Suggestions please, New grad asking for help

[Just and R.N]

Another desperate new grad post. Perhaps a seasoned nurse out there could give some advice?

I'm a new grad who has not scored a single interview after three months of intense searching and licensure in two states. I have had my resume and cover letter reviewed several times and tailor my cover letters to the institution.

I have applied to hospitals, SNFs, LTACs, home care agencies, staffing networks, flu clinics, Dr.'s offices, community health clinics, etc. NOT A SINGLE RESPONSE.

I know there are new grads out there with more experience, however I do feel like I tried my hardest to make myself marketable. (4.0 G.P.A, ICU externship, nursing tutor while in school, medical office secretary work)

Loan deadlines are approaching. Any ideas for a dejected and rejected new grad?

Please no comments about making my bed and sleeping in it or not doing enough research, all my fault etc.

I became a nurse because I felt it was the right thing for me and my future. Not for the money, not for the glory, but because I feel I am a solid candidate, who is willing to work hard and try to make a difference.

No I don't think I'm entitled to get into a hospital/ICU/ED/ or my specialty of choice oncology right away. Yes I'm prepared to take anything and work my way up. I just haven't been given a chance.

Positive and proactive advice only please.

[EclecticGal]

Have you contacted people in person or just applied via the internet? I know that I was able to get one interview by e-mailing the Nurse Manager of the department I had submitted an application to. Some of my peers went to facilities, resumes in hand to say hello and ask about opportunities. It was uncomfortable but helpful in some cases. Job fairs can also be a good place to talk with HR reps. If you have any connections use them. Ask employed peers from nursing school. It took me 5 months to land a job and it was very frustrating at times. Good Luck

[nursecait]

First of all keep your head up, I know it's rough out there but this will pass. I just got my first job after passing my boards in early July. My advice would be to follow up on EVERY application. When I got the call for my interviews HR said specifically that I got my interviews because I was so persistent. I called once a week for two months. You have to make yourself stand out from the other applicants. This is a long process and I know it's frustrating but don't give up!!!

[Nonetheless]

What states are you licensed in? NJ and NY are much more competitive then, say, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Are you only applying to hospital jobs?

Are you only applying online?

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

Do you know anyone that works there? Any classmates? Aunts? Uncles? Siblings of friends? It is a mix of who you know sometimes and luck.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

PPs are offering great advice. It's so discouraging to have to deal with this horrible situation -- it's not what you expected to face after all the hard work of obtaining your license.

Start the process for your loan deferment if you have not already done so. You may have to take an interim (non-nursing) job just to make ends meet until you land a nursing job.... a lot of people have to do this, not just nursing grads.

[Just and R.N]

Thanks everyone.

I'm licensed in NY and NJ - I realize it's competitive but moving is really not an option right now for numerous reasons.

I have followed up and tried to use all the connections I have.

The hospital I interned in is not hiring now, which would have probably been my best shot under normal circumstances.

Like I said, I am not applying only to hospitals. (I tried HH agencies, LTACs, SNFs, clinics, Dr.'s offices, etc)

Guess it's time to look for non-nursing.

Sigh.... I really really thought I was doing the right thing. It's really devastating to be turned down time and time again.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

Have you tried to network with people that you know? Friends, friends' parents that like you, family members, etc. Networking is a lot better. The market is really tough but keep on applying.

Still work on your skills to make your resume look more competitive. Learn a new skill or get a cert every few months. ACLS, PALS, become a CPR instructor if you can find a AHA training center to be affiliated with, etc.

[Just and R.N]

I have tried every connection POSSIBLE. I have made hundreds of follow up phone calls.

I have hand walked my resumes (most HR don't appreciate I just wanted to attempt and see if it would make a difference)

I have tried numerous non-hospital settings.

HELP!

[nursecait]

Just keep being persistent, follow up on your follow ups! Just don't give up. In this job market you have to go after what you want fiercely ( but politely!)

[ShantheRN, BSN, RN]

Keep doing exactly what you're doing! I know 3 months seems like an eternity but it's just a blip on the job market. I agree with a PP about getting those loans deferred asap. If they're federal, it's usually a simple process to get a hardship forbearance.

[sbradle2]

Keep your head up! I graduted in March, passed my boards the next month, and just FINALLY landed a job starting last week. All I can say is be persistent. I worked a catering job over the summer to get me through, so it was flexible enough for me to have time to work on my applications. It took a long time, but walking in really did help in some cases, and keep checking in with the place you did your preceptorship.... That's where I eventually got a job, even though they weren't hiring at the time.