Published Sep 9, 2011
MajesticRN
47 Posts
I graduated in May 2011, got Nclex under my belt, have over 7months volunteering experience in Pacu department of a major hospital, first degree in Biological Sc, couple of experiences (not nursing related), very humble, respectful and hardworking, but CANNOT find a job. I am not picky at all, I am open to any nursing field but psych (Scary cat). I have applied to every and all job openings I could find, inpatient, outpatient, clinics, nursing homes name it to no avail. I decided to keep praying and turn to allnurses.com since it help me pass my exam, I might be lucky one more time.
trinnylax0484
22 Posts
You need to narrow your focus. I reject every single candidate that lists "open" or "any" as their preferred unit. Those candidates are not likely to stick with a position once they get it, and they'll transfer immediately to new openings in areas they really want. Volunteer experience doesn't count as RN experience, but it may help you get hired at THAT hospital where you volunteered.
Say there is an opening in the MICU. Why would you be considered when you apply with "any" as your interest, when there is an equally qualified new grad with "MICU" as their preference. It makes you look desperate, and the other grad looks like they're driven to get on a MICU unit. Historically the other grad has a much higher chance of staying on the unit, and filling openings with grads who don't stay (for at least 2 years) is a complete waste of everyones time.
Figure out what you want to do and list it on your resume/application process. I suggest it be your capstone, leadership, or transition clinical as well as you're more likely to get hired in that area (even if it's not what you REALLY want to do).
Also, applying to everything under the sun looks REALLY BAD especially if you've applied to multiple different things at the SAME place. As a recruiter I can see everything you applied to, and it looks bad to have that "I just want a job" attitude.
@trinnylax0484,
Thanks, this is an eye opener for me.
No problem. Narrow your focus. Good luck.