old grad with no experience, can volunteering help?

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I am an international graduate. Graduated 4 years ago, just passed the NCLEX last month and can't find a job ( I sent numerous applications, resumes and I cant even get an interview). I am thinking of doing a walk in applications to LTC's in my area next week (since I am pretty sure that I have no luck in getting a job in a hospital), but I also thought of being a volunteer in a hospital. I know I wont do nursing tasks as a volunteer, but I was thinking of orienting myself to how the hospital here operates (since I am an international graduate).

This is just so depressing. I am doubting that no one would hire me if I do walk ins because of my lack of experience and because I am an old graduate. Would it be advisable to volunteer first in a hospital before I continue my jobhunt (I am thinking it will look good on my resume)? But I also need to pay my bills and get a job as soon as I can. Refresher's course is not in my option because of the expense.

I need some advise here.

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Specializes in LTC.

It certainly does not hurt to try. I'm sure others will say that it will not help whatsoever but you truly never know. If I were you I would do it. I don't care if you are a volunteer in a gift shop... you make some contacts, you get familiar with the mission statement and patient care goals and you ask to meet with a nursing coordinator.

Doing the walk-in applications for LTC is a great idea too. It may not be your dream specialty but its a job, you will gain some experience, and you will have the opportunity to network.

Good luck.

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Take any job you can get, nursing or non-nursing, then take a few nursing courses.

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Specializes in operating room, dialysis.
I am an international graduate. Graduated 4 years ago, just passed the NCLEX last month and can't find a job ( I sent numerous applications, resumes and I cant even get an interview). I am thinking of doing a walk in applications to LTC's in my area next week (since I am pretty sure that I have no luck in getting a job in a hospital), but I also thought of being a volunteer in a hospital. I know I wont do nursing tasks as a volunteer, but I was thinking of orienting myself to how the hospital here operates (since I am an international graduate).

This is just so depressing. I am doubting that no one would hire me if I do walk ins because of my lack of experience and because I am an old graduate. Would it be advisable to volunteer first in a hospital before I continue my jobhunt (I am thinking it will look good on my resume)? But I also need to pay my bills and get a job as soon as I can. Refresher's course is not in my option because of the expense.

I need some advise here.

I understand your concern of being an old graudate and not having any experience. My personal experience as a new graduate, not having experience and trying to find a job was was quite depressing. My advice.... don't give up. I didn't, I definitely wouldn't apply to anything unless it is in person for your case. I was determined and although it seemed worthless, I woke up evryday, got into my car and went from facility to facility, alll LTC centers. After about 2 weeks, I had an interview and within the next week i had 2 more interviews at the same facility and I was hired. I don't know where u live, but try Genesis Healthcare, not all the facilities hire new grads but most of them do. In general, apply to all the LTC facilities that u can. Hope this helps.

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Specializes in LTC.

I also contest to genesis. They hire lots and lots and lots of new grads.

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Volunteering was how I landed my first job a couple of months ago. You won't do any nursing, pt transport, paperwork, stocking... But it gives you a chance to network, it's not what you know but who.

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You said you're an international graduate - what is your legal work status in the US? If you don't have authorization to work and would need an employer to sponsor an H1B, then that is the main reason why you're not finding employment, not the fact that you're an old new grad. With a glut of nurses right now, it would be extremely hard for any company to justifying hiring an H1B. The process is also expensive and time-consuming for the employer. If there is any other way to improve your employment status, that is probably the primary thing that will help.

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Hello guys, thanks for all the replies and the info- definitely helpful for me. I will surely not give up. I will apply personally to all the LTC's in my area this coming week, and if still I have no luck, I will be volunteering.

Wish me luck!

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You said you're an international graduate - what is your legal work status in the US? If you don't have authorization to work and would need an employer to sponsor an H1B, then that is the main reason why you're not finding employment, not the fact that you're an old new grad. With a glut of nurses right now, it would be extremely hard for any company to justifying hiring an H1B. The process is also expensive and time-consuming for the employer. If there is any other way to improve your employment status, that is probably the primary thing that will help.

I am authorized to work here. Anyway, thanks for the concern and the info. =)

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Hello guys, thanks for all the replies and the info- definitely helpful for me. I will surely not give up. I will apply personally to all the LTC's in my area this coming week, and if still I have no luck, I will be volunteering.

Wish me luck!

Hi there, i have the same situation like you,it's been 3 years since i graduated (international graduate) and just passed NCLEX last may 2011..I also apply to volunteer to some hospital..did you already get your first nursing job?..need help on this..thanks

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Hi there, i have the same situation like you,it's been 3 years since i graduated (international graduate) and just passed NCLEX last may 2011..I also apply to volunteer to some hospital..did you already get your first nursing job?..need help on this..thanks

Hi, I got a job but not as a nurse. I just did it so I can have the money to get more training and certificate so when I apply as a nurse they would already consider hiring me! lol. And yes, I also applied as a volunteer in a hospital. Congrats on passing NCLEX! best of luck to you!

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Uh, 4 years is not an old grad :) You're in a great place timewise!! From what I've read on several posts, it's just getting harder to find nursing jobs in some regions..... Best of luck :)

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