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by Jan RN

I thought there was a nursing shortage. Maybe it is my situation. I graduated with a BSN in 1977, worked for a while, then raised my kids. I let my license lapse too long. Was told I Had to retake NCLEX!! Well, was determined to get my license back, so I studied for about a year constantly. I took it in july 07 and passed in 70 questions! I hope this doesnt sound braggy, but I am really proud that I did it. Then, I enrolled in an RN refresher program through Michigan State Univ. and got a certificate for that. NOw, I cant find a job!! Sure, there are midnight jobs, but I am 50 yrs old (a young 50) and I did the midnight thing years ago. NO CAN DO!! Everything else wants a year of med surg first, but I cant even find that on afternoons or days. Any suggestions?? Thanks, Jan

[dld]

Re: Where are the jobs???

It was like that when I graduated back in 92, after the work redesign. I worked in a SNF for 9 months, then I was acceptable. Look for a specialty training program designed for new grads, esp. if you have a University hospital near you. It is hard to break in, but once you do, you will have it made.

[elkpark]

Re: Where are the jobs???

Welcome to allnurses!

There are lots of threads/discussions here about the controversial nursing "shortage." The reality at this point is that many areas of the country (these tend to be the more popular, desirable areas to live) are saturated with nurses and many people are having trouble finding jobs. Other areas (less "popular" areas) do have marked shortages. It seems to be more a maldistribution of nurses than a real shortage.

Of course, employers love all the publicity about the "shortage" and to carry on about how they can't find help, because that justifies short-staffing and overworking staff, and importing foreign nurses to keep salaries down and working conditions poor.

I am about your age, and I hear what you're saying about having already paid your dues on noc shift, but the reality is that the more flexible and agreeable you are about at least getting your foot in the door of a hospital/facility, the easier time you'll have finding a job. If there are third shift jobs available, maybe it's worth at least starting out on nocs to get started again? Of course, that's your choice to make.

Congratulations on all your hard work to get your license again -- that's quite an accomplishment! I hope you will enjoy participating on this site -- we are glad to have you here! Best wishes --

[jjjoy]

Re: Where are the jobs???

As dld noted, it may be tough to land that first job back, but once you do, you're set. So while many may say no to you, you only need one to say yes.

Do you have any particular type of nursing that you are looking at? Have you considered LTC?

I'd also suggest seeing if you can apply for new grad spots so that you could probably benefit from a longer orientation program.

Finally, go in to HR departments in person. Sometimes they will just brush you off, but others will immediately introduce you to nurse managers and that kind of face to face contact can help the manager get a better feel for your readiness for this big leap - as opposed to just skimming your resume along with several others who don't have long gaps in their practice.

[snowfreeze]

Re: Where are the jobs???

I graduated in 92 and found a job about 2 1/2 months after graduation. I took whatever was available and after the first 6 months I transferred to the unit I wanted.
I was a paramedic prior to nursing school and had worked as an agency nurse aid. I did walk in applications on tuesdays and thursdays mid morning....most of the unit heads were not in meetings those days back then and I was able to ask for a tour of the unit I was interested in.

[hope3456]

Re: Where are the jobs???

I live in a 'desirable' area (as Elkpark stated) where there is NO nursing shortage and since graduating nsg school 3 years ago have just taken what I could get just to get a job. Just to give an example......

I applied online to a hospital in another part of the state last week and received a call within minutes of submitting my app. and the nurse recruiter said I could have my choice of which medsurg floor I wanted to work on.......works for me the problem is my DH hates this town and doesn't want to move with me and this community isn't the most 'desirable' to live in - I really like the town where I live and so do alot of other nurses who relocate here - for the same reason I did. Close to the mtns, good schools, nice climate, ect. Obviously nurses gravitate towards the 'nicer' communities......an example of the 'maldistribution' as well.

[whoofers]

Re: Where are the jobs???

Why don't you apply for the night job just to get to the interview with the manager. Human Resource's job is just to screen you through to the manager, anyway. If you seem to hit it off with the manager, and are offered a job, then go and tell about your problem with overnights. Do it in more of a 'can you help me with a problem' way. Nurses, by nature, are problem sovers & if the manager really wants you, I am sure things could be worked out. Anyway, you probably would benefit from the day shift because of your reentry needing a short time with a preceptor (and most new grads are afforded day shift while in their initial training). Maybe you could bring this up when you get that interview with the manager.

Best wishes for success

[elkpark]

Re: Where are the jobs???

Originally Posted by whoofers

Why don't you apply for the night job just to get to the interview with the manager. Human Resource's job is just to screen you through to the manager, anyway. If you seem to hit it off with the manager, and are offered a job, then go and tell about your problem with overnights. Do it in more of a 'can you help me with a problem' way. Nurses, by nature, are problem sovers & if the manager really wants you, I am sure things could be worked out. Anyway, you probably would benefit from the day shift because of your reentry needing a short time with a preceptor (and most new grads are afforded day shift while in their initial training). Maybe you could bring this up when you get that interview with the manager.

Best wishes for success

I'm certainly no expert on this sort of thing, but I would not recommend applying for a night job and then telling the NM that you're not interested in working nights if you get offered the job! If I were the NM, my immediate reaction would be, "Then why the !@#$ were you wasting my time?!?!" and I would be sure to avoid having any further dealings with you. I think it would be v. easy for that strategy to backfire.

[Otessa]

Re: Where are the jobs???

I agree with getting your foot in the door. I have started on nights and was able to get into days pretty quickly. Maybe evenings would be more agreeable. Also, if you don't have to work full time it may not be as hard on you working evenings or nights.