What's the best way to apply for new graduate jobs?

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I graduated in June, passed board last month.

In the past week, I tried to call HRs of the nearby hospitals, they usually tell me to come to fill out applications. I have a full-time, regular, non-nursing, office job that I've been doing for a long time all through the school. Then during my lunch break I'd drive the hospital filling-out applications. Unfortunately, that did not seem to work - as evidenced by not even an interview this way so far. Usually the human resources just took my resume & applications and said they will inform me blah blah....

I also tried various hospital websites, created my user accounts, uploaded my Resume, etc. Except for one hospital, the same afternoon I received an email saying I did not qualify for the position. For all other hospitals, never received a response.

I also went to an open interview, was told it was for experienced nurses only. Though I got a short interview at the HR.

So what should I do? I feel my ways of job hunting are exhausted. Anybody has suggestions?

I'm in Northern NJ, where the job market for new graduate is terrible. I'm also thinking about getting license in the nearby NY & PA. Maybe the market is better there? But it costs money and time. Should I just wait until get a job offer in a particulate state?

Both good and bad about my non-nursing, full-time, semi-professional job. It's boring but relatively secure, non-stressful, relatively easy, and can cover all my living expenses. Sometimes I don't feel the urge to find a nursing job. Also this job keeps me looking for a nursing job full-strength. Most time I have to sit in the office working, and can only sneak out during lunch break. I'm worried that after 6 months of graduation no place would ever wants me. And all my nursing education and investment will get wasted. Scary thoughts.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

You're in the same boat as a lot of other new and new-ish grads ... I feel for all of you. If you're able to relocate, that might well be your best bet. Just don't give up! Keep applying. It's taken some grads a few months to get even a nibble. I've seen a lot of job hunting threads over in the "First Year" forum -- https://allnurses.com/first-year-after/

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I would recommend checking out the state student nursing convention in your state. I've attended the Student Nurses convention in NJ before and there were dozens of employers there looking for new grad hires. The Student Nurse conference in Pennsylvania (a weekend in mid-November) usually has 900+ students and nearly 100 employers attending.

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Luckily, in Texas (West) the job market for new grads is still great. I put in a application the week I was graduating and I was hired the following week. You might think about relocating. :)

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The market for new grads is just as bad in PA. Hosptial websites on this end are starting to put in the ad "No New Graduates" I just graduated too and let me tell you its hard. I have a friend that had put in 357 application in every state and she has an ADN and a BS in another field. Some of my classmates are taking prn positions at nursing homes and the prison(!) because they have not been able to get in at a hosptial. I have found networking is very important for the people who have already gotten jobs. I have one friend who carries around her resume and passess it out at work (she's currently a waitress). I have looked into other states as well Texas, Florida and California have the biggest nursing shortages and welcome new grads with open arms. You could also look up internships and residencies, many of those programs start in Jan and the application deadline are approacing quickly if the have not already passed. Looking for a job is a full-time job so expect to work at it. I actually went on this website listing all the hospitals in the US and went down this list starting in my home state and then moved on the compact states http://www.theagapecenter.com/Hospitals/index.htm Maybe it will help. Good Luck

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Specializes in LTC, PCU, Med/Surg, Hospice, OBGYN.

If you are willing to relocate way out of state to the Midwest, you may try small hospitals in Iowa or Illinois (Exp. Unity Healthcare in IA, Blessing or St. Mary's in IL). If you still want to stay on the East coast, I know for sure there are some hospitals in NC that will be starting to accept New Grad applications in October and November for their interships starting in Spring 2010 (Exp. Forsythe Medical, Durham Regional, WakeMed). I also know TX was still hiring New Grads (Exp. Mission Regional, McAllen Medical Center, Regional Medical Center, Rio Grande Regional).

I graduated in May and just started my internship in a PCU unit just this week and I had relocated from Iowa (I was also offered a Med/Surg position at Unity in IA but decided to start over in NC so I accepted the offer here instead).

Just keep praying and keep looking. It is definitely a full-time job to look for work but I must say you appreciate the job better once you get it. Good luck in your search and keep the faith.

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Thank you all for your kind replies.

LunahRN & EmilyLucille52,

I agree with you two. I think relocation is the only way out for me. EmilyLucille523, thank you for your detailed listing. And congratulations on your new job. Also congratulates LifelongDream to your new job. I heard West Texas had good new graduate nursing market.

At this point, I'm very unwilling to accept a position in a nursing home or rehab. From my past experience I know how important your first job is for your career. I'm not saying LTC is bad. It's just my goal to work in a hospital. My current job, I stepped wrong and suffered badly (no future, no prospect of finding a descent job in the area etc. Otherwise, I would not change career). My background is different from most of you, at that time I had other problems. But still I blame myself for short-sightness. I should had given myself more time finding a job that has a better future. Fortunately the big boss of the company treats me very well, and she helped me tremendously in many ways. Even let me leave every afternoon at 3 o'clock to go to the nursing school!

In my area, contrary to the bad market for the new graduates, the experienced nurses are enjoying a much better per diem market. Cause the hospitals avoid new graduates and only try to hire experienced now. I have a RN friend she has 6 years experience. She got calls all the time, and the per diem rate here goes to $60 per hour.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Mag, I was a graphic designer/desktop publisher for 10+ years before I jumped ship and went into healthcare. I know I could go back into that industry if I wanted to, but I don't! Some days it's tempting, though -- I had a nice office, a great salary, I was getting management experience, I was a respected member of senior staff ... but it all felt totally hollow and empty. Corporate design was sucking the soul out of me. I was a paramedic (volunteer) already, so I took a huge leap (as well as a 50% pay cut) and went to work in an ED as a tech, and then later went back to school for nursing.

My point is (I know, it takes me a while to get there), even though you have your current job to fall back on, if you really want to make the change, you will find a way to do it! :) I'm glad relocating is an option for you, too -- so many new grads are rooted in place by familial and financial obligations.

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