Settling for less

Check into the laws in your state. Some states do not allow an RN to work as a CNA.

Are you applying to all areas of nursing? Home health, long term care, skilled rehab, even correctional facilities? Since the summer is approaching, try applying to summer camps that have nurses on staff. Also, apply even to positions that require experience, not only new grad positions.

Have you had someone review your resume? Having someone with business experience or (ideally) a nurse recruiter make changes to your resume can help it stand out. Follow up applications with phone calls, or drop off applications in person, if possible. Include a well written cover letter with each application.

See if you can get in touch with a hiring agency for some help. Contact friends, family, old instructors, etc to try to find connections or "ins" at hospitals. Make sure that you have good professional references.

In the meantime, you can try to find a job as a tech or aide, if allowed. You can also do some volunteer work to meet some people and hopefully make an impression.

Good luck.

Ashley

Thx Ashley! I've tried everywhere. I actually got hired at a camp but I can't afford to go b/c my current job just cut hrs & camp don't pay until the end. Anyway, I'm not big on networking. I'm very shy & none of my fam has any medical connections (we hardly even go to the Dr.).

One good thing about the cut is now I have the time to fill out apps in-person & make phone calls.

One of the best things you can do is volunteer. You can rarely volunteer as an RN, but affiliation with an organization (specifically a hospital you're interested in) is huge and when employers look at your resume, I was told (it took me 8 months to find a job after graduation) that they want to know how you've been spending your time "off". Unfortunately, it's hard when you still need money to survive!!! But I ended up volunteering as a nurse educator for a non-profit and it eventually led to a paid position (not to mention an eventual non-related acute care job).

Good luck to you! That was one of the most emotionally trying times of my ENTIRE life. Just know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Ashley