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Unfortunately, I don't have any advice for you. I'm in the same position! I'm a brand new RN graduate, and I've just moved to a new area of the country (Louisville, KY from Wash, DC). On top of that I've never had a job in healthcare, so I feel like I don't have the advantage that locals or people who took externships do. I never thought that, with the so-called nationwide nursing shortage going strong, I'd have such a hard time finding a job. 5 of the 7 times I've applied to local hospitals, I've been turned down. Two I'm just waiting for because it seems like it takes people here weeks just to get you a response.

It's frustrating and discouraging, but now that I've got this degree I want to do something with it (and be able to pay off my student loans without having to live on ramen noodles)!

Best I can suggest is to try to stick to those areas that really ARE no experience needed normally (like med/surg, the stomping ground of so many new grads!). Other places may very well be interested in hiring someone with no experience, but ONLY AFTER exhausting other options, as in "we're considering those with more experience first".

But then, don't give up. Unless you're flat out told "don't come back", lol, it can't hurt to call back HR after a bit and see if that job IS still open....sometimes persistence pays off. I know of someone who everyone thought had a snowball's chance in hell of getting a certain job, but she kept calling back and calling back, and now is employed there :)

Just wanted to let everyone know I did get a job - one I really wanted in fact! Thanks for the advice though!

Believe it or not it is hard to get a job as a new RN:rolleyes: , even though they say it is 'nursing shortage', but sometimes you have to apply for positions that you would not imagine working, ex. small or large hositals... b/c those neat and clean hospitals may not call back, b/c you may not fit in with their "work environment". Try everything if you are hard up for cash, like peds, ob, psych, med-surg.... but med-surg is not as easy to get a job as people think as a nurse. I hate med-surg, but will work there if forced to.

Most jobs do want experience so get at least 6 to 1 year experience in med-surg. Also, I don't believe nurses are respected enough by other nurses.

Just wanted to vent:madface: