Old New Grad - Over 1 Year without a Job

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I am starting this thread particularly for those of us who have graduated more than one year without finding employment. Just to support each other and hopefully get positive information to assist in getting employed.

I graduated nursing school in June of 2011 with an ASN degree. It has been very difficult finding a job and this is not due to lack of trying, I have applied to hospitals as well as LTC with no job offers. Hence, I decided to improve my education and my chances of landing a job. I am currently enrolled in a RN-BSN program with hopes that the job market will get better. Please offer any advice that I can use to get my foot in the door anywhere, so I can get the needed experience and finally have the ability to proclaim myself a working nurse instead of New Grad without experience. I am eager and very passionate about nursing, with hopes of starting my nursing career sooner than later. Any assistance would be much appreciated.

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From one old new grad to another, hello! I graduated in the early parts of 2011.

Getting your BSN is good. Keep your resume in tip-top shape. Got your certs? Great!

VOLUNTEER. Network. Pray.

Good luck job hunting like the rest of us!

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From one old new grad to another, hello! I graduated in the early parts of 2011.

Getting your BSN is good. Keep your resume in tip-top shape. Got your certs? Great!

VOLUNTEER. Network. Pray.

Good luck job hunting like the rest of us!

Have you gotten interviews? I got a few but nothing worked out.

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Have you gotten interviews? I got a few but nothing worked out.

I live in cutthroat CA. The chances of getting an interview are quite difficult, even with stellar recs, resumes, etc. Unfortunately, I'm part of the statistic that hasn't landed an interview, not for lack of trying.

It's all about connections and networking.

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I live in cutthroat CA. The chances of getting an interview are quite difficult, even with stellar recs, resumes, etc. Unfortunately, I'm part of the statistic that hasn't landed an interview, not for lack of trying.

It's all about connections and networking.

I also live in "cutthroat" southern CA and it is indeed brutal. Countless hours of sending and filling out applications only to get rejected. I came across a thread on here that utilized a different strategy that has led to a lot more leads instead of rejection letters. I have had 2 interviews in the past 3 weeks but did not get either (one interview I thought I nailed but was told they just hired a bunch of new grads, the other one was not so good). Much better to call, go in person, or email the CNO directly.

https://allnurses.com/nursing-job-search/how-i-got-689384.html

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Specializes in Cardiac/Neuro Stepdown.

Consider moving,

I'm a CA '12 ADN grad, my last local interview had 600 applicants, i spoke to someone at the popular public hosp, she told me they get approx 1000 apps per new grad position.

I got hired in WA last week, two classmates got hired this week in Dallas. One of them signed a 2 year contract and is leaving his wife and kid here and going to do long distance for that time.

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Specializes in Ortho/trauma acute care/med surg.

I too had to move to get my experience and then I moved back to southern california and got a job right away. I wish you luck and if you can move and get your experience.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical, Telemetry, Geriatrics.
Consider moving,

I'm a CA '12 ADN grad, my last local interview had 600 applicants, i spoke to someone at the popular public hosp, she told me they get approx 1000 apps per new grad position.

I got hired in WA last week, two classmates got hired this week in Dallas. One of them signed a 2 year contract and is leaving his wife and kid here and going to do long distance for that time.

Eleectrosaurus, Can I ask where in WA you got hired? I've been seriously considering moving out of CA and recently applied to two hospitals in WA. Thanks! And congrats on the new job!

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Specializes in Cardiac/Neuro Stepdown.
Eleectrosaurus, Can I ask where in WA you got hired? I've been seriously considering moving out of CA and recently applied to two hospitals in WA. Thanks! And congrats on the new job!

Check ur PMs

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I am noticing that it is particularly difficult in large cities. I am really contemplating moving but i am unable to do it right now; perhaps in the next few months.Fot those of you who got interviews recently, do they question the fact that you have been out of work for over a year since graduation.

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Specializes in Psych/AOD.

Mo2rn, I have the same story as you. Graduated with my associates in June of 2011, received my license in September, and then started applying for nursing jobs like crazy. I stopped counting resumes/aps I'd filled out and sent after the 100th one. I've had a whopping total of 2 interviews. Both places that I interviewed at told me that they liked me and that I would be passed along to a second interview. One was a recent interview so I am still holding my breath with that one and will actually be calling them today. The other one, I never heard from again. I even called them and emailed them trying to get a response (no I did not stalk them) and they would not reply or return my phone calls. I figured that they went with someone else but I still wanted to find out why they didn't send me to the second interview as they stated they would, and perhaps give me any pointers as to where I went wrong. No replies.

I believe that I know where my problem lies in not getting a job so far. I'm 43 and I've spent the last 16 years being a fulltime stay at home mom. My last actual job was in a clerical position for a medical facility but it was eons ago and the facility has since moved and my old supervisor is long gone. So basically I have no real world working experience and I'm competing with so many people who are half my age who have experience as nursing assistants. It doesn't matter that I have real life experience, doesn't matter that I have had 4 children with various medical issues to deal with, doesn't matter that I helped take care of my grandmother with Alzheimers until her death, doesn't matter that I have volunteered in the local school system for years, etc....... None of that seems to count because I didn't do those things in a medical facility. I have my days of feeling really down about the whole "no job" situation but then I kick my butt a little and pull myself right back up. I've recently started applying at facilities that are 2 hours away, where I could work 2 or 3 days per week. I know that I would hate the drive but if it were only a few days a week I could survive in order to work and get experience. Moving to another state is not an option for me. I am not going to leave my family, that is not negotiable.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Take another look at your cover letter and your interviewing skills. Be prepared for the questions that are generally asked...practice interviewing with a friend.....make sure you look professional....check the websites that give you ideas on "how to interview".....keep applying.....make looking for a job your job. When I was looking I sent out two or three applications a day. I finally figured out that my cover letter was weak and bingo.....got two job offers. Also, think outside of the box. Look for temporary jobs....don't forget about some of the associations; American Cancer, Lung, Heart....they need nurses to teach......good luck........

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