Trouble finding a job as a New Grad

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Specializes in LTC, Med-Surg, IMCU/Tele, HH/CM.

Hey everyone, I just graduated with my ASN in May and passed the NCLEX a few weeks ago. I have been applying to jobs like crazy since back in April but havn't heard from anyone and the interviews I've had didn't bring a job either.

I am looking for a position in the St. Cloud or Minneapolis/Saint Paul areas. Does anyone know of a hospital whose new grad residency program is still accepting applications, or of a hospital who will hire new grads onto staff without a residency program? A big problem I am running into is that people prefer BSNs. I also passed NCLEX, so I feel that I am just as good as a BSN who is new.

The only offers I have gotten for jobs have been from other states. . . .mostly in the south. Arizona, Oklahoma, Gerogia, Texas. I would move if I have to, but I was hoping to stay in MN to continue my education.

Any suggestions or hints or comments would be a huge help!

Thanks all.

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Specializes in FNP.

Have you tried St. Cloud Hospital or the VA?

Good luck!

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Have you tried talking directly with nurse recruiters or nurse managers? I'm a returning RN, BSN after years at home with my kids. I too have been applying for months and hadn't heard anything. I started calling and talking with recruiters and managers, and that helped alot. I've also found that more and more places are requiring a BSN.

HealthEast has an RN placement coordinator who is very helpful- check their website. Good luck to you!

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Specializes in LTC, Med-Surg, IMCU/Tele, HH/CM.

Thanks for the replies. I havn't found a job yet, not even an interview! I have been sending in online applications and emailing my resume as well as calling people on the phone to follow up. It seems as though I never get to talk to someone who does the hiring though. *sighs*

Is anyone else having trouble finding work as a New Grad?

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Specializes in FNP.

Can you set up an appointment to talk to someone? Take the initiative and call, just ask for time to discuss current openings and opportunities for new grads? Just a thought, but it might not hurt to go there in person. Good luck.

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Specializes in ED.

IF you know someone working at a hospital, have them get you in touch with a manager directly.

If you have any contacts at all, use them.

Did you have an internship or preceptorship where you met a manger or other RN's that can give you a good recommendation?

You need to know people to get that first interview.

If you have any past nursing related experience use it to your advantage. I have heard that in the fall there will be some other openings and there won't be as many applying at that time. I know North and Allina has some jobs opening up.

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Specializes in LTC.

If you have a friend that is good with resumes get them to look at yours and see if there are ways to make you stand out more. It seems just a bit odd that you aren't even getting interviews.

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Specializes in Hem/Onc, LTC, AL, Homecare, Mgmt, Psych.

I'll be graduating in Nov with my ADN. I already have a job interview with Davita for an RN position. I wasn't even actively seeking it! Just tentatively put in my cover letter and resume on their web site. Maybe I'll try a few other places and see who responds.

Sara

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Specializes in Geriatrics, WCC.

I am a DON at a nursing home in St. Paul but, am hearing the same thing.... new grads that are exclusive to wanting hospital jobs are finding it hard. It's too bad that the rose colored glasses can't come off and more would be interested in long-term care.

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, oncology, cardiac.

Check out Healtheast! The hospital that I work in in this system is always having new grads orientate to floors. They call it their new grad residency program and I believe they go to 3-4 different floors for 3 weeks and at the end of their residency they bid on the open jobs. What I have heard is it is a great opportunity. They get a feel of different floors/staff and can decide where they want to work. I would call human resources and get more information on how to apply to the program. I know we just had a couple new grads start on my floor. It is worth checking in to.

Good luck!!!!!!! :yeah:

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I am a DON at a nursing home in St. Paul but, am hearing the same thing.... new grads that are exclusive to wanting hospital jobs are finding it hard. It's too bad that the rose colored glasses can't come off and more would be interested in long-term care.

It's funny you say that b/c I'm graduating this May and I actually WANT to work in LTC (hate hate hospitals!!). I just have trouble actually admitting this to people because it seems to be some sort of taboo thing, and that really bugs me.

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