warmorrigan

So, I am the OP and I took the job in Lexington. I've been there for almost a year now. It was so tough looking for work, so demoralizing. I am so grateful for my job!! We even tried living in Lex, but are moving back to NKY to be close to family. I signed a 2 yr contract in order for them to pay down my student loans, so I will commute for the next year. Not easy, but I actually like my job and feel a commitment to finish up my contract. I wish new grad nurses all the best. If I could do it over again, the only thing I would do differently is work as an aide during school... Now that I have a little experience, my next job search is not likely to be as grim!! Thanks for everyones replies!! Good luck to those still searching!

Hey all. I broadened my search to include Lexington, KY as well as Eastern KY, and a few places in more northern Ohio. I ended up with 4 job offers within a 2 week period and have received another one just this week ( a month after I already accepted another position). I DID have to move from Cincinnati to Lexington ( we were ready for a change anywho) but my position offers a great wage PLUS a student loan buyback program. I wanted to thank everyone who offered me support during what was a truly trying time. Hang in there, all who are still searching. c

I appreciate the feedback... So many of my clinical instructors were nurses who did not work on the floor they were teaching on...but I will definitely try that as that is one route I have not explored. I have tried home health, but the agencies in this area are requiring one year experience. I have not tried Craigslist, so that is another strategy that I will employ. Like I said previously, my resume is nice enough that I actually do get interviews. I have gone to mock interviews and been told that I interview well. When I don't get the positions, I am told generally the same thing, "I can't wait to see where you are in a few years! Your resume is great, but there was another who had floor specific experience etc". Right now, I have been contacted for a few other interviews that of course I'll go to, but I refuse to get my hopes up. I was crushed this last time when I honestly thought I had a real chance, only to find that I once again was outdone by experience. I will never ever forget how this feels and will always be compassionate to new grads in the future. It is currently brutal out there. I will turn nothing down! Thanks again for the hints. I will try them out and keep you posted.

I know I am not the only one...But I am so discouraged and am looking for advice. I was a high achiever in my BSN program and graduated summa cum laud. I followed the (now regrettable) advice of my instructors and focused on my studies and did not work as a PCA/CNA. I graduated in May 2010, have applied to everything from hospitals to MD offices to nursing homes and health departments. I have had 5 interviews now...all with the positions going to applicants with experience. In the interim I have begun volunteering at a homeless shelter and a local hospital. I am licensed now in KY and OH. While I feel as though the volunteer work and achievements in school are enabling me to get a few interviews, other nurses experience seems to trump everything else I have done. I switched careers in my late 20s, so have experience in healthcare as an educator and advocate, and STILL I am being shut down. My husband's income has taken a hit and we have had to move in with my parents...with our two children. I am humiliated by seeing that folks who made it through nursing school by the skin of their teeth but worked as CNAs (and I actually tutored) have jobs. I DO NOT want to seem like I have just have a bad case of sour grapes...but things are getting grim. Can anyone think of anything to increase my chances? I am in the greater Cincinnati area and cannot afford to relocate. Thanks for all your time.

I am planning on becoming pregnant so that I will have my second child in the summer of my third year. There are a lot of nay sayers out there, for sure. Most folks tell me to wait...but I'm 34 and the clock is ticking! I know that there is a chance that a difficult pregnancy is a risk, but I remember working 40+ hours while pregnant, and THAT was no fun. In my program, there is only one clinical a week, and they offer the option of online classes for everything I need to take when I will be getting into late second and third trimesters and uncomfortable. I am optimistic and excited! Plus, I will have that whole summer to be with my children and husband before I have to think about returning to school or working! It frustrates me to hear posts that say "wait" without knowing more specific info about a student's situation. I'm a 4.0 student and the hardest classes I have had have been non nursing classes (ie microbiology) and these are now out of the way. I feel confident that I can do it...and there are several gals in my program who already have and a couple more who are planning to do it at the same time I am.