I Was not prepared for how difficult it is to get an entry level RN position

[cimonlaw]

I am a new grad with a BSN and i am so frustrated that most jobs are hiring experienced nurses instead of new grads. I mean, how are we gonna become experienced nurses if no one gives us a chance? I am getting burnt out just job hunting. Any advice anyone???

[024790]

I am a hiring manager, and I have hired many new grad RNs. However, I have to balance the staff with experienced RNs and new graduate RNs. The new grads that I have hired, I've hired for their enthusiasm and excitement, because all new grads have approximately the same education, and no experience. So go to your interviews prepared to ask questions, answer questions about yourself, your views, your morals, and I particularly look for examples of when you went above and beyond the expectations of your former employers and/or instructors. Don't apply for every nursing job under the sun. When a manager sees that an applicant has applied for 113 different RN jobs, ranging from entry level, all the up to CNO, it tells us that you aren't paying attention to what you are applying for. I also advise that any new grad start on a med-surg unit. When you work on a med-surg unit for a couple of years, that gives you the very sound support to transfer into a specialty area. Remember that even if you want to be in OB, even pregnant women can have a medical problem happen, and it helps make you more aware of those signs and symptoms.
Lastly, be excited about taking care of patients!!

[JohnKutheRN]

024790, I think your perception of "When a manager sees that an applicant has applied for 113 different RN jobs, ranging from entry level, all the up to CNO, it tells us that you aren't paying attention to what you are applying for." is at least partially incorrect. I understand what you are saying, but when I began my job quest I applied for only those jobs I sincerely has genuine pre-interest in pursuing. But after being rejected time and time again I began applying for any and every job which looked like it might hire a new nurse. Except women's health/OBGYN. Being male I think this would not be a good place for me to start, even though I'm a father, love women and children, and in clinicals on the OB floor used to joke about how I could never be a nursery nurse because I'd spend all my time falling in love with the babies!

But I digress. My point is that when as a hiring manager you see that I've applied for many different nursing positions it is not because I am not "paying attention to what you are applying for", it's because I am desperate to get my first nursing job! I will learn about and become the best nurse I can be for any nursing position I am accepted into, but first I have to have that chance.

[sarakahn]

Check out this list of jobs for New Graduates - http://www.nurse.com/jobs/search_res...s=new+graduate Little to no experience required for most of the jobs listed.

Good Luck!

[debg73]

I agree. On one of the few interviews that I was granted the nurse manager made a comment that she noticed that I had applied for quite a few positions within the system. I had actually only applied for the 2 positions on her floor at her hospital. But as many places here in Carolina we have a few hospital systems that cover a huge part of the state so that when I apply for a postion in hospital A then the hiring managers in hospitals B and C can see all the postions that I applied for. Like you its not because I was not paying attention to what I was applying; I just desperately want to work and applied to any position that looked like it might consider a new grad.

[JohnKutheRN]

I think it's sad and shortsighted on the part of hiring personnel in general to think that just because one applies online to many positions that this somehow reflects badly on the applicant! Desperate to get a job is more like it! I know I am! Yeah I have my preferences of what areas of nursing I think I'd like to get into, but at this point (massive amounts of student loan debt deferred until Nov/Dec since I lost the one job I had for only 3 months!) I'm willing to start anywhere in any area of nursing just to work as a nurse and get paid as an RN nurse!

I have Maslowian needs, like the need for security, food, shelter, etc. and in this economic culture that translates into a Maslowian need to get a regular sufficient paycheck!

[JohnKutheRN]

Here how the online application process works (or fails to) from my perspective as an applicant: First, I see a position advertised on a hospital website I wish to apply for. But first, I have to set up a multipage profile on the hospital's website, including attaching my resume and any other electronic documents I may with to attach. Then using this profile I can apply for a listed job on that website. Once I apply online I get a nice email confirming that I've applied online for the position and then one of three things happens:

1. I get a phone call from the recruiter, and hopefully a shadowing opportunity and and an interview. (I've had this happen once the day after my first online application I did and 3 or 4 more, over ever increasing time frames after my application.)

2. Nothing happens from my perspective, and I assume my online application is sitting on the HR department's computer, but no notice of any kind if sent to me (I have dozens in this state right now.)

3. I get a polite rejection email regarding the position which means to me "You didn't get the job; you don't even get an interview!" (I have gotten dozens of these.)

So with no job and no phone calls/interviews, what am I supposed to do? What I do do is apply online for more positions! But I am beginning to think I'm blacklisted or something. I get no more phone calls, just email rejections or stagnating applications on an HR computer somewhere!n :-(

And that's where I sit. :-(

[debg73]

Someone advised me to actually go to the hospital to submit the applications but unless I have a chance to actually meet and speak with the person who will be making the decision then I really do not see the point. I mean if I am going to be directed to a kiosk by some receptionist; I may as well apply via internet from home. It is frustating an disheartened at the same time. The thing that I find most frustrating are the places that do not even contact you at all to tell you that they "have decided to pursue other applicants". Then you have no idea what is going on with your app. Some of the systems here have began to limit us to 5 active applications which is really frustrating because if something new comes along that you think you migh have a chance at; you have to withdraw from another position.

On a postive note it is taking longer to get the rejection emails so maybe at least someone is at least looking at my application. I know that many times I would get the confirmation and rejection email the same day.

[HiringManager]

I am a hiring manager with many years of experience. I see thousands of resumes per month. I personally like to hire new graduates so I am able to train them the way that I want to. The biggest issue that I see with new graduates is their resume. I see many issues with grammatical errors and formatting issues. Remember that you are getting into the medical field which requires tremendous attention to detail. If you would like, I can take a look at your resume and tell you what I think. healthcarehiringmanager@yahoo.com

[WorkingOnMyRN]

Hello everyone, I am glad I found this posting. I just passed my exam, yeay! However, my situation is a little different. I am not a new grad. It took sometime to pass my nursing license, got side tracked with a growing family. Now that I have passed my exam, I am looking for guidance on where to start. I know I need to update my nursing skills, I would love to be considered for a new grad program. I even started looking into an RN refresher course here in my state but there is an 18 mos wait list. From a hiring managers point of view, what should I do? I've had nursing experience but that's been a few years ago. I would appreciate any input that you can share with me.

Thank you.

[venustk]

Hi Everyone,
I am doing the same things as you guys do. Placed my application online and never heard anything back from HR department. I have subacute experience and never had any acute care experience. I am very much want to take on a new challenge in an acute setting, but it is so frustrating not be able to get into any hospital jobs. Every where I go, they require acute care experience. How can i get my experience if they don't give me a chance. For hiring manager, please give me suggestion to what i should do? thank you.

Have a great day everyone.

[24hr-medical]

Hi everyone! I am a Medical Staffing Specialist and company hires RN's with at least one year experience. We have a lot of job openings for travel and per diem in CA. Please email me at csalangsang@24-hrmed.com or medical.staffer@yahoo.com if you are or if you know anyone who is interested. Thank you!

[starrG]

anyone knows where to apply as an entry-level RN? as in 0 working experience. tried many times but there's just none. i'm feeling depressed everyday.

[Strytellerjenn]

Me too!!! Sad and unemployed

[Raiyn]

I will be graduating in May. I have looked, a lot, on line and asked local facilities about new graduate positions. I haven't seen much on line, most facilities do not hire new graduates, most require 1-3 yrs experience in med/surg or tele...and / or the resumes I have sent online to the 2 positions available within 50 miles (that I have found) have been rejected due to "Does not meet requirements". These were both nursing internship programs set to begin after I would graduate...So, just what requirements did I not meet?? I am a GN, just like every other GN.. sigh. I would start my career in any area.. I would like to end up in the OR or L/D or ICU.

Even the agency and traveling nursing jobs expect 1-2yrs experience.
I am getting pretty worried at this point! I am even willing to re-locate..but how does that work? Do I apply and then fly out for an interview, if selected?

There are so many nurses graduating (all over), it is extremely competitive for the few GN positions available =( It is getting a little scarey.

And really? People say to walk in our resumes and ask for HR or nursing recruiter??> The facility where I work (in a support position).. the receptionist would take my resume and say "Ok, I will pass this on to...the generalist. Thank you" ** So, how will this really help me get a job any different than online apps? And how often is acceptable to call to check the status of an online app?

I wish more facilities offered new graduate internships, sigh. At this point.. I would just like the opportunity to build my experience. I hope I can find something within a few months of passing my exam. I do not think staying in my support position after passing my board is the best thing for looking for a nursing job.. I am sure it will look bad.