nursejaneRN

rcv88 While I was looking for work I was focusing primarily on obtaining additional certifications and figuring out ways to make ends meet to pay the bills. I heard about many individuals doing volunteer work, but this just didn't fit my schedule so I was unable. I did go to many job fairs, called all the HRs, wandered around the web for openings, joined various job search organizations, and I jumped up and applied for any opportunity that I could try for. The market is tough, but if you persevere the job will come. Robin, RN Don't lose hope!! I know it's easier said than done, but I honestly do believe it. The struggle makes the success that much sweeter. You've worked so hard to get to where you are - don't let the situation steer you away from your passion! maria25 Looking at your current shadowing endeavor, it seems the offer is right around the corner :) Best of luck to you! nettypo Congrats on passing NCLEX, that's a huge accomplishment in itself! & I'm sure your medical background will make getting a job far easier for you. Good luck with your prospects!!

What I learned from the interviews: 1.) Be confident, but humble. 2.) It is obvious that we do not know everything in those 1000s of pages we've read in nursing school, but if they ask you a question regarding something you do not know - don't say you don't know! Say that you will use your resources to find the answers, i.e. policies and procedures, textbooks, etc. They want to see that you're resourceful and independent - autonomy is big in nursing. 3.) When you're thinking about questions and how to answer them, ALWAYS think about the individual that you would hire and the qualities that they possess. We all generally look for the same things (honesty, reliability, professionalism, responsibility, motivation to learn, self-motivated, eager to succeed, etc.). 4.) My parents are both supervisors and my father told me that he always looks for the "I can do it attitude" my mother looks at how they carry themselves and how they answer questions. I always considered both of these on my interview preparations. They both would also ask me questions at home for practice. 5.) Clothes: DRESS PROFESSIONAL. I don't know how many times I've seen peep toe heels, bohemian dress, and messy attire on other applicants. I'm all for individuality - but when it comes to interviews, ALWAYS dress your best. Make sure everything fits well, is ironed, and tucked in where needed. 6.) Come prepared. Always do research on the facility you want to work for, they know your applying for hundreds of positions, but when you know things about their hospital it shows interest. They want to know that you WANT this. 7.) Come with a set of resumes and cover letters, if its a panel of 2, bring 2 extra sets in case you get others sitting in as well. It makes you look organized and prepared (which are extremely good qualities to have in this field). 8.) I read somewhere that you should always come in with a toolbox. In nursing interviews this toolbox includes situational answers for clinical questions that they ALWAYS ask you during these interviews. Be prepared for any and every "Give me an example of when..." Ok, I that is all that I can think of for now. If I have any more come to mind, I will surely post it up here :)

Thanks everyone!! zorabanks I live in Los Angeles so I was looking for work all over California, Washington, and Colorado. mzjazeej Luckily I was able to stay in Los Angeles and I'm very thankful. One thing that I realized was that even though I didn't get the jobs I had previous interviews for, I became quite skilled with interviews. If I can give you all tips of any kind just let me know :)

I graduated December 2010, obtained my license in February 2011, and looked for jobs for over 1 year. I must have submitted far over 100 applications to new graduate RN programs and far over 300 to everywhere else, for any position; and really came close to giving up on this career. After 7 interviews (yes, only 7 in 15 months), I have finally landed a job. I don't know how many times I told myself that I was going to give up on nursing because of my inability to find a position that would accept a new grad, or a position that had 3000 applicants with the same resumes as myself. Great support systems really got me through this, and I'm posting here to tell you all that it does happen if you persevere. Don't let the economic difficulties in the health care industry make you feel that you are insufficient or unqualified. Everyone gets a break, you just need to keep working at it till you obtain it. We've all gone through the same training, we've passed N-CLEX, WE CAN DO THIS. "To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe." Give it your best shot and be prepared for opportunity once it knocks on your door. It may take longer than you expected, but it will come. Stay positive my fellow nurses! Love, NurseJaneRN

CCRNDiva: I have been looking into OB volunteer opportunities and it's pretty insane.. there's an application, interview process, waiting list - OB is definitely very competitive. The environment really is far less stressful than other units I did my rotations at while I was in nursing school, and many RNs do in fact try to get into this field of nursing. I guess I'll continue my hunt for an RN position and maybe transfer into one of these mother baby units in the future. Thanks for the advice, it is much appreciated :)

Anayo: Thanks for the advice, I have been looking more heavily into volunteer opportunities in my area and in the units I am interested in as well. I have also been applying to anything I can get my hands on, I have been far from picky. Your post was helpful thank you.

I have always been interested in becoming an OB-GYN or possibly a NP in Woman's Health or even Midwifery - I'm flustered and all over the place. I graduated from nursing school last December 2010 but I have been having difficulty finding work (yep, still unemployed). I had a 3.6 GPA, I was in the student council all 3 years, I have my BSN, NRP, ACLS, blahblahblah all that. If anyone has gone through this route, can you please give me some advice on this option? I love the mother-baby population and I'm getting really discouraged with the economy and actually being able to find employment as a new grad RN. Just a side note, I am not picky and I've been applying to states surrounding California since that is where I currently live. Sincerely, I Love Babies and I Love Nursing.

I graduated last December from CSULA, so I have yet to take the RPS course. The market has been tough.. looking for a job has been.. extremely difficult.

I also received that e-mail, but I haven't heard anything about SHARP other than the material on the website to be honest.

Congrats! What an amazing early Christmas gift!

Has anyone received any news about the PSCU program?

For the units that are interviewing additional candidates.. did they give out calls of rejection already?

missE, good luck to us both! :)

MissE, I feel it went well, she seems like a great superior to work under. The interview was fluid & she asked plenty of questions. She has a great way of just putting you at ease. How did your interview go?

I interviewed for that unit as well. The UD said she would let us know the results of her decision after Thanksgiving. As far as I know she will be calling all of us individually to let us know whether or not we get a job offer.