapt to changing situations and environments. I shared alot of personal experiences at my other jobs that were not in healthcare. I was also very interested in the interviewers personal experiences in nursing and I showed that by verbally responding to what they were saying. I made sure thank each one sincerely , there were 5 , for their time and consideration . I assured them this was the position I wanted. Hope that helps you and good luck .

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Congratulations! and it only took you 2 months after NCLEX. Please share which state. Im a January 2012 grad (took NCLEX in March 2012) and I have 8 months RN experience in NYC in a clinic/home care setting (I see clients in our clinic and in their home) and 5 certifications NRP ACLS etc. It is great but I need hospital experience if I want to advance in the future as every job post nowaday is "1 year HOSPITAL experience" not just RN experience however no luck. I had 4 interviews and managers act excited and hint they will hire me and then nothing not even an email saying I wasnt hired and when I call to follow up they just say "oh we are still interviewing" even if it gets to be 2 months or more after the interview..hmmmm why are they so evasive and cannot just be straight up and say we didnt hire you? I resolved

Anyways which states are hiring? Im considering moving I have nothing holding me back no husband no kids etc

Thanks ! I am in North Carolina , near what is called the Triangle. From what I have seen, there are alot of Nursing Jobs here. Almost every hospital I know of has a nurse residency program. They do recruiting twice a year, feb and june theres no limit on graduation time. New graduates are those who have 6 months to o previous experience. Some hospitals do consider new graduates and you can apply to any position that does not say previous experience required. I have noticed for most , you have to have ACLS, BLS, and PALs or have to get it within 6 months. Being flexible with the scheduling also helps. A good question to ask on your interview is how many positions are they hiring for and when do they expect to fill those positions. That way you have an idea of when to follow up. Here ever hospital is online , some will accept you mailing your resume. And you can find the status of your application as far as if you are no longer considered or the position has been filled, otherwise you will get an email. Well I hope you find what you are looking for. Good Luck and if by any chance you find something in N. Carolina keep me posted.

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wow congrats! it only took a few months for you right? that's pretty good. good luck with your new position![/quote']

Thank you! Those few months seemed like forever , but yeah I graduated in May 2012, started applying oct, took the boards in Nov, and I will finally start working as a RN in Feb.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Congrats!!!!

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I would love to know if you have any examples on how to tweak a resume that doesn't have previous healthcare experience. I was inspired by your posts/threads, but I have tweaked my resume several times to date, and still no luck. I really need to change my previous employment to be more suitable for nursing but I swear I look at it like a deer in headlights. lol. Anyway any help or any examples would be greatly appreciated! I graduated in May and finally received my license number last month.

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