lesliebeth1

I also have a log drive (50 minutes) BUT as a new grad there werent a lot of options at the time. Thankfully its just 3-4 days a week and because I love the job so far, its worth it...even with the gas!

I graduated in December and took and passed boards in Feb. Within two weeks I had several job offers as a new grad and got to choose the one I wanted. They all required a little drive (45 min.) but it was worth it to get a job I like. A lot depends on where you live but dont let the job market keep you from doing something you want to do! All jobs are hurting at the moment. Every person in my graduating class got jobs. If possible start hunting for an extern job during your second year of school. This will get your foot in the door. I didnt do that and it didnt hurt me but I wish I had just for the experience. Stay positive and keep us posted!

Good luck! I am a new graduate and just got a job in a L&D area. I am so excited! I was nervous but these posts are really helping!

I am in the same position now. I was wondering how, after a few years now, you are doing? are you still in L&D?

Thanks everyone! You have sent me some great advice. I start in a few weeks!

PLEASE, dont call and badger! I finally found a job as a brand new grad with zero medical experience by being very nice and professional! In fact, I was told personality can mean as much as experience because you can be trained for the job but how you are is how you are! It is ok to call HR and ask them, as a new grad, what areas in their hospital you are eligible to apply in. SOmetimes they will transfer you to a nurse manager. If they do, just be extremely nice, and sell yourself. Dont focus on the fact you are new grad, tell them what you CAN offer! I had about 100 applications out there. Nothing at first and then it started picking up. I had a few offers to choose from! I did all my applying online, or if no jobs were posted I mailed in a nice resume. Online applying does work. It just takes them time to sort it all out. Good luck!

I recently graduated and had the same trouble at first. I found that smaller hospitals were more open to be as a new graduate with no experience. In fact, I was offered two jobs and both said personality meant more to them than experience, that they could train me if I had the right attitude. I did call HR at every place I applied (which was every hospital within 90 miles of my house)and asked them what areas at their hospital would consider a new graduate. I also made sure that I had a great resume and told them that I was a hard worker (which I am), willing to learn (for sure!), etc. It took about a month but I found three places willing to except me. Keep looking, it will come! I Hope this helps some!

I am a newly graduated nurse. I was really interested in labor and delivery, NICU, or other specialty areas like those. I got a job on a labor and delivery unit. I was so excited, but now I am starting to get nervous! Are there any labor and delivery nurses on here that also started as brand new nurses? Were you also scared and do you now love it? Any suggestions or observations you could give, I would really appreciate it. :redpinkhe

I am a new graduate nurse (graduated Dec 2010). I applied for a few jobs right after graduation and didnt get any calls. Once I took my boards in Feb. and passed I started getting calls. Within two weeks of passing I was offered two jobs and could have gone on one other interview but I had already excepted one of the other two jobs. Dont stress. There are still jobs out there for us. Just make sure you have great interview skills and sell yourself. Show them why you stand out over others.

I have one more question. My husband and I were going to sell our house. Can you go from one assignment straight to another one or do you have to go "home" first before moving on? I do have family I can have mail sent to but I would like to be able to move straight from one place to another.

This thread is very helpful. I will graduate from RN school in December this year (2010). I plan to work one year (or more if I think I need it) to get some experience and then do travel nursing for a few years. My children will all be graduated by then and my husband and I are going to hit the road! I can see from the posts that there are pros and cons but overall it seems positive. I am definetely doing the travel nursing for the experience and not the pay but of course I do need the pay but mostly the fun of seeing new places. I was curious if the housing is ever in bad areas, is it close to the hospital so you can walk, and if you can see it first. I look forward to future posts. Thanks! Lea