Tips for Freshly Licensed Associate Level Nurse

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First off, I must give a big thank you everyone here: Without everyone here, I am sure I would be posting about taking the NCLEX for the second time! Now onto getting my first job.

I have been applying for jobs since December 10th, 2011 and have had two interviews for one job and another interview. Unfortunately I didn't get jobs either of the two jobs. The question begs to be asked: How do I go about getting job? I have been applying to the jobs that I want and have not been called back. Here are some of my main concerns:

1. I have no paid medical experience at all but I did volunteer for 100+ hrs at one of the big hospitals, I also was a committee member for the New Mexico department of health for some years and was the only student rep for my program's Curriculum Committee for the summer and fall term of 2011. All of the above is on my resume, should I take it off?

2. I have a 2.78 GPA for just my nursing program but my overall college GPA is a 3.04; Should I put that in my resume?

3. So far I have just been applying for in and out patient RN positions at the big hospital systems in my city. Is it really true that a lot of hospitals do not like to hire brand new nurses?

4. I know that I cannot just apply for a job and wait for them to call m. Although what is a good amount of time to wait before I start calling them?

If I left anything out please feel free to ask any questions

Thank you in advance for your assistance!

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Specializes in Peds OR as RN, Peds ENT as NP.

1. Definitely leave it on your resume. You have to paint a picture of yourself.

2. I have to be honest. Your GPA of 2.78 is very low. I am beginning RN residency program and when I talked to the recruiter months ago the first question I was asked was "What is your nursing school GPA?" Nursing jobs are competitive just like getting into school. So I suggest you leave this off and tell them if they ask. I did put mine on my resume but that is because it made me competitive. Only put in your resume what gives you your BEST chance.

3. There are many big hospital systems that do not hire new grads year-round, but will periodically (ex: residency programs). There are also those that do not want new grads at all. It just depends.

4. I would advise that you wait around 2 weeks to call back.

Apply everywhere! Indeed.com is a great website for finding jobs. I was denied twice for part-time positions on pediatric units. I applied for an actual pediatric residency program and was hired. Although residency programs prefer a BSN now (which is what I have), we are ALL eligible! Best of luck!

Remember to sell yourself!

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Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

Certainly, I agree with RN Sam, in addition, don't short sale yourself, keep in mind that the minute you hand over your resume; that is all they have on their hands to get a sense of who you are, and what qualifications you have obtained. Therefore, don't give up continue your search, I have no doubt that you will obtain a position in the near future if you persevere. Lastly, every time you speak to a recruiter in person make sure you take notice of their name, and then send them a thank you note for their time. Wishing you the very best in all of your future endeavors...Aloha~

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Specializes in Psych & Gero psych.

welcome to the club! too am a new nurse (adn from a community college) pinned in dec & rn license first of the month. that said i started applying for jobs after i new i passed. (with the exeption of 4 in dec., that i haven't heard from) my goal was 3 apps a day yet some days i got in 20. in fact i applied 5-10 a day. i now have 2 jobs, one full-time and one part-time. i turned down 3 jobs. so my advice is apply, apply, apply....

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I have only had two jobs ask for my GPA, ever. Most don't care, they know you have to maintain a B average to graduate. Nurses are smart people. Don't put it on there.

Leave on anything that supports you and I agree these items you mentioned- even though they are fluff- do support that you are not just in this for a paycheck.

The end of the year is a bad time to be applying- a lot of times budgets are tied up and planning for the next year. Now you have a prime opportunity before the Spring grads. Once they hit the streets the competition will be tougher. I agree - get going and apply, apply, apply. It is not an easy market for anyone these days. It takes time and you may not get something you want, but you may get something that gives you experience and will lead you to something that you don't even know you want yet.

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