shell1206

My advice would be to go to the library and get some books on how to create a good resume and cover letter. I had a basic format for my cover letter and would just change the first paragraph to fit the job I was applying for. I would also recommend researching the hospital you are applying at (either on-line or through nursing administration)- what is their mission statement regarding patient care? Is it a teaching hospital? Do they have a high nurse turnover rate and if so why? How long is their orientation program for new graduate nurses? I would also recommend showing up in person to the hospitals you are applying at in addition to applying online. Go to meet the people in personnel and put a face to the application. Ask how to get in touch with the nurse manager on the floor you are applying for. If personnel isn't helpful go to the floor and ask one of the nurse's who to turn your resume in to. Show them that you are willing to be a go-getter and take the extra step in appying 'in person'. This also allows you to make a good impression and ask questions if they have the time. I applied to countless jobs on line after graduation w/out one single response- it wasn't until I went in person to the hospitals I was applying at that I got a job. Good Luck!

I graduated in April in Michigan, took my boards in July and got a job at the end of August. My advice is to go in person to the hospitals you want to work and give your application directly to the nurse in charge or nurse administrator. Prior to graduation I started doing the on-line applications for graduate nurse positions and submitted hundreds with no response. It got frustrating and scary to me that I could have spent all that time in school w/ no job. It wasn't until I got smart and started going in person to the area hospitals that I got my job at the third one I went to. By going in person you are side stepping personnel employees who have to go through hundreds of on line applications for each job opening. Also, network like crazy. I was talking to everyone I came in contact with about possible job openings. You never know who might know someone who knows someone else that can get you into a position. Good Luck and hang in there- you will get a job, it just takes persistence!!! :)

Thank you so much for your replies. I ended up buying 'nursing notes the easy way, 2nd edition' on ebay. It got some good recommendations for charting help. I'll let you know how helpful it is when it arrives next week. Shelly :)

Hi- I am a new graduate and have been working midnites for five months on a busy med/surg floor. I am really liking my first job however at times I feel that I am totally lacking in the charting department. At times I feel like I am putting too much information and at others not enough. I look at other nurse's notes and they seem to also either fall into the same categories -- too much, not enough or in some cases none. We use computer charting which allows us to document the patients assessment by system (skin, cardiovascular, neuro, etc) and then we can also use 'nursing progress notes' to put in more detail for the next nurse taking over or to document calls to doctors/orders given. Most nurses put a progress note in on each patient at beginning of shift giving a short synopsis of their current condition. Does ayone have any good reference books that they've used to help them become better at documenting and also on covering against any liability? Thanks! Shell :)

I'm taking the nclex in June and wanted to say thank you so much for the review documents. I plan to use them with my studying :)