Hi everyone. I was hoping people with experience can give me some advice.
Im sorry this is really long. Please bear with me.
I'm getting really frustrated. I feel like I've submitted a hundred applications both online and in person and am not hearing anything back. Its so frustrating. I hear of people having jobs lined up even before they graduate. How?? I don't know whats wrong with me. I can't seem to get a job anywhere. I just received my license last month, so I don't know if I'm just being too hasty - but then I see classmates getting jobs with 0 nursing experience and it gets at me.
I was the only one in my class that actually worked as a LPN and had/has actual nursing experience. Theres people in my class who's only work experience was working in a pizzeria or as a sales associate - and they are getting jobs (in hospitals!), but I'm not. I don't know.
Do hospitals not consider LPN experience as nursing experience?
First I live in NYC - the job market here sucks. Plus I have my Associates, so I don't think thats helping the situation. I applied to so many applications and didn't hear anything back. I went to almost every single hospital website in the greater NYC area and applied for positions I feel I qualified for (theres not a lot). I probably heard back from maybe 2-3 saying I didn't meet the qualifications..or they have a candidate that "best meets the company's need at this time".. etc.
I even went to nursing homes in the borough I live in and applied. The current LTC facility I work at states there are no RN positions available. There is a position online for my job where the requirements are simply 2 years geriatric nursing experience, and a valid NYS RN license. I have both of these requirements. When I spoke with the DON about this, she said they're looking for someone with RN experience. But the job posting didn't state that as a requirement. I don't have RN experience, although in my facility I worked as a LPN charge nurse. I did many duties (that are in my scope, of course) that usually the RN does. So I don't get why I can't be considered for the position. I've given up on all hopes of even obtaining a RN position at my current job. I've been with them for a little over 2 years. I worked every single weekend for them (seriously, every. single. weekend.) throughout nursing school, including holidays and throughout my summer break. But theres a lot of "politics" going on. I don't think they will ever hire me. I've never even faced any disciplinary action at my job. I've been a great employee IMO. No one has a problem with me. I don't know.
Anyways, so I've been applying EVERYWHERE. I really don't want to work in a a nursing home, but still I applied. What am I doing wrong?
How can I catch a break in a hospital? What should I do? I applied to hospitals - I even emailed hospitals with my resume and cover letter at the provided nursing recruitment email address.
Would volunteering help at this point? Would working as a PCT or clerk work? Will they even allow me to considering I have my LPN and RN license?
How did you all get your first break for a RN job? Did you have experience? Did you know people?
Do I need to "know people" to get a RN job? If so.. How do I get to "know people?" Lol. My previous DON and ADON at my first LPN job are saying they will try to get me a job at the hospitals they work at - but I don't know if it will work out.
What should I do? I have my ASN, RN, LPN, BCLS, and Infection Control certification. I was planning on obtaining my IV and ACLS next week. But they're expensive and I don't know if its even worth it? Do hospitals offer that to the staff they hire? Or should I just go and obtain the certifications on my own?
Also can someone please offer to look over my cover letter and resume? I can email it someone. I want to know if I'm messing up on them? I thought they were okay.. But now I am just completely discouraged.
I also want to quit my current job as a LPN. The LPNs are so overworked. I've talked about this in my other posts. The amount of work expected of us in the time allotted is beyond unrealistic. And then if you leave late, management taunts you and threatens to write you up, etc. I never take a break, even to use the freaking toilet. I don't eat anything, drink anything. I'm like a robot running around trying to do my horrendous med pass and treatments. Despite the best of my efforts, I can't finish on time - ever. And this stresses me out because theres also the stress of management and all their "threats." Being a LPN - at least here in NYC is rough. I hate it. I was so happy once I received my RN license cause I figured I won't have to deal with this for much longer.. But now I am completely shattered and discouraged.
Please! Any job finding techniques/tips are appreciated.
Sorry I wrote a essay, like always. Thank you to whoever actually read this. Please offer suggestions. Im desperate!
Your survey is missing an option: I passed the NCLEX and THEN was offered a job after I applied. You are only one month away from taking your boards exam, and it usually takes 6-8 months to get a position as a nurse. It took me about 7 months to get a job offer for the position I am at now, and I had about ~6 months of miscellaneous experience. Hang in there and be patient. If you financially need a job ASAP then consider working as a CNA or LPN until you get an RN position. Also look into SNF's and things like that, but I have worked in SNF-type environments and I would not recommend it unless you financially need it.
I had a PCT job and when got my license was told there are no jobs available at that hospital. My first time on unemployment... yay! Applied to every Hartford Healthcare (they own basically everything in CT and is the parent company of the hospital that showed me the door) posting I could. Applied to state jobs, school jobs, ltc jobs, you name it, I applied for it. I was in the same boat as you, knowing at least a third of my fellow nursing grads had jobs lined up before they even graduated... and some of these people.. let me just say I heard more about parties, booze, and hook ups than I ever heard discussion about nursing content or clinical experiences.
As of today I have put in more than 40 applications.
As of Monday I have started getting interview for jobs I applied to in JUNE.
Hang in there! I was in the same boat and finally things are turning around. It will happen to you, too.
I live in Florida and graduated with my BSN on May 1, 2015. I accepted my current position in and ICU on April 30, 2015. I passed the NCLEX in June and started my job in early July. I was hired in a nurse residency position with a two-year committment. I accepted the first job I interviewed for. Everyone that I graduated with had a job before graduation or got one shortly after. I would seriously consider moving.
Hi there! I am also a New Grad RN and I was in the same exact position as you when I graduated 3 months ago! I sent about a hundred applications and I finally got calls after a month... Now I am about to work in a hospital.
Here are some tips to doctor up your resume:
*List your best qualities in the front (ex. hard-working nurse, excellent with building relationships, etc.)
*Put your nursing experience (ex. experienced working with clients with respiratory disorders, etc.)
*Put your computer skills (say what computer documentation you have experience with)
*Say that you are motivated and willing to learn
Then... put your licenses and certificates... I took ACLS to add that to my resume. I also volunteered before and during nursing school with American Red Cross. If you have no volunteer experience, get some. It shows you like to be involved with your community. It also shows you care about people.
~Shrek~
347 Posts
Your survey is missing an option: I passed the NCLEX and THEN was offered a job after I applied. You are only one month away from taking your boards exam, and it usually takes 6-8 months to get a position as a nurse. It took me about 7 months to get a job offer for the position I am at now, and I had about ~6 months of miscellaneous experience. Hang in there and be patient. If you financially need a job ASAP then consider working as a CNA or LPN until you get an RN position. Also look into SNF's and things like that, but I have worked in SNF-type environments and I would not recommend it unless you financially need it.