It frustrating to think how much time you spent in nursing school just to be unemployed and begging for job after graduation and licensure. I consider myself luckier than others considering I did not have to pay for my schooling. But 2 weeks ago I was in the unemployment line. i have been applying but employers need experienced nurses. What happen to the shortage of nurses? I guess my research before was wrong-that nurses will always find work. Just venting out...from Hawaii.

Oh I know it. I finally picked up a job but everyone said to me "Oh, they need nurses everywhere, you won't have a problem". Not so these days...it's tough but something will open up, be patient, it takes time.

I finally got mine, per diem, but they have me doing orientation on 12 hour shifts on a small acute/rehab floor...12 hours = quicker burn out IMO

I know experienced RNs in the area that have 2-3 jobs. It crazy how they employers do that. How do new nurses get experience if you won't hire 'em. Thanks for replying, giving hope...mahalo.

Im right there with ya. I Have been applying for the last year with no luck. in two months i have to renew with out acctually using my liscense. Sucks but I keep hoping I'll find something.

It's really frustrating. But all we can do is cross fingers and hope and pray that somehow the employers would accept our applications.

I'm sure you are doing this but...CALL the managers! I was leaving messages for every position I applied for sometimes more than one.. Some returned my call saying they didnt have a position for me but to keep looking. Just keep your name in their heads.Network! You never know who knows who and in the world of healthcare its all about who you know (unfortunately).Good Luck!

i am in the same boat. i can't find a job and i just feel like giving up for the whole month of february i really didn't apply for any jobs i was just tired of the same old stuff not even getting phone calls back except the whole time i have been searching i got one call back and still no job. i am going to start applying again to see what happens, i really feel sorry for all the new nurses that can't find a job and they really need a job to pay their bills. good luck to all of us!!!!!!

Yep...went to a job fair today, only 4 hospitals there btw & reps from 2 of them said "no positions for new grads, absolutely no!" and 1 other told me they only had two new grad positions. There will soon be over 100 new grads from my school alone

I guess it depends on what part of the country you are in. Here in WV (Charleston area), new grad nurses are snapped up by local hospitals the day they get their temporary license. I graduated in December and had 3 different job offers before I actually graduated. This area isn't the best paying in the country, but not the worst either. I started at $19.00 an hour.

I agree with LoveANurse! I don't know how many times I've gotten different opportunities (not necessary with nursing) by being persistent and networking. Try to keep a positive attitude and smile even if you are not feeling in the mood to it. People will take notice to your positivity and perception on your outlook on life. You will eventually find a job!

Well, I am in the same boat, passed boards December of 09 as a RN, been a LPN since may of 08, I've worked in nursing homes since becoming a nurse. I have applied to multiple hospitals in my area (Sussex County, Delaware) and when I get my email response, it says I don't qualify for the position because of my lack of experience. They would rather have a position unfilled than to take a chance on a new nurse. If no one gives me a chance, how will I ever gain experience?!?!?! I love nursing and am almost sick of working in a nursing home but they just LOVE RN's there. I didn't go through hell in nursing school to lose all my "somewhat" knowledge I learned in nursing school. What can I do!!??!

P.S. there is no way I can meet with anyone prior to turning in an application because all the hospitals require online applications?!

At the moment, the economic is really bad and part of it, is depend where you live.

I am currently working as a CNA, even though I passed the boards because I want to keep my "foot in the door". I was told by HR that I should either go take a "refresher course" to keep my skills up to date or go back to school for my BSN. Now I don't know which to do.