Please help, almost 2 years and no job!

Nurses Job Hunt

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I have graduated from a RN diploma school almost 2 years ago and have since been actively searching for jobs. All this time I have not gotten a single phone call or anything. I am from the NJ/Philly area and everywhere around me is only hiring BSN now. I enrolled in an RN to BSN program but my graduation date is in another 2 years.

I haven't been slacking though, I have ACLS, PALS, IV therapy certification, BLS Instructor (cannot find a class to teach),and I also do basic volunteering at the ER near me. However, I have 0 work experience in the health care field. I have applied almost anywhere and everywhere, and had my resume checked many times.

I feel like giving up, I really just do not know what to do anymore. By the time I finish my RN to BSN program I will have been 4 years out of my nursing student clinical experience and I fear that will look terrible. Should I just start looking for jobs other than nursing in the healthcare field then apply for an RN job again when I graduate? I really need advice. I have also tried looking for RN residencies but they all require BSN. I am also unable to relocate.

I don't want to give up, I enjoy nursing.

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When you say "diploma/associate school", do you mean you don't have an ASN degree.....only the diploma? Or do you have a degree in nursing?

I'm asking because I know of no one hiring nurses who doesn't expect recent graduates to have a college degree in nursing...at least ASN.....or, as you found out, BSN.

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Sorry diploma school

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Have you tried LTC or Home Health? I agree with PP, you are in a really tough spot with only a diploma. Sorry.

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I have tried those also. :sorry:

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

bless you, 42.5 yr here, diploma graduate, never without job, many administratine...look rural......you may have to move...you can go to work in a week in se texas...as in christus jasper hospital, med surg, ER, or Icu

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

As someone from the Philly/NJ area, you are going to have to look at smaller companies in order to be hired; I currently work for a company that hires new nurses and does not make a preference over BSNs; it is one of the smaller companies in the area. You also have to heavily network in order to get a job; look into LinkedIn, job fairs, and even out of the box settings such as dialysis to get hired.

If you drive, that would be a plus; you may have to commute distances in order to get experience.

Also you may have to look into a refresher course to help with making your job prospects a little.

Keep pounding the pavement.

If you can relocate; look into relocating in order to gain experience.

Best wishes.

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Do you mind if I ask which company that is or what type of company? I have definitely tried to find something outside the box, but still have no luck everyone wants experience. And unfortunately I am not very good at networking even though I really try. I can definitely drive up to an hour away if needed. I just would not be able to move for a job.

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I mean I may not be thinking very far outside the box. Any good ideas that I possibly have not thought of other than dialysis, etc.

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I hope and pray you find something soon. My advice is to not only put in the application but also call and speak with the nurse manager. You have to understand that there are plenty of other applicants and HR can only contact so many. So please keep the faith and something will come up soon. Good luck

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
When you say "diploma/associate school", do you mean you don't have an ASN degree.....only the diploma? Or do you have a degree in nursing?
OP has a three-year diploma of nursing, like the ones that generations of nurses earned before nursing education was moved into the collegiate setting.
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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Do you mind if I ask which company that is or what type of company? I have definitely tried to find something outside the box, but still have no luck everyone wants experience. And unfortunately I am not very good at networking even though I really try. I can definitely drive up to an hour away if needed. I just would not be able to move for a job.

The companies that I worked for are Pediatric Medical daycares, and Pedi LTC.

Also look on craigslist, Beyond.com and Indeed. Also look into developing a LinkedIn account as well.

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