RNMEDIC34

Update: Persistence and patientce are two keys to success, I just got hired as an RN in the emergency department for a local hospital in my area. It has been a long road to begin a new journey, but it started with a dream, a goal. I wish all of you success in your paths to career placement. Do not quit or give up, just remember to always be hopeful, always be persistent and always believe. It may not happen in a month or two, but eventually you will be at a interview and then next thing you know you will be in HR filling out paperwork. Keep your heads high and know that anything is possible through prayer and belief.

Hello Everyone, I am a recent graduate from the Los Angeles County College of Nursing (December 2010), and wanted any information from other new grads on the challenging, and frustrating job search. I am also an EMT/Paramedic with 11 years of pre-hosptial clinical experience as an EMT and then Paramedic. I also have experience as a transfer coordinator for the County of Los Angeles, where I have been employed for the last six years. Yet despite all of my experience and abilities I have only obtained one interview for over 100 applications. I never thought that the job market would be this way, I thought their was a nursing shortage. It amazes me that everyone is asking for 1-2 years of nursing experience yet nobody wants to hire new grads. How do they think these new grads are going to get the experience if nobody is hiring them? I know there are new grad programs, however these programs are few in number and typically flooded with applicants (ex. UC San Diego 2011 New Grad Program - 14 positions, 2600+ applicants). I don't know what the future will hold, I am honestly frustrated with my dillema, but I know I am not the only one. Nonetheless I continue my job search, 2-3 applications a day, sometimes more, but I must continue. I am glad that I currently have a great job, I just want to begin my career as an RN and obtain the experience that I need to make me a clinically competent nurse. Good Luck to you all, hopefully others will share their stories or words of advice.