MoshRN

Yes, San Diego is over saturated with new grads. Tougher for ADN's and out of state grads. Yes, it can be done if you are willing to be persistent for that acute care job experience. Definitely apply to VA when they have new grad programs.

Everybody on our unit gets a 2, unless c/s fresh (or mag pt) gets a 3. Funny thing, we will still get a mag pt with 3 other couplets.

Gumby - Did you list this on your new job offer for NICU? You obviously did something very right.

Can try RNInterview Tools on Facebook.

Northern & Southern Cali are over saturated right now. Getting a new grad job is tough. Doable for those who graduated from the area. Still doable for outsiders, BUT it takes a great deal of prep work and a little luck. PM for specific info. I can point you in a direction that will help you gather everything you will need to land on offer in Cali. The struggle is very real here for new and old grads.

My advice would be Network, LinkedIn is a big one. Reach out to managers. Solidify your resume and targeted cover letter for each job. Know about ATS and use JobScan to help you easily add those keywords to your resume, cover letter and application. Get additional certs. For Mom Baby, BLS, ACLS, NRP, STABLE, Cert Lactation Specialist - so you will be Baby Friendly. If you are in an oversaturated market, you must learn how to play the game. PM me for more advice. I have loads. The struggle is very real. Also remember these units are very coveted. You must fit in with the team they already have. Volunteer, join associations related to Mom Baby or where you know you will meet professionals currently in your dream job.

Mistaken entry.

Get your certs ACLS BLS NRP STABLE. CERT LACTATION SPECIALIST so youwill be baby friendy. AWHONN has a conference this month. A few others coming up in Las Vegas. Yes Doula is great non medical side. I will message you.

"...My anal-retentive/OCD/do it right the first time for the love of God self is driving me crazy." Totally me!!!

Agree. I had an amazing Anatomy teacher who went out of her way to help students. I had to take my final in one of her other classes, and I was blown away by the blatant cheating. It was a big class and teacher was doing other things (in the room) but never saw or heard them. I know these students may never get into Nursing School if they could not grasp basic Anatomy, but I really felt for this teacher. I sent her an Email and kept it to the facts. She was grateful.

You can do it. Have to figure out what is best for you and how you can take care of your body. Just do not set yourself up for failure when seeking a job. 5 8 hour shifts are a killer for me. 3 12's, not so much. Know that nursing school is hard on the body. Make time to sleep and recuperate. And get to know your disability counselor. They are a great help in school. :)

New grads forget they are not only up against other new grads, they are also up against stale new grads who are doing everything they can to stand out. Like obtaining TNCC, ACLS, PALS, BLS, EKG, NIH Stroke Scale, IV, NRP, STABLE, EFM, Lactation Consultant, and volunteering, career coach, Networking, awesome LinkedIn Profile, and paying for Post Grad Internships. All to get our foot in the door! The struggle is REAL!

2.9 million RN's in 2012. We should be able to change the world with those numbers!

Must be a hole somewhere.

I learned to only put facts. No curteous, positive team player, fluff stuff. Instead tell them what you did, "Implemented policy change." Think back, I bet you did amazing things you could highlight....rather than repeat everything everybody does in nursing school. PM me if you want more info on what I mean.