In this rocky economy, I've noticed more and more hospitals opting to hire more experienced RNs as opposed to new graduates. I'm graduating in May 2012, and my options for potential employment are limited. I'm graduating from a top nursing school in the state, and I've worked hard to power through nursing school. I'm looking for some advice on how to land that first job. Are there other places, besides hospitals, that would be willing to hire a new grad RN?

I live in a relatively small city, and a hospital in my town had closed its doors only a month before I graduated. I worried about finding a job as an RN because I figured that all the local hospitals would hire experienced nurses. However, I got a list of all the hospitals within an hour of my house, and decided to apply at the closest one first, and go from there. I applied at the first one after I graduated (before I had even taken the NCLEX-RN), they called me within a week and hired me. It was true that they had hired 3 nurses from the hospital that closed, but obviously they had room for one more. Good luck with your job search!

 Thanks, Erika2011. That is encouraging. I am still on the job hunt Teresa, even though I have two more months to graduation. On top of the pressure of taking NCLEX and doing well in my classes, I'm planning a cross-country move. Needless to say, I'm stressed. Searching for jobs in a different state is so much harder! So far, I have had two really good leads and various other facilities that have given me internship information, but I can't apply until after I have recieved licensure. I have even had some facilities be completely honest with me, and have told me to search elsewhere. So I'm kinda stuck in limbo for the time being. And there is nothing as nerve-racking as just waiting. Especially when many of my peers in my home state have already begun applying and recieving call backs for interviews. But as you have said, Teresa, "there is a place for all of us." I just have to keep reminding myself of that every time I start to get discouraged. Any other encouragement and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you both.