Who got a job?

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Dec 2, 2009

It's stiff competition.

Make sure your resume is well-written, include your clinical experiences at different hospitals.

If you haven't done ACLS or any additional credentials, do it.

Network a lot! Someone you know may know something.

Take a job doing any nursing functions, nursing home or whatever, so it looks like you just haven't given up. Hospitals know many new grads wont be able to find work right now in hospitals, but if you made some attempt and are working somewhere, when the market returns to normal, it will increase your chances of getting hired.

Good luck to you

Bdperez8 · Dec 2, 2009

I am an RN returning to nursing after a long absence. I graduated in 1996 and worked part time in the home care field from 1998 to 2002. I went to nursing school while working in the steel industry in a totally different capacity. My goal was to work as a nurse per diem when I retired (which would have been this year) or when the steel plant shut down (it was shut down this year). I took an RN refresher course in the fall of 2008 after learning that our plant would close by 2010.

After being laid off from the steel plant, I applied for every nursing job that did not require any med/surg experience at all the local hospitals. I had only two interviews out of about 40 jobs that I applied for.

I was hired by a small local hospital to work in the Emergency Department. They are going to give me med/surg and ICU experience prior to putting me to work in the ER. I start on 12/7. They will also provide A.C.L.S. training.

I feel very fortunate to have been given this opportunity. I was getting very discouraged, but just kept on applying for jobs.

I agree with NickiLaughs, you should do as much networking as possible.

Good luck, and keep the faith!

reeki · Dec 2, 2009

I was lucky enough to get two new grad position offers (one in med/surg and one on a perinatal special care unit) and I got each of them through applying online. I have heard that it is much easier to at least get to the interview process if you know a nurse manager, so like everyone else says, start networking. Ask friends if they know any nurse managers and for their numbers or email addresses.

I think a big part of why I was offered the two positions was that I have most of my advanced certifications (BLS, ACLS, PALS, and Advanced NRP) and my RN license (I don't know if you have yours or are still studying or have your IP). Also, the nurse manager for the perinatal special care unit seemed impressed that I had already joined AWHONN (the woman's health, etc. nursing association). I think it showed that I really cared about entering that field of nursing. Another thing I was told was that my cover letter was good, so make sure to send a cover letter with your resume that shows how passionate you are about whatever unit you are applying to. So I would suggest getting these certifications if you can afford it, make sure to pass your NCLEX if you haven't done so yet, and write a good cover letter to always send with your application and/or resume.