NEW GRAD NURSE with LICENSE can't find work...

U.S.A. California

Published

Hello everyone, I am new to Allnurses.com

I graduated in May and passed my boards this past July... Unfortunately I took my mom's advice (who is also an RN) and focused on my exam instead of applying for work. A big chunk of the new grad programs have passed and the ones starting in October have already filled up in the the Bay Area. I am trying to find work in the SF area, but unfortunately the programs are now all beginning in February.

If I can't find a program, can anyone suggest where I can work to make some money to meet my rent and other financial expenses? I was about to apply at my local Target for a job because I was so discouraged... From my knowledge, I can't just get a job anywhere because I am a new-grad.

I was originally applying to critical care training programs.. and my main goal is to find a hospital with a positive work environment and good support for new grads in training!

Any advice will help.

I can't even believe this thread! What happened to the nursing 'shortage'? Maybe it's just another excuse to bring in foreign nurses and underpay them.

People seem to be missing the problem here, that really doesn't have much to do with the shortage. If you could hire a new grad and turn them loose on the floor right away, that would be one thing ... but you can't.

They need several weeks of orientation, which means you have to find nurses to precept them, have them attend classes, etc. which takes up a lot of staff time. Meanwhile, you've got other nursing students, externs, etc. coming in from the schools that's tying up your staff also.

So, in some facilites, there are limits as to how many new grads they can take at one time because new grads need a lot of orientation. It's not the same thing as hiring an experienced nurse where you don't have to do all of that.

A new grad is not a fully functional nurse that can fill vacancies right away and immediately alleviate staff shortages. It's not that simple.

:typing

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Specializes in Psych, DD, SNF, DOU/Tele.

Wow.

I'm in the same boat. I live in the IE and am ready to sell my home and move out of state to find a job. I graduated in May. I got my kicense in July but thought that I'd do the right thing and spend time with those kids I haven't seen in awhile. Now what? I'm willing to work med-surg.

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Sounds like you are just being too particular for your situation. You have to be more flexible as to location and shift at least for the first 6 mos or so. Try a SNF, learn what you can and then go on to acute.

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Specializes in Psych, DD, SNF, DOU/Tele.

As a Clifornia licensed Psych Tech, I've worked Psych & SNF for almost 26 years. If I could get my foot in the door at this point, I would take a night shift, although it would mean 4-5h sleep/day so that I could fight the lovely So Cal evening off-work rush.

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Hello everyone, I am new to Allnurses.com

Any advice will help.

As one of the poster mention you are being particular about your situation. My advice is to change your goal as you mention "to find a hospital with a positive work environment and good support for new grads in training!" You've accomplished a huge goal, you're a nurse. If you have financial obligations then getting into anything in nursing should be your first goal. Then when your there focus and learn alittle, at the same time look for whatever your looking for.

I was making 15.00/hr as a CNA when I graduated a nurse. I'm limited as to where I can apply because lots of specialty don't hire lpn's. My first job as nurse, I was making the same amount $15.00/hr at an LTC. How pathetic can that be to many, but to me it was just a job to get my foot in. 9 months later, I found what I was looking for a supportive working environment, a VERY clean workplace $11.00/hr more. So, get what you can for now and look later....

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Specializes in Geriatrics, MS, ICU.

I initially had the same problem. I started to become very discouraged but it all worked out. I would apply for a job in med-surg somewhere. You will get the opportunity to improve on your assessment skills. Have you tried to apply for a float position in one of the hospitals? A float position will allow you to see all of the units and you can meet a lot of unit directors and staff. This will allow you to really make a good impression. Another idea is to apply for one of the positions that requires weekends or nights. If you do not have small children this works out well because there are several shifts that all hospitals have a hard time filling. Don't try to specialize right now, just get your feet in the door and build on your experience.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Psych, DD, SNF, DOU/Tele.

It's not that I'm being particular about my situation. Like I said, I've been a licensed professional (PT) working in a state hospital for over 25y. I have all kinds of experience, mostly psych, snf, icf. The problem was, they weren't calling back. Finally yesterday, I got the call I've been waiting for after submitting an online app just Friday. I interviewed yesterday & got the job on a DOU/Tele floor making $4-6 more/hr than my classmates that started right after graduation, the reason being that I have 25+ years experience in the field.

Thanks all for your responses. Particularly Lizz. You were right on the mark.

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I just found a job too - days. But, i start per diem which is okay...it's more money w/out benes and flexible... in an acu where I will get fulltime training just as any regular staff personnel...praise God. So... it'll work and later on...what comes will come.

But yes it can be tough as a new grad depending on where you live.

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Specializes in Psych, DD, SNF, DOU/Tele.

777RNThats Me,

How exciting for you. You got your foot in the door. That's what matters. It's not that easy. Some places are a little slow at responding to their applicants.

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