Need Advice: New BSN Grad Having BIG Problems Landing a Job in Chicago Market

[KimBSNRN]

Hi! I'm a new graduate of a highly respected southern university. I moved to Chicago to join my husband who had relocated several months earlier. I graduated with honors after participating in an honors program, received awards and recognition, worked really hard and had amazing clinical experiences down south -- but after countless applications to dozens of hospitals, I remain unemployed. I have started applying to office staff positions; however, I really want to pursue advanced practice education and opportunities within a year.

My ever-present positive attitude is beginning to wear a little thin.

Could you share some perspectives on the following topics?

1. Is it even possible to obtain an RN job in Chicago if one is a new grad from another region?

2. Should I consider moving elsewhere, and if so, what are some new-grad-friendly locales?

3. Does anyone have any networking advice (or contacts' names) for Chicago?

[sarabaudo]

Kim.....What hospitals have you applied to? Did you do an internship prior to moving to Chicago? Make sure you have letters of recommendation from your clinical instructors.
The job market in Chicago is TIGHT right now. Even RNs are getting laid off at some hospitals.
my email is sara.baudo@yahoo.com
Let me know if I can help with anything. I have contacts at a few hospitals.

[ciprian21]

how much time passed when you send your last application? usual will take at last 1 mounth until they will go true your application if they need a rn in the hospital... hope you will get a job soon... i got same problems once time i applied i think on 50 jobs but in a final i got one job.. but was not in chicago was in new jeresey where i got same problem and i got like 3 calls after 1 and a half mounth...

[Phoenix98020]

Nurses get passed over jobs for the same reasons those in other professions do. A degree in hand is only that. A degree. You still have to look good and sound good both on paper and in person. Experience is a big plus but also in these times of budget cuts, they don't necessarily want to hire someone with 20+ years experience when they can hire one with a few years and pay alot less. If you get the interview, you still have to be liked. Sometimes, just the fact that a person is older, might prevent them from getting the job. I've seen "team" members not want to hire an older nurse because she wouldn't fit in with our tight-knit little group. Weight is another issue that might have a person discriminated against. You'll never know if you didn't get the job because of your weight or age or because you wore a cross on a chain to the interview. Look your best and hide the cross, at least for the interview.

[amygarside]

I agree, the degree is a part for someone to get in the nursing profession but it does not necessarily guarantee a job quickly. It still depends on how you project yourself to your prospective employers.