seeking advice in finding first job

[robinasq]

I am seeking advice from nurses. I finished a second bachelor's program in nursing in August. I completed the NCLEX in late October. I started looking for part-time nursing jobs in December. I have applied to more than 30 hospital positions in Boston and never once received any interest. I am hoping to work weekends while I finish a teaching contract, then transition to full time.

I have been told that old time networking is useless since every part of the process is online now. Is this true? Thank you for reading and any suggestions.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

I think it will be difficult for you to find a part-time job as a new grad in a hospital. Why? Because the transition to practice is arduous and requires hundreds of hours. Part-time in a nursing home is much more realistic.

You also may have a mark against you in that you are so far out from graduation / NCLEX. (Graduated in August, started looking in December)

Cast a wider net in terms of the type of job you are looking for OR buy out whatever contract you are in and apply for full-time positions. Or both.

[RNperdiem, RN]

Part-time positions are unusual where I work. Most places are hiring either full-time or per diem staff. New grads are typically hired full-time, and the few part-time jobs usually goes to internal transfers who have experience.

From what I read here, the big cities have a surplus of nurses, and finding a first job as a nurse takes time. Are you in a position to move, or are willing to apply for jobs outside the hospitals?

[peripateticRN, BSN, RN]

Second what was said above - Part time (especially with specified days) is hard to come by. You might have a better shot with PRN - but similar to what those have said above already - while developing skills, working full time (or near full time) is really important.

Apply to EVERYTHING - even if it isn't where you see yourself in a couple of years. Just get your foot in the door, those first months of training and experience under your belt and go from there. As others have mentioned looking rural is often a good option that will let you be a little pickier. If you have the ability to commute a bit it may open up some doors.

[Sour Lemon]

You're at the "bottom of the barrel" as a new grad and probably need to be open to any days on any shift. Part time, new grad positions are unusual. Even most places that offer per diem require a few years of experience before they'll consider you.