Same old story but a new question...

[SweetseRN]

Hello, I am relatively new to this board as far as posting but I have been reading posts here for ever and I do just want to thank everyone for the awesome advice and knowledge I gained here throughout my nursing education.

Ok, So I am another one of those newly graduated, newly licensed RN's with siiigh...NO JOB.

Of course I am applying and networking and doing everything right (I think anyway)...It's just the waiting game right now.

So my question is, in between all this applying and waiting, what other things can I do to make myself more marketable?

I am looking for ideas like good online (free if possible) certifications and courses...Courses that I would have to pay for but that would be worth it...Volunteer ideas....Anything like that. I am open to absolutely any suggestions.

I realize that I have only been licensed for 3 weeks so I am not going to whine about the job thing just yet. I am just trying to be proactive and find ways to make myself as desirable as possible to an employer. Any ideas at all would be HUGELY appreciated!

[Lucky724]

Am not sure where you live or are applying...besides directly applying to hospitals check out sites like careerbuilder.com, monster.com, snagajob.com, indeed.com, simplyhired.com. I would also check with local long term care facilities, council on aging, doctors offices and hospices. While they may not be hiring or willing to hire an new RN they may be willing to use you as an MA or volunteer. The VA is also another place to look for employment. Davita and Fresenius will also hire and train new grads so think about them..home health probably not. Good luck!

[biker nurse]

Don't forget Craigslist!! Got the best job of my nursing career off there!!

[Sugarcoma, RN]

The only free cert I know of online is NIH stroke certification, I think you get CEU's for it too. Atrium has some chest tube modules you can take for free but they offer no certifications. There is really not much you can do to make yourself more marketable that will not cost you more money. It is a catch 22.

What area of the country are you in? Times are rough right now and I truly feel for you and the other new grads that are in your shoes. I am sure this goes without saying but keep applying for anything you see! If you are willing to re-locate a friend of mine was able to score a job in West Virginia in NICU as a new grad. She also got a few offers in Texas and Wisconsin. Good luck to you Sweet!

[SweetseRN]

Thanks for some great advice. I am starting to get some nibbles so for now, feeling a little better...

[Jules A, MSN]

Have you contacted any of the units where you did school clinicals? That is how I got my first job. I'd also consider lining up a flu clinic job for the fall just in case at the very least it would be a few dollars and something to add to your resume. Good luck.

[ICU, RN, BSN, B.S.]

Hello, I am relatively new to this board as far as posting but I have been reading posts here for ever and I do just want to thank everyone for the awesome advice and knowledge I gained here throughout my nursing education.

Ok, So I am another one of those newly graduated, newly licensed RN's with siiigh...NO JOB.

Of course I am applying and networking and doing everything right (I think anyway)...It's just the waiting game right now.

So my question is, in between all this applying and waiting, what other things can I do to make myself more marketable?

HUGELY appreciated!

Hello. congrats on being an RN officially. I would get ACLS certified. that always looks good on resume. IV certified. maybe join an association. I just got hired in an ICU (MICU/SICU); a few months before that, I became a member of American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Stuff like that looks good I think; shows you're interested...which hopefully you are .

I would also apply to every nursing job you can. Your first job might not be your 1st choice, but having that experience/work on your resume gets your foot in the door to a dream job!:)