Gracian

Thanks, all for your replies. I'm going to look everywhere, not just in my state.

I feel your pain. If you have a BSN, you're more likely to find a job. In many cases, try to just speak w/nurse managers directly; HR only serves as gatekeepers.

There's a few million posts about this topic already, but I just wanted to tell my story for a little validation, if nothing else. In a nutshell, I graduated earlier this year and became an RN this summer, but am still jobless. No surprise, I know. I rarely do anything risky in my life, and I almost never apply myself. But I thought a new RN license would fix those issues. I saved up to move as close to my dream city as I could afford. I started a BSN program. I applied to literally every hospital in the area. Results? I was evicted and am now living with a friend. I earned great marks in school, but can't afford a second semester. And, as a result of my avg 12+h/day researching jobs, I experience a burning L leg pain whenever I sit down for more than an hr or so. I'm 24yo, btw. I might have a DVT, and I'm 24 years old. I honestly don't know how to spread the blame. I hate HR, but simultaneously understand they are only following orders. Besides, only about 1/3 were blatently rude (some even seemed genuinely concerned). I hate hospitals, but understand that a new grad's training costs $12k-$88k or so. I hate the cancerous encroachment of business into the health care system, but... that's something I simply need to accept. And, of course, I hate myself for my countless mistakes and errors in judgment these past years. Wouldn't be here had I applied myself earlier in life. Edison embraced mistakes as learning experiences. Einstein describes a person without mistakes as somebody who's never taken a risk, never tried anything new or worthwhile in their lives. And Ghandi wants me to go out of my way to change the world for the better. I wonder how bad things must be when the words of three great men cease to hold any value. Am I disillusioned by failure? Or is my perspective more realistic, for the first time? Whatever the answer, I'm can't handle not learning anything new, and nobody's giving me the opportunity to do otherwise. I became a nurse to help and learn about people. Instead, choosing to be a nurse has me well-acquainted with failure, hopelessness, and the welfare system. Recession-proof, indeed! P.S. Thanks for reading this (assuming you didn't skip to this part).

You have to bother them. Just call everyday until they fill out your application. If that doesn't work, figure out who the "rude lady's" boss and contact her.

If you guys are thinking about going this route, avoid NYP. I applied to three separate volunteer positions and received the following replies: a postcard telling me my app was being reviewed, a letter saying that they're not accepting ANY volunteers at the present moment (too many apps), and an email asking me for a 2nd application. I applied almost two months ago, and it took 1-6wks to get a reply.

GPA matters at any NYU hospital, too

B. Living away from family doesn't mean you'll lose contact with them. Ignoring the above, you sound more excited about the 2nd option. But also a little scared. Is that why you haven't chosen it yet?

Uh, I would seriously do a thorough search of opportunities available here. Without a BSN and a high GPA, you probably won't be considered unless you know unit managers directly.

I wouldn't take it personally - look at how long it took to explain your job to us. But if you expect this kind of response frequently, maybe try to link it to a short, relatable sentence or two of explanation. Like maybe "Our function was a combination of paramedics, nurses, biotech engineers...."

To the author (I don't know how to quote yet): Kudos x 1 Kazbillion

I'm a new grad, but it seems to me like some things to just make you stand out as a potential candidate. Or possibly as a review. As an exception, note that things like CCRN are comparable to a more specific NCLEX - you still have to test for it, it requires experience and self-study (though some places offer CC classes), and it adds a couple of initials to your title.

My experience in job hunting these past 2 months: 1) Time feels anywhere from 2-100 times slower 2) Location or specialty - you'll probably be forced to choose between them 2b) Don't be surprised if you end up in TX or AZ or ND. :'( Responses I've received from HR: 1) Volunteer at hospitals to network with the nurse manager until a job on the unit opens up 2) Volunteering at hospitals doesn't work since most require a BSN 3) We require a BSN 4) We're only hiring experienced nurses now. 5) A combination of 4 & 5 6) Good luck... and try Connecticut.