There are jobs for new grads

I care there4 I amRN · Jul 28, 2010

I agree...do not give up! I got a job offer today after several interviews!!! I am very excited, it will be on a Medsurge floor. I didn't have a connection to this hospital and the website actually said not to call-so I didn't, I applied online and they called me, I had the second interview yesturday with the nurse manager and they called today...I'm so excited!

SN31 · Jul 28, 2010

I agree...do not give up! I got a job offer today after several interviews!!! I am very excited, it will be on a Medsurge floor. I didn't have a connection to this hospital and the website actually said not to call-so I didn't, I applied online and they called me, I had the second interview yesturday with the nurse manager and they called today...I'm so excited!

That is awesome news Icare!!! :yeah: Congratulations :lol2:

taraleesky · Jul 28, 2010

I agree as well! I have gone on 4 interviews now, I was turned down for two but I am expecting calls from the other two this week. (EEEEEP!) But there is hope, just be persistant in applying and stay positive. new grads......we can sooo do this!

myflow01 · Jul 29, 2010

Are you applying for a GN program or just regular job you see posted?

SN31 · Jul 30, 2010

Just regular jobs I see posted even the ones that say experience required. Just had an interview yesterday with one of those in med/surg. as well as GN jobs.:)

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2010

I am happy for all of you that got jobs :) I have learned, from job searching through previous recessions, that persistence DOES pay off. So whether you have to send 5 resumes, or 50, you will eventually land that job.

Things I've learned From Successful Searches:

1) Buy a notebook and write down the contact info and qualifications, so you can keep track of where you have applied. After 10 or 50 places, it's hard to keep track if you aren't organized.

2) Network with anyone and everyone you know. Tell friends, faculty, that you are searching.

3) BE FLEXIBLE. Don't expect that "dream job". If it happens, great. But be realistic.

3) Follow up with phone calls/ emails where you can.

4) Send your resume to the unadvertised jobs or places where you might want to work.

5) Set weekly goals, and treat the search like a job

6) Try agencies or recruiters. Many will hire new grads.

7) Sign up for as many online job sites as you are able (ie: Workopolis, whatever)

8) Move or relocate if you have to.

9) Sign up with your professional RN association where you live.

10) Learn to be creative. Ask yourself, and your friends, "Where do nurses work?" There are many areas for RN's and new grads.

11) If all else fails, nursing homes, rehab, and LTC will accept new grads. You may even discover you like LTC.

I am a new grad, but I worked in the hotel industry and retail mgmt prior to nursing. I have seen this cycle before almost 20 years ago. It will change. Hang in there! :)

violet_violet · Jul 31, 2010

Yes, hang in there. I graduated in Dec. 2009, and have applied to many many jobs. Haven't heard from any of them until this past week. First interview next week.

I've worked as a CNA and have completed 2 optional different preceptorships and was very disappointed in not finding anything. I'm hoping things will turn around. It's been very hard for some of us! But thank you for sharing those tips! :)

shockable_rhythm · Jul 31, 2010

This is encouraging after reading so many negative posts about there being no jobs!!

Nicole2010 · Jul 31, 2010

I wouldn't give up. True, there may be a lack of jobs available, but there could be many factors to why some of these people complaining don't have jobs. I was at an interview and another potential candidate for the job was texting the whole time while waiting in HR. Like ummm...really?!? I've also seen others go to interviews in some gawdy attire.

I am a NG as well and went on 6 interviews. I was offered 4 of the 6 jobs I interviewed for. It comes down to being professional, practicing (I practiced interview questions with my husband), smiling a lot, keeping eye contact, and following up. I always researched the facility where I was going, found out their mission statement, any awards they have received, etc.. so I could sell myself around their goals & expectations. I was even told by a manager at a job I didn't get offered how well I interviewed. I always sent out thank-you cards after the interview.

Be persistent and if you are feeling discourage then take a few day rest from job searching. I know how draining it can be. Good luck everyone!

Bobbkat · Jul 31, 2010

I'd like to say that sometimes it comes down to how professionally you conduct yourself in an interview. For some of us though, it comes down to where you live in the country. I find it hard to believe that the majority of people that are having trouble finding a position are finding themselves in this difficulty simply because they don't know how to conduct themselves in an interview.

I'm one of the people that took months and months and HUNDREDS of aps to finally even go on an interview. I went on 2 interviews and was offered both positions. What it comes down to are there are thousands more nurses graduating than there are positions currently available. So yes, technically there are jobs. They just happen to be super cut-throat to get in many areas. The best advice I can give anyone is to meet as many people to network with as you can. It still may not promise you anything, but it makes it a lot easier to speak with people in a facility you may want to work in.

gtshin30303 · Jul 31, 2010

It seems like the job market is slightly improving since 2009.