Still searching....

hpcat · Jul 27, 2010

I think it depends on the position, try several travel nursing companies. Many travel nursing jobs look for very skilled people, yes, but there are also temp assignments cuz they don't have the budget for new positions, need people to cover employees going on vacation, etc. This particular job I got was good for a new grad cuz skills you used in clinical, like meds and knowledge of mental illnesses in this case, were fine, I did not need to know how to start an IV or intensive med/surg experience cuz they don't really use it, and the rare times they do there is always someone to around to help.

The shifts I'm working are heinous, one of the reasons I think I got the job is no one in their right mind wants double shifts on the weekends (day and evening). If you're super flexible it helps.

Sell yourself as best as you can, especially if there are any skills you are really good at . I did tons of foleys during clinicals, which comes in handy for psych cuz urinary retention can be a side effect of the meds. I also had some geriatric experience from 20 years ago, including dementia, and have done foster care/adoption volunteer work on the side - foster kids often have serious trauma issues. In my opinion, it's not that relevant to adult psychiatric but I think it helped. Make a list of stuff you can use to sell yourself.

Someone also suggested to me that as we get closer to flu season, see if the local clinics, senior centers or county needs help with flu clinics. Also I was on the verge of doing voluntary work for a nonprofit clinic just to keep up my skills. You can also try contactng your school to see if they can recommend any community health work you can volunteer for or work part time or temp. There are community health screenings for blood pressure and diabetes, often with seniors.

ACLS is a nice thing, everyone perked up when they heard I had it. Don't know why, the crash cart at work has almost nothing in it - someone codes you call 911. I'm also going to take an IV certification course in october. Kind of useless since most hospitals want to certify you themselves, but it looks nice on a resume.

This is extreme, but a friend of a friend is going with her mid-wife professor to Honduras for a week to do maternity plus any first aid/med surg they need in a clinic. Might try asking your school if they know of any programs if you're interested.

If you're interested in working in the NYC area, look up Westchester hospitals on the internet, I don't know why but I keep hearing of people finding jobs in Westchester. Some of the hospitals there still have new grad programs too (Hudson Valley Hospital Center is one).

I hope this helps, I know it's frustrating but keep plugging, I met someone who graduated in 2009 and just got a job. I really think things are starting to open up more. Good luck!

rajan2 · Jul 29, 2010

thanks for all the encouragement and i will definately keep looking.....I am now looking at group homes, foster care homes etc in new york....anyone aware plzz let me know...thanks

rajan2 · Aug 5, 2010

After calling visiting nurses 3x about positions for new grad..i was informed by a kind soul that they dooo have an internship programme for new grads..........long story short. I WAS TOO LATE, not until NEXT APRIL..AGGGGHHHHHHH!!!