"new" grad looking for job

[lmz]

I graduated in May 2004, then had my son. Now I am looking for work as a first time nurse, not exactly new grad. But so many positions state that previous experience of 1-5 years is required- and many positions remain vacant for months. I can't really move just anywhere, so I am a little strapped in terms of where I apply, but even so, I am wondering where are the jobs for the new nurses, to help with the shortage? Is there something I am missing? Should I be looking for some keyword that suggests a new grad may apply? Or should I apply anyway? Thanks for any pointers you can give.

[AKav8trix]

I graduated in May 2004, then had my son. Now I am looking for work as a first time nurse, not exactly new grad. But so many positions state that previous experience of 1-5 years is required- and many positions remain vacant for months. I can't really move just anywhere, so I am a little strapped in terms of where I apply, but even so, I am wondering where are the jobs for the new nurses, to help with the shortage? Is there something I am missing? Should I be looking for some keyword that suggests a new grad may apply? Or should I apply anyway? Thanks for any pointers you can give.

I know the frustration. It was tough to get a job as a new grad in my area, so many positions had the 1-2 years experience requirement. I would go ahead and apply for any that you are remotely interested in, sometimes if they are desparate enough they might give you a chance. Some hospitals have internships that start a few times a year (especially the big hospitals) and that seems to be the best way to get started. But, of course, the competition can be quite crazy, so apply early and make sure your resume, cover letter, and application are carefully put together and designed to stand out from all the others. It doesn't hurt to get in the good graces of the HR people, too, they can be some of your best allies.

I wish you well in your job search and don't give up, the perfect position is out there somewhere for you, and maybe even in the most unlikely place. It took me a few months to finally get an interview and a few more to get hired, but now I'm finally in what turned out to be the best place for me in many ways. It was totally worth the wait.

[USA987, MSN, RN, NP]

Go for it. I was hired into a job that advertised 2 yrs. experience. The recruiter told me that of course they'd love someone experienced, but the job had been open for awhile with no interest from experienced nurses.

Just a thought...be prepared to answer in an interview what you've done to stay "current" since you've graduated a little over a year ago. (ie. journals, ceu's, etc.)

Best wishes with the job hunt.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

You shouldn't even be looking in the newspapers for nursing jobs! If you are looking for an acute hospital job you should just call a hospital's human resources department which will transfer you to the nurse recruiter if they have one. Have an prepared answer to explain why you have had to wait to get your first nursing job. Don't even bring up experience in your interviews. You are a new graduate and need to be considered as such. If you find that the acute hospitals are just not willing to hire you as a new grad there is always the alternative to go into long term care in the nursing homes. Nursing homes are often very willing to give new grads a chance. However, let me caution you that nursing home work varies from the acute hospitals in many ways. They are highly regulated by law and there is an inordinate amount of paperwork and charting that has to be done in addition to the nursing. You will also have to hone supervision and management skills with respect to subordinate workers.