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

[kinkyhair]

Has anyone tried the nursing homes? They may not be your ideal places to work seen as everyone wants to work in level one trauma hospitals, but it's a start until you get what you want. AND you get some experience. If you haven't done so, try applying at one of them. That's how I got my start, and 15 years later I am exactly where I want to be.

[FamiliesProsper]

I'd be happy to talk to you. Don't despair. You have a great background and a good heart.

[JaneDoeRN]

From an Rn who's been around the block and is well seasoned, I have to say that applying for positions online should be only one way of job seeking. In my experience, a combination of online applications, the old fashioned newspaper and just applying in person will give you more exposure to what's out there. To be truthful, in my 30 yrs of exp (give or take a year or two), there have been several occasions where I was offered a job "on the spot" so to speak. I think sometimes in this world of technology we sometimes overlook the power of meeting someone in person, introducing yourself and asking about employment. I think sometimes all the online apps can become a blur to a recruiter or HR rep. Meeting someone in person can open a lot of doors that an online application can't. Don't give up ! and Best of Luck to you!

[JaneDoeRN]

I don't think a nursing home or SNF is the best start for a new graduate. I think some acute care experience under one's belt is of benefit to the patients (residents) and the new nurse as well. I've worked in SNF in the recent years, and found my years of experience to be of GREAT help. These days an RN on a SNF may be responsible for 30 + patients many fairly fresh post ops by herself but for a CNA or 2. Especially on a 3-11 shift. It can be extremely overwhelming if you don't have to experience to be able to prioritize and "triage" in a sense. Even with experience, it's an extremely stressful field.

[NURSEDETROIT]

Yeah, well welcome to the "new and improved" HR hiring practices; you email your C.V. into a black hole; then rarely if ever get a response; either positive or negative; not even a "thank you for considering us. . . " Here, the unfortunate reality appears that it is to the benefit of the hospital, not you. Might I suggest you read a book, called "Nurse Abuse: Impact and Resolution." Available on Amazon; explains the nature, mechanisms, tactics, psychology, and rationale for what is happening in our healthcare system. It is most informative, clear, comprehensive for those who choose to want to understand. . .I wish someone had given me this book when I graduated. . .I've been subjected to almost all the "professional" antics as described in that book. . .

[utopiasmith]

I hope that sharing my experience will give someone a lift. I am re-entering the nursing profession after 15 years away in a different field. I have been licensed since 1977. My nursing experience is broad and I have had 2 great careers but I am really looking forward to getting back into nursing. Although not required in MIchigan, I enrolled in a nurse refresher course through MIchigan state University. The program has 15 modules 100% on line. A 120 hour clinical is also a requirement.

To cut to the chase- my job search was exactly as has been posted, multiple applications with little to no feedback from the facilities I applied to. It is indeed very difficult to deal with because at times it looked so hopeless. I have not yet been given an actual job offer- but I finally got 2 interviews, since I applied to the midnight shift, the head nurse at both facilities has asked me to come in on the midnight shift for another "interview". I am taking this as a positive sign and will post in a month or so to update. Do not lose hope, persistence pays off and the best advice given in this forum is that enthusiasm and excitement are sometimes just what it takes to get noticed.

As far as applying for multiple positions- I view that as a positive, it shows your commitment to expand your list of desired positions as well as your flexibility.
Good luck to all and I am keeping my fingers crossed that the next time I post- I will be employed!

[utopiasmith]

4th of July and I start my new job as an inpatient hemodialysis nurse within the next week. This is a job I wanted and I am ecstatic. For a while, as a re- entry nurse no one was responding to any of my online applications and resumes, keep the faith- the job you want will materialize, just keep at it and try not to lose hope.

[dd206667]

I am one frustrated new graduate registered nurse. I have been out of school for 5 months and licensed as a registered nurse for 2 months and still no job! i Started looking for jobs WAY before I graduated. I have applied everywhere, and nothing. Everyone wants experience. Where do you get experience from? not the nursing homes because I have applied there too. I have a bachelors degree from a pretty good school and I did well in nursing school and no job. I wish someone had told me how difficult it would be, but as of now I feel defeated and ready to give up.

[TNLPN78]

I'm a LPN with 5 years' experience and I've had a hard time finding a job. The big, local healthcare providers all refuse applications and resumes in person, they route you to their website. I've gotten some of the polite "you're not worthy of an interview" emails and some "your resume has been forwarded to the appropriate recruiter for processing" emails but have never heard back--and it's been over 6 weeks for some of these. I, too, feel like I'm blacklisted! I've had several interviews with other organizations and don't get a response so I had to check my online profile for one to find out that "other candidates are being considered" for that job--whether it's one I interviewed for or not, and their basic requirements are 6 months experience (remember, I've got 5 years). So frustrating!!!

[tommyjhons67]

Hello guys
I am new comer here would like to talk..........

[DarekM824]

Nice thread thanks for the infos shared, I know it's very hard for us newly grads. but I know there are lot of nursing agencies out there, that needed new nurses, nurses are still in demand... but we have to start like this, just stay focus and in the end you will be sucessful.. ;-D

[amygarside]

I can feel your frustration, it is not really fair sometimes that they would want experienced nurses instead of hiring new graduates. My advise to you is to continue on and I am sure that there will be hospitals or other health care institutions that will realize your full potential as a nurse. Don't give up at this point, I know it may be hard but sometimes we need to continue on to find the right job for us.

[Absolute12]

Hi I am looking for RN, if anybody is interested please call 3035024151

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.

[Absolute12]

Hi , i have new opened home health care, and looking for full staff, 3035024151

[SFRN225]

Thank you "HiringManager" for your kind offer to look at a new grad's resume. I just tried to email it to you, and it bounced back ("If you would like, I can take a look at your resume and tell you what I think. healthcarehiringmanager@yahoo.com"). Maybe you're getting an avalanche of resumes? Or should I just keep trying to send?