Suggestions please, New grad asking for help

schnookimz · Oct 8, 2013

Took me 4-5 months to get the first job. Applied to over 300 positions. No new advice, keep plugging on!!

sunmaidliz · Oct 11, 2013

Oh, Honey...

Just know you are not alone. You can scour this site and get a very similar post. In fact, I wrote one about 3 months ago complaining of the same thing. Eventually, I found a job.

First of all, don't worry about your loans. You might have to take a hit on your credit by being delinquent but I've been delinquent for almost 2 years on my loans. I exhausted all my deferments and forebearances when it took a full year to find a job. My credit is a mess. And this is from the gal who got her first credit card at 31 AFTER she finished nursing school because she was scared of messing up her credit. BUUUUTTTT... once you get a job, you can repair the mess that being unemployed got you. It might take a while, but this is the economy of 2013 where the government is shut down and nurses can't get jobs.

You WILL find a job. Keep at it, honey. Don't give up. Be creative. Be AGRESSIVE. Call the places you apply to, demanding you talk to the hiring manager so you can tell them why you are a great investment if they hire you. Gussy yourself up and actually GO to those places. Volunteer at those LTCs. And when you volunteer, make nice with the boss.

You probably won't get any bites if you apply online and wait for a call. It's an urban legend that a new grad gets hired that way. But there is always someone who knows someone (or you read about it on this forum) where they applied online and got a call. Also, here's a hint: if you apply close to the end of the week, if you don't get a call by Monday, your application went to the abyss. If you apply at the beginning of the week, you should get a call by Friday or your application is in the abyss. Just what I have learned.

So, after 2 failed attempts at floor nursing, 6 months total experience and 2 and a half years since I graduated from nursing school, I felt desperate to get a job. I was browsing through facebook, unfriending all of my former nursing school classmates because it became to depressing to see how successful they were when I wasn't, I remembered this one classmate who started at a local blood bank as a new grad. I applied, called the HR director and left three messages as to why I was a great hire, got a manicure, went down there only to be told I was not picked for an interview. Two months later and still no job, I go back to their website and apply again. I got a call the next Monday. Day before the interview I got a haircut, got my nails done again, got my eyebrows threaded, bought a new outfit, and studied up on how to interview.

And I got the job.

I still wish for the day that one could apply for any hospital they wanted and they would at least get interviewed. That's what it was like in my Mom's day. It was like that when my best friend went into nursing 10 years ago. $10,000 sign-on bonus and hired into an ICU. Two months after passing her NCLX (which she had failed twice before). But, it ain't like that anymore. Hasn't been since the economy crashed back in 2008.

To sum it up, be aggressive. Think of yourself as a product that you are selling. Find a way to make yourself more shiny and noticeable over the millions of other new grads and stale grads and those with a year or two of experience that are applying in this job market. Be aggressive! And think outside the box when it comes to WHERE to apply. All you need is just the Magical Year. Or be conservative and stick out a weird job for two years and then go to the hospital and start at med-surg. Or whatever.

Just know that it's not you. You aren't alone. The discouragement is so hard. But you aren't alone.

You are not alone.

SubSippi · Oct 11, 2013

On this forum, I've seen people say several times that LTC facilities often don't post things online, and that they've gotten jobs by showing up and dropping off their resume when there is a position open. I know it's hard to just show up at a hospital, but try a nursing home during a slower time of day.

hope3456, ASN, RN · Oct 11, 2013

I know you say you can't relocate but for anyone reading this thread who is considering nursing school - know that it is something you may have to do if you want a good nursing job. Like a PP said, there are more jobs in rural areas. All you would have to do is work there for 1-2 years and then you could probably get into a good job back in NY/NJ. Employers want experience and they don't care to much about where you got it. You might be settling for LTC in NY but in a less saturated area you could actually get your "dream job." I did read on another thread that there are jobs in upstate NY.

RNpatrol · Oct 16, 2013

In a similar boat here, I graduated in May, licensed in June, and have been trying in earnest to get a job since July. I sought volunteer work at the hospital I wanted to work in, in the unit that I was interested in. I only was able to start a couple of weeks ago. In that short amount of time I have come across about 5 nurses that I know from other jobs we have had together. They heard my plight and have spoke to the department management on my behalf (I didn't ask). No job yet, but I haven't gone into the office to talk with them. I want to be sure that I am interview ready. Good luck with the search, I'm in the deferment process as well. You are not alone!

Oswin · Oct 20, 2013

First, let me say that you're not alone! I've been looking for a job for over a year and just now found one.

It sounds like you're doing everything right, just keep at it and don't lose hope. In the meantime, try applying for cna jobs rather than just non-nursing jobs. That'll get you into the healthcare setting and might get you first in line if a nursing position opens up at that facility. As others have mentioned, a lot of nursing homes don't advertise open positions well - make sure you're calling them regularly. You can also try an employment agency, and make sure you're on linkedin, monster, etc. I'd also suggest calling places you're interested in working and asking if they accept volunteers, and if you get in as a volunteer some place, work your butt off. That gets you familiar with the facility, makes new connections, and shows the managers first-hand that you're a hard worker. Even if you can't get a job there it looks good on your resume and says "I'm so serious about working in healthcare that I"ll even do it for free." Ask your clinical instructor from school or a former employer to write a short letter of recommendation and attach it to your resume. DON'T give up!

As for the loans, just call them. You're far from the only person in that position in today's economy and they can extend your deference easily, or if you're able to pay some you can probably get on an extended graduated plan for minimal payments right now.

Good luck :-)

Just and R.N · Oct 20, 2013

Thank you all for your suggestions.

When I started my Job Search I was a bit naive and was reluctant to "use connections". I stupidly believed that as far as new grads go I had done all the "right things" to make myself marketable and would get a job without calling in favors. So much for that reality...

Now I knew that as a new graduate I am missing the only thing that hiring managers are interested in, EXPERIENCE, but new grads do get hired SOMEWHERE. I knew that being picky or choosy is not an option, and that I would take any offers that came my way, and work hard at whatever job I would get. So no entitlement to get into the specialties of my dreams (peds onc, adult ICU, dialysis) just the feeling that with all my hard work I should be able to pick up a job somewhere.

Then came phase two. Swallowing that I obviously was not good enough on my own and would have to beg someone to let me in was a bitter pill to swallow. But hey, as a nurse bitter pills are part and parcel of what we do and if I can dispense I should be able to take some myself. Well, that didn't go too well either. When I exhausted (and I mean exhausted) the list of former professors, preceptors, unit managers, close relatives, distant relatives, friend's relatives etc. etc. I realized that despite the fact that I always had a solid reputation as a hard-working and bright individual it really made no difference.

Sure I can apply for forbearance and deferment, I can take a low paying non-nursing job so that I can send my check directly to the loan companies while I wait in the social services office for government assistance. I know that these aren't necessarily bad things and that it's temporary and as soon as I get a better job I'll give back double!! The thing that bothers me the most is that I have one desire, to be a PRODUCTIVE MEMBER OF SOCIETY. To be able to pay my bills and dues on time, and give back to the world more than I take. It's incredibly frustrating to see this fall away.

I have always been self supportive, fiercely independent, and strong willed. I am naturally shy and quiet but I have always given the impression of being smart, capable and hard-working. I became a nurse because I truly believed that it was the right choice for me. The combination of art and science, humanity and technology, physical and emotional, passion and compassion is something that I view as an honor and privilege to be a part of.

I'm not going to give up because that's not in my nature AT ALL. I will take a job temporarily (already lined up) and continue to search. I hope that someone, somewhere, someday soon allows me the privilege of working for them so that I can really use those letters after my name.

YorkieMomRN · Oct 20, 2013

I've heard that upstate NY is a good location. You may not be able to relocate out of state, but perhaps a commute to a less than desirable area will be what you need to gain the experience necessary to start your career!

sunshyne17 · Oct 22, 2013

I am not a seasoned nurse (graduated August) and I am in PA. Nursing is a second career option for me. I applied to a few places when a previous job offer fell thru. A neighbor actually recommended a few places to apply to. It took 2 or 3 weeks but I got a call for an interview and eventually got the job offer.

I know the internet is a faceless entity but that is how I applied and got an offer.

My recommendation: have someone read your resume. Call nursing managers just to have them pick apart your resume. I asked the HR rep what stood out on my resume just out of curiosity. She said the leadership, previous experience (which was not even medical related) and believe it or not who I had listed as references. So have a keen eye on what it is they are looking for and become that on paper and in person when you do get the interview :)

sunmaidliz · Oct 24, 2013

When you mentioned being a productive member of society, that rang so true for me. I felt that like for soooo long, even in the food stamp line.

Being unemployed is really hard on one's self esteem. It eats away at your soul and the longer it drags on, the less appealing you are for potential employers. And you can work two or three jobs to make ends meet and hope that someone who hired you as an RN to be a CNA will eventually let you work at the level of your license... it's a depressing thought.

Just know that with your license, you have lots of potential. You aren't a welfare queen. You aren't a scrub or a drain to society. And your situation is temporary. It won't last forever. Keep at it. And keep your chin up. Life is all about how we see it. So keep those rose colored glasses on and don't lose sight of the prize. It will happen for you.

ggabri07, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2013

You must be persistent. Some hospitals are hiring new grads. I just started a new position at a Magnet hospital in NY and there is about 20 NEW GRADS in my orientation class ! Have you had someone review you resume? If not, I highly suggest it....It could be something on there that is not grabbing the attention of managers or recruiters. When I re-wrote my resume... I got TONS of calls. Are you sending e-mails to nurse managers....if so, do your e-mails sound desperate? Do your e-mails to them reflect the values of the company? No one wants a desperate nurse. Have you considered volunteering at hospitals that actually hires new grads? I spoke with one girl in my orientation class and that is exactly how she got in....she volunteered for a couple of months and then made her move.

MissM.RN, BSN, RN · Oct 27, 2013

So sorry Just an R.N., my heart goes out to you. I know you will get a job and be a great RN soon.

I know you said relocation is not really an option....but I think it's time to change your opinion on that. Even if you own a home, rent it out. Move the family. Whatever you have to do. You don't want to become an "old grad" with no experience, that's even worse.

I get the sense from your licenses in NY/NJ that you're hunting in those areas. Why not their bordering states like MA/VT? Or upstate NY? Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburg has a new grad opening:

https://careers-cvph.icims.com/jobs/9211/graduate-new-rn/job

I know Plattsburg is a super small town closer to Canada than anything else, but it's acute care experience when no hospital seems willing to train new nurses anymore.

Personal experience: I had to relocate in order to get the "right" experience. It really sucked, but I ended up the winner in the end. I traded my city life for some of the best experience and treatment a new grad could get. Full benefits, ACLS paid for, ICU internship, etc. I also work in a friendly, level one trauma, academic hospital. I never would have received all of this had I remained closed off to moving. It's a huge deal I know, and it wasn't easy uprooting my family. But I also could not provide for my family if I had waited. PM me for more info if you need. I checked my hospital's website, and our "new grad" HR inbox seems to be taken off the website. Best of luck to you!