New Grad Nurse – How Do I Get A Job When Nobody Will Give Me A Chance?
Every Manager & Job tells me I need experience! How do I get experience as a New Graduate Nurse when nobody will give me a freaking job?
We all have felt this way. It’s a total catch 22 here in over saturated California.
Everybody says “There’s a nursing shortage.” We certainly don’t see that as being true – at least not new (and old) grads.
So what can you do to stand out and get managers to notice you?
1. Internship – There are a few in Northern CA that I know of. 🌟 JVS in SF Free. 🌟 RCNP Rural CA Nursing Program at Chico State. About 150 hours on a unit with preceptor $1,000. 🌟
Totally frustrating that we have to pay more $ after we just shelled out tons for school. Unless you can relocate out of the Bay Area – you got to play the game.
2. Get on LinkedIn – join groups, submit articles so Managers can see your passion and involvement. Connect with others who are in the job you want. See how they did it. Ask their advice. Managers do look at social media when seeking new hires!
3. Article also suggests other ways. Snapchat, Instagram.
Let’s say you really want ER. 🚑 Make a Pinterest group and search out everything you can find relating to ER Nursing. You would end up learning a ton and have an awesome reference for others who feel the same. Definitely something you could talk about in interviews. Never know, somebody could notice and offer you a job. Yeah – it’s out of the box, but when you are sitting home applying for hours, you need an outlet. Plus it’s a great way to learn new things, AND it may get you noticed.
4. Volunteer – We talk about this all the time. Google “Volunteer” and see what pops up in your area. If you ❤️ Mom Baby, look up places like First Five, They love volunteers. There are loads of options out there! You will many who value the same things you do. Some may help you land that dream job.
5. Volunteer even at a for profit company. Check out your local hospital websites. Many have a volunteer tab. Volunteering is a great way to meet those in charge and those who can recommend you. Plus you will get to see how things work.
Yeah, you don’t get paid and you won’t get to use your nursing skills, but if can pay off. Let’s say you are volunteering and you see something that needs addressing. You could figure out what you would suggest. Take that idea to the manager. Manager may love that idea and your proactive approach and hire you! That’s thinking out of the box!
6. Get more certificates. I know, it is frustrating that you spent a ton of $ on school and NCLEX and now you must spend more for certificates. If you want a specialty, spend the money! Write them off on your taxes – save those receipts $ talk to your tax person.
‼️Remember, new grads are not only up against the other hundreds is new grads, they are also up against all the old stale grads who are frustrated in non acute jobs (or still looking) and ARE doing everything possible to land these offers. Be prepared, you are up against stiff competition.
7. PREP PREP PREP – yes even before you apply. Who are on your top employer bucket list? Why? What do you know about them? What will you bring? Definitely target your application to all of those. Less work you will have to do when you get an interview and start freaking out about how you will answer those pesky behavioral questions.
🌟 We have loads of posts with tons of advice to help get you through inside our Facebook Group ~ RNInterview Tools. YOU have to do the work. Search within our group. Dig through the posts. Read the pinned post where we list our top topics and start searching.
We do appreciate when you seek out an answer before asking.
💜 If you cannot find out or need more assistance, definitely post your question or ask a moderator to post anonymously. Directions are in the pinned post inside the Facebook Group.
😳 Yes, it is a ton of work to land a job in California but it is doable! Many have proved that it can be done. Do what resonates with you.
Think out of the box, show your passion, confidence and go for it. 💜
