Recently graduated and trying to find a job

[Katniss88]

I just graduated on May 6th and I have applied at six hospitals that have openings. All of which are within an hour's distance from my house. Only one of them is very close by, all the others I would be traveling over 30 minutes away. There are plenty of positions available in my area and at the hospitals I have applied to, but the problem is most probably consider an RN graduate as the last resort. I have applied to two hospitals that have RN graduate internship programs, one of which I was turned down and the other I had an interview with a week ago and still haven't heard anything. I applied to one hospital over a month ago and haven't heard anything. How long on average does it take to get a job? I didn't apply for a temporary license because I don't already have a job lined up, but I'm thinking that if I did maybe employers would have considered giving me an interview. I have signed up to take the NCLEX-RN on June 6th, so after I get my license should I reapply to all those hospitals again? Another question, how long does it take to get used to working as an RN, although I am anxious to get a job, I am very nervous at the same time? I know as a new nurse you don't know everything and it will come with time, but my problem is I have a hard time accepting that and I always think I need to know everything right now. I just hope and pray it goes well.

[avaloncar, BSN, RN]

Well you are a new grad and yet to take NCLEX. So you just began your journey! You should continue to apply for positions while you study to take the test. It is good that you have already gotten two interviews, I hope you hear news from the second one soon. Make sure you send a thank you note and call to follow up. Be annoying (not too annoying) but just so they know you are eager about getting the position.

Some hospitals allow an application to be valid for 60 days so you may not have to reapply. You can update your information in the system when you pass NCLEX. Call the recruiters and ask them what you should do, that may be a better plan too.

It all depends on where you live and what the hospitals are looking for. So you may not have to wait a long time for a position. You are lucky you have a number of hospitals in your area. It does increase your chances.

And again it depends on the person for when you get used to working as an RN. They say the first 6 months to a year is the most difficult. You are adjusting from a student to a RN. You do feel like you should know everything but just like NCLEX you can't know everything for that either, so just be patient and you will be fine.

If you do not get anything in that first month, spend some time volunteering. Actually go ahead and put in some applications now just in case. Especially in those hospitals that you like. This way you can develop some connections and network.

Good luck! Hope I helped.

[Katniss88]

Thanks for the advice, I'm just going to focus on studying for the NCLEX right now. I applied at another hospital a few days ago. When I get my license I'll call each hospital and see if I should put in a new application. I was thinking about applying at a pediatric clinic that my aunt works for, but I was going to wait until I get my license.

[avaloncar, BSN, RN]

You're welcome. You should try to go to the clinic now and see if you could secure something. Then you could get experience while you look for a job in a hospital.

Good luck!