Stressed New Graduate Nurse

Published

Hi all,

I'm just wondering what you would all recommend for me in my current situation. Having graduated in December 2012 in New Zealand and having had been denied twice for all the NZ new grad programmes without so much as an interview.

My aim is to work within an inpatient general medical setting, however without the access to a new grad programme/ my current "must have graduated no less than 12 months at time of programme commencement" im losing hope.

I've been told that working within the residential care won't get you anywhere in an inpatient setting from friends/ people on the board who are stuck within the gerontology sector despite having good recommendations from my previous employers/clinical coaches and patients.

I took a risk and resigned from my job so I could gain access into all the new grad programmes before I hit the 6 months mark, but with no interviews and no job I just don't know what to do now.

Could you please offer advice or if you've been in a similar situation please let me know.

Sincerely,

Stressed "Old" New Grad Nurse

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the Australian and New Zealand forum

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Things are tough everywhere at the moment, only place I know that accepted 100 percent last year of their own new graduates and took on others from interstate was NSW if you want to move over the ditch. Having been unsuccessful twice for a grad program is the indication that you will have the same statistics - touch and go for a grad program, it all boils down to a job and money these days. The days of picking and choosing are gone. Maybe try everywhere NZ and Australia - some hospitals are advertising ad hac now for the past few months in Melbourne for new graduates.

Good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey,

I'm a new grad nurse too. Just been through my first round of ACE. Received one interview, went incredibly well (I thought). The CNM called my preceptor and told him that everything he said about me matched up to what he saw from me in the interview and "it looks like she's got the job". So naturally, when the rejection email came (3 hours after ACE stated they would) it was a shock. So I kinda know how you are feeling.

If you wanna talk some more, let me know. We might even be in the same area!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Move to Aussie, been here 5 weeks [email protected]

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks everyone!

Yes i've applied for a job in Sydney and they contacted me back with a casual position with a nursing agency till i can get my experience up.

@Lucypear the exact same thing happened to me, I did well in my scenario, interview and received good feedback but then nothing happened. Second time round I didn't even receive any interviews despite having had built up my skills and experience :(. @Divinith: Where would you recommend?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi,

I came across this forum and thought I would share my situation. 'Lucypear' and 'nznurse12' - I am also a new graduate nurse from Dec 2012. I have struggled to find work all year as a new grad nurse and I too have been in the same situation with the ACE/ NETP process.

I have been denied twice for the NETP after two successful interviews and scenarios. I phoned the Director of the NETP for the DHB I was interviewed for. I asked for feedback as to why both times I was denied a place on the programme. The director I spoke with said I couldn't have scored better for the scenario and I interviewed very well. I also had great referee feedback. She said unfortunately they just had limited places on the programme.

Well, that may be true but it seems odd to me that two ladies from my nursing class who were given bad references, both were accepted onto the programme. I know of people who were offered jobs on the programme who were not in the "talent pool". I was told that their family members working for the DHB or their nurse tutors "put in a good word for them".

I have applied all year for positions in all areas of nursing (Including many applications to aged care settings and mental health-the so called "shortage areas" of nursing). I get the same response "sorry but this position is not suitable for a new graduate nurse". It is extremely disappointing after three years of full on study to now be left high and dry so to speak.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych.

Unfortunately, a lot of what happens in nursing is like anything else and that is who you know. Try volunteering and find ways to meet other nurses. Networking is really important. Also, do consider Australia as there is just more opportunity. The bright side is that in a few years, there will be huge opportunities in nursing again. I spent my lunch break with five other nurses yesterday and I was by far the youngest and I am 47. Also, the population and demographic changes will soon level out the playing field.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion