"Im Sorry But We Dont Hire New Nurses"

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Ok so I am a new LPN graduate (2/18/2010 Whohoo!!) became licensed early march and I went to a healthcare Job Fair today and I was so excited to go because I felt like that I would have a good chance of finally getting a job. Well...all I kept hearing today was "we dont hire new nurses". 95% of the recruiters were saying that they require a year experience:confused:. Now my question is, how is a new grad nurse supposed to get experience if no one will hire me? :uhoh3:..Im am really begining to get discouraged. I have filled out at least 50 paper applications and sumitted my resume prior to today, I have also done follow-up phone calls which most of the time I get VM and of course no call back. Ugh! Im so frustrated...what to do in a situation like this? Just keep filling them out? Im sorry for the vent session but I had to get this out. Thanks for listening...

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Specializes in Rehab, Telemetry/Med-Surg.

I know exactly how you feel! I graduated this past December and got my RN license and I've been looking for a job ever since. I have applied to 11 hospitals several times for different positions and when I call, most of them say "You are still being considered for the position" then later the positions are filled. I even get emails from one hospital that say: "We have diligently reviewed your application and resume for the Registered Nurse (unit) position at (hospital). Your background is impressive and you can certainly be proud of your many accomplishments. Although your qualifications are excellent, the position has been filled at this time. We encourage you to continue to visit our website for future career opportunities." I get the hint!

Yes, definitely keep filling out those applications! If the position says experience preferred, apply anyway and be sure to keep up with your follow up calls. Have you tried applying to LTC facilities as well? They might be much more willing to hire new grads than hospitals right now. It's a tough time for new grads and all we can do is just keep trying. It's so frustrating getting through school, getting our licenses, then sitting around without a job. I know it's discouraging and there are times when I just cry and wonder why I even went to school. I know it will pay off some day but right now all I can do is keep pushing forward. I have to say to myself "I won't back down, this is my dream!" I hope things get better. Keep your head up, you're going to be a fantastic nurse soon enough.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Yes, just keep applying. Think back to any good impressions you might have made while in clinicals and contact that nurse manager. Don't let ads indicating they want experience put you off, apply to them also. Good luck.

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I too am in the same predicament, I received my LVN license in January 2010 and I am still trying to find a job.

I am trying to find an internship program that I can get into while working on my BSN.

My husband tells me that I have to hang in there and not give up, I know that I have to keep the faith because that's what brought me through the LVM program in the first place.

Stay encouraged and let's lift each other up! :)

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Specializes in NICU.

This makes me nervous for when I graduate. I still have a year and a half to go. I'm rooting for y'all.

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Specializes in ED.

Hang in there, just keep applying like everyone said.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

All we can do is apply apply apply... eventually persistence will pay off. I hope!!

Yup gotta love the "Must have at least one year of experience" its the same old same old that every new grad gets regardless of their career field and this economy sure isn't helping.

We'll find something... eventually all those jobs that require experience won't have the nurses to fill the positions because they already have jobs.

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Yes, just keep applying. Think back to any good impressions you might have made while in clinicals and contact that nurse manager. Don't let ads indicating they want experience put you off, apply to them also. Good luck.

This is a great tip!! I didnt even think about that. There is a place that I have in mind...Thank you

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Specializes in Gerontology & Med/Surge.

i feel for you all. i was in the same situation but then things changed. i have already started my part time job and starting my fulltime job on april the 5th. you all should read my post " my story ........... for those who think will they ever get thier first job" . i know you all can do it. good luck to all of you.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Thanks AugustBoy.. I read it!

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Specializes in OB, Peds, Med Surg and Geriatric Nsg.

Don't be discouraged that they only accept nurses with experience. Just don't stop applying to any nursing position that you would find. Bear in mind, persistence is the key on getting a job in this tough economy. Try looking for new grad programs in different hospitals around your state too. Good Luck!

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Specializes in Endoscopy/MICU/SICU.

Hi guys,

I applied to 200+ jobs, and ended up having to move for my first RN job. Keep applying, you'll find something eventually. Good luck!

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