kari2009

I'm kind of an "old" new grad in a bad situation. I got my RN license in August 2009 but went straight into a BSN completion program, graduating in July of 2010. During that time and up until a couple of months ago, unfortunately I was unable to work due to some health issues which are now resolved. I'm now searching in earnest for my first job, but obviously having no experience and having been out of school for awhile makes me an undesirable candidate. Of course, being in the Sacramento area where there's a glut of nurses doesn't help, but if nothing turns up soon, I will move to wherever I need to go. I'm more than willing to work in LTC (I actually like the routine of that environment, and my chances of getting into a hospital at this point are probably zero). Most LTC facilities aren't hiring newbies around here, but I did have an interview with the administrator and DON of a facility last week (I know him from church and he invited me to come for an interview). He was really nice to me, but told me they don't normally hire new nurses, that it costs a lot to train, etc..... but that they would talk and see what they could do, and would get back to me. My question is.... is there ANY way I can kind of get my foot in the door at a place like this? I would gladly work for free because the experience would be so worth it to me, but I know that's not allowed. I also don't suppose they could pay me at an LVN's salary...?? What about shadowing for a period of time...I'm sure I could pick up a lot and at least get familiar with things that way so that it wouldn't take so much to train me. I'm just trying to brainstorm and think of SOMETHING to get myself in that first job. What would you do?? I'd really appreciate any suggestions.... I just want to be a nurse already!!!!

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions and advice! It's reassuring to know I'm on the right track. A couple of other questions: 1) If I'm leaving a folder with my resume, cover letter, etc. at a facility when I fill out the application, should I include a photocopy of my license? Some have said it's risky these days because of identity fraud. ---What about putting my license number on my resume? Unnecessary? Bad idea? 2) Someone mentioned addressing the cover letter to the DON. Even if I'm planning to just walk into a facility without calling first to see if they are hiring, I guess I will NEED to call first just to find out the name of the DON....right?? Thanks!!!!

I'm a newly licensed RN and am shifting my job search from hospital positions to long term care, since I have been unsuccessful in finding a hospital job. I'm wondering if you could give me your opinions about the best way to apply for these. Since most SNFs don't have a website with job postings, how should I approach the search: 1) Call ahead and ask to talk to the DON or whoever could give me info about hiring 2) Just walk in (ready to interview just in case) and ask to fill out an application (so that they would have it on file regardless of whether they are currently hiring). At this point, I would also leave my resume with the application. What about following up? Should I call after a few days to ask about the status if I wasn't able to get that information directly while I was there? What do you think is the most effective strategy? I'm thinking of having a professional-looking folder with me when I go into these facilities so I can leave it there with my application. What should I include in it besides my resume? I'm thinking a cover letter, copy of my RN license...what about references, copies of certifications...? Or should I keep it more basic and bring some of those things only if I'm interviewing? Thank you all!!!

I'm a newly licensed RN and am shifting my job search from hospital positions to long term care, since I have been unsuccessful in finding a hospital job. I'm wondering if you could give me your opinions about the best way to apply for these. Since most SNFs don't have a website with job postings, how should I approach the search: 1) Call ahead and ask to talk to the DON or whoever could give me info about hiring 2) Just walk in (ready to interview just in case) and ask to fill out an application (so that they would have it on file regardless of whether they are currently hiring). At this point, I would also leave my resume with the application. What about following up? Should I call after a few days to ask about the status if I wasn't able to get that information directly while I was there? What do you think is the most effective strategy? I'm thinking of having a professional-looking folder with me when I go into these facilities so I can leave it there with my application. What should I include in it besides my resume? I'm thinking a cover letter, copy of my RN license...what about references, copies of certifications...? Or should I keep it more basic and bring some of those things only if I'm interviewing? Thank you all!!!

Excellent advice, thank you so much!!!!

Thank you all for your input. While I'm hesitant to apply for work at a 1 or 2 star facility, I'll tour them just to be sure I'm not limiting my options unnecessarily.

Thank you SO MUCH for posting that link!!!! It's extremely helpful. From what I understand, rather than sending a cover letter, you sent an email that kind of functioned as one....? And you didn't attach your resume, correct? Did you give them your phone number as well, or just kept it to email communication? I want to make sure I approach this in the right way so would greatly appreciate your advice. Thanks!

Hello All, I'm a new grad RN who has been unsuccessful in getting a hospital job. I'm now beginning my search for jobs in nursing homes, even though LTC is not where I'd like to start. After hearing so many horror stories about the problems in these facilities due to staffing issues, poor management, etc., I'm really scared about getting myself into a bad situation. So far, my strategy is getting a list of all the LTC facilities in my area and comparing them on websites like Medicare.gov and CalQualityCare.gov (I'm in California). How much can the government ratings be trusted? Should I only apply to those facilities with average or above average ratings? There's a beautifully-renovated nursing home close to my house, and it smells and looks very clean the times I've been there. BUT, it has a 1-star rating!! And supposedly a 94% nursing staff turnover, while the state average is 57%. Should I stay far, far away from facilities like this?? Thank you so much for any and all advice you can send my way!