Feeling hopeless can't find an entry level job

I graduated with a BSN last summer, but due to an immediate family illness (cancer), I could not work right away. I passed the NCLEX, and have been looking for an entry level job for over 3 months now. Most places ask for experience, and I can't seem to find graduate nurse positions. I have also been told by a couple recruiters that it doesn't look good that graduated last year and haven't had nursing experience. But how do I explain personal issues on a cover letter, and would they care?
I am feeling hopeless and don't know what to do. I feel like all the stress and money I spent in nursing school will not pay off, and I may never be able to find a job. I had my heart set on nursing and think that now it will never happen.
Are there people who just never find an entry level nursing job?
Anyone have any advice?
I am sorry to hear that!
Get an internship program, or take a refresher course at a community college that is affiliated with a nursing school. some places like http://www.giantcareers.com/gsn_gn_home.htm#june2008 will train you and have excellent opportunities. which state are you in?
Definitely explain your delay in job-seeking in your cover letter. They don't need the details, but they need to be reassured that there is no reason not to hire you. You should be able to do it in 3 or 4 sentences. Say something like:"As you can see from my resume, I took a little time between graduation and searching for my first RN job. I needed that time to care for a seriously ill family member (or whatever). That situation is resolved now and I look forward to beginning my career and am prepared to make a full time committment to work at your hospiatl." ..... or something along those lines.Also, be sure your application is top-notch -- resume, letters of recommendation, etc. Be prepared to be flexible with your work schedule ... the specific specialty ... etc. You are just trying to get your foot in the door at this point: don't insist on perfection. Network ... go to job fairs, open houses, etc. Do some volunteer work to meet people in health care who might be able to help you get a job.Whatever you do ... DON'T just submit an online application and wait for them to call you. You need to meet people face-to-face (or at least talk on the phone) so that you have the opportunity to make a good impression on them. Direct communication will also give you information on your local job market. Ask questions of recruiters and other people "in the know" to find out what is happening in your town, what people are looking for, etc. Then become that person they are looking for.
wow this is shocking, there is a world wide nursing shortage.. where do you live?? ANY CITY i know of is screaming for nurses, even new grad programs are EVERYWHERE out west..you should relocate, california has a million new grad programs in like every specialty...
Quote from KCINGet an internship program, or take a refresher course at a community college that is affiliated with a nursing school. some places like http://www.giantcareers.com/gsn_gn_home.htm#june2008 will train you and have excellent opportunities. which state are you in?
Quote from lovelightRNwow this is shocking, there is a world wide nursing shortage.. where do you live?? ANY CITY i know of is screaming for nurses, even new grad programs are EVERYWHERE out west..you should relocate, california has a million new grad programs in like every specialty...
Quote from llgDefinitely explain your delay in job-seeking in your cover letter. They don't need the details, but they need to be reassured that there is no reason not to hire you. You should be able to do it in 3 or 4 sentences. Say something like:"As you can see from my resume, I took a little time between graduation and searching for my first RN job. I needed that time to care for a seriously ill family member (or whatever). That situation is resolved now and I look forward to beginning my career and am prepared to make a full time committment to work at your hospiatl." ..... or something along those lines.Also, be sure your application is top-notch -- resume, letters of recommendation, etc. Be prepared to be flexible with your work schedule ... the specific specialty ... etc. You are just trying to get your foot in the door at this point: don't insist on perfection. Network ... go to job fairs, open houses, etc. Do some volunteer work to meet people in health care who might be able to help you get a job.Whatever you do ... DON'T just submit an online application and wait for them to call you. You need to meet people face-to-face (or at least talk on the phone) so that you have the opportunity to make a good impression on them. Direct communication will also give you information on your local job market. Ask questions of recruiters and other people "in the know" to find out what is happening in your town, what people are looking for, etc. Then become that person they are looking for.
yes i know what you are talking about, im from the east coast, i had to relocate to texas for my internship in the NICU!!! texas and california has the most internships available usually several times per year..in all specialties..can you relocate out of NJ??I bet NYC has a ton of internships or miami, florida..good luck girl!!!
I'm out west and there are very few jobs for new grads....you're golden if you have >1 yr. experience and you're fool's gold if you're new.Quote from lovelightRNwow this is shocking, there is a world wide nursing shortage.. where do you live?? ANY CITY i know of is screaming for nurses, even new grad programs are EVERYWHERE out west..you should relocate, california has a million new grad programs in like every specialty...
I'm in the same boat. I'm doing home health just to bring in some income and I've been applying to all the hospitals. I'm in San Diego and I find it appauling that new grad RN's are getting snubbed due to lack of experience. I posted a resume on Monster and got numerous offers from registries but I don't feel comfortable working for a registry as a new grad. I would never want to jepoardize my license for a quick buck. I really need some guidance. I feel lost and frustrated. I recently had a phone interview with hospital and I think I bummed the interview because I was extremely nervous. They have a 16 week new grad program which is perfect for me. I'm so depressed and ashamed that I can't land a hospital job. I'm just tired of hearing "we are not hiring right now..but you can go to our trusty-dusty website and apply". Seriously, I need some help.
Quote from hellonurse1I'm in the same boat. I'm doing home health just to bring in some income and I've been applying to all the hospitals. I'm in San Diego and I find it appauling that new grad RN's are getting snubbed due to lack of experience. I posted a resume on Monster and got numerous offers from registries but I don't feel comfortable working for a registry as a new grad. I would never want to jepoardize my license for a quick buck. I really need some guidance. I feel lost and frustrated. I recently had a phone interview with hospital and I think I bummed the interview because I was extremely nervous. They have a 16 week new grad program which is perfect for me. I'm so depressed and ashamed that I can't land a hospital job. I'm just tired of hearing "we are not hiring right now..but you can go to our trusty-dusty website and apply". Seriously, I need some help.
I am amazed about how different the job picture is in different areas of the country. In North East Ohio the shortage isn't critical but you coud find 10 FT nights ond 5-6 FT or SFT afternoon jobs in a week. If you want day shift- good luck, it will take 6mos to a year to see a dayshift position, but if it is just a starting position you are looking for consider how far away you are willing to relocate. You may find 100 miles will make a big difference in whats avail.