New Grad Nurses struggling to find jobs - CNN Reporter wants to hear from you - Page 5

Thank you so much. Finally! I hope the truth gets out.

I think this is a great story. But one thing I hope the reporter will do when gathering all of this information or anyone that responds to the reporter will give some geographical information. At least the state they are in to help everyone know where the trouble areas are and where the successful areas are. I will be graduating in July and hope and pray I don't have the trouble so many are having. Good luck to everyone!

What I was describing was a shortage of nurses actually doing the nursing *because* of chronic short staffing, not a shortage of potential nurses sitting at home waiting for a job lead.

I thought that was pretty clear.

Any chance future posters on this topic would feel comfortable including their region/state/closest city with their story?? I'm sure I can't be the only student nurse lurking on this thread and holding my breath!

Like The X-Files: The Truth is Out There.

where do you live mmgirlsmom?

I live in Southern California (Inland Empire to be exact), and graduated from an LVN program March 2012. Got my license July 2, 2012 and got a job July 31, 2012. Only reason I got a job was the ADON had contacted our Director about a job opening and the Director sent an email to to the new graduating classes. Not sure if I was the first to respond, but I was the only one from my school that was hired at that facility. Only bad thing is I have a 45 minute drive to work.

Word of advice, esp. to new LVN/LPN grads: dress nicely (business casual) and actually walk into the facility to get an application. I turned in at least 10 applications online and actually walking in was what got me a job. Yes, I work at a LTC facility, but I know the local hospital doesn't want me without any experience. If you can, work as a CNA for a few months to help you get your foot into the door. People who previously worked as a CNA were more likely to get a job, opposed to those with no experience - this is pertaining to people that graduated from the same program that I did. We are a small private program and graduated with a class of 20 or so. I can honestly say that maybe half of us have jobs as an LVN.

I completed this survey! So glad we have the opportunity as new graduates to be heard! I graduated May 2012, licensed in June. I've been searching for a little over 9 months now...and it is just getting more and more difficult to be optimistic.

I graduated w/ a BSN, honors, and over 5 years of healthcare experience and still unable to land a job as a new graduate...In the first few months I was really getting depressed...but kept telling myself that there are other new graduates that have it worse. At least I had a job and it's in the medical field...

I've landed several interviews here and there but nothing came from them (as of yet). I'm praying for a better year. My fellow new graduate nurses I feel your pain!!!

Where do you live?

Not only in the USA but also in other countries. I am nurse from the Philippines who will be moving to New Zealand for better opportunities. Good luck to our careers fellow nurses. Have a great day