Cant find a job in almost 6 months. Thats ridiculous!

RazorbackRN, BSN, RN · Feb 24, 2006

I just can't believe that there isn't more to the story than this. I live in Little Rock, AR and the shortage here is tremendous! There are a ton of RN positions available and since the shortage is so bad, the hospitals are hiring new grads in nearly every dept, especially at UAMS.

I, too, have to wonder about your accent. What about your licensure? Are you licensed in Arkansas?

pedinurse05 · Feb 24, 2006

Hello from a very frustrated and depressed Israeli RN.
It's been almost 6 months since i started looking for a job and i still dont have any. I have applied to a numerous hospitals for so many positions and no one calls me back.
I graduated from college cum laude, i passed my NCLEX-RN from the very first attempt, i am very motivated and eager to work. The only problematic thing is that i dont have much of experience(6-8 months pure experience).
But then again, i apply only for those positions that do not require experience at all, like positions for new grads or for positions that require only limited experience. And still i do not get any calls back. In close to 6 months i had only 2 interviews, THATS IT! What is wrong with me besides the fact that i am not a very experienced nurse? But I solved it by applying for specific positions that would accept even a new grad. How come they reject me and immediately decide they dont want me if they dont even know me and I answer their criteria? What i learned that hospitals hire their new grads, who studied in the nursing school, affiliated to their hospital. While being a student, during hospital training and practice or part time work, students book in advance their places in the hospital and go to work there as soon as they pass their NCLEX. So the ONLY people with no experience that the hospital will accept-is its own students. Is it fair to other nurses? I dont think so. Sort of discrimination isnt it? So i am neither their new grad, nor a very exprienced nurse. Where do i come in the picture? Nowhere, right? So S***w me and dont hire me.
Its ridiculous and sad that in almost 6 months i applied for about 30 different positoins and i do not get ANY CALLS BACK WHATSOEVER. Is it normal?
Ok, one last thing to ask-there are companies that provide employment to nurses and other medical professions-like"Nursing stuffing" whatever.
Its not travel nursing but if you agree they send to to different hospital every shift within the city or state. You're being like a substitute nurse for a specific shift in a specific hospital. The company however offers you a benefits.
I dont know whether its worth working like that but what to do if every hospital doesnt want me for a reason i dont know about.
Thanks for the attention
P.S. I live in Conway, Arkansas, and i applied to all the hospitals in Little Rock, not just my 1 local hospital.
Also i didnt come to the U.S. with employment visa, but with K-3 visa(my husband is U.S citizen and i will be getting my green card soon)

I tend to agree with some of the other posters about the language barrier. I also would not do agency nursing until you have some hospital experience here...it can be hairy going to new hospitals with little experience, as they expect you to work with little guidance. Come to Cali where we have many RN openings! Sorry to hear about your job search.

rjflyn, ASN, RN · Feb 24, 2006

Somethinthg is not right. Most places are hiring anyone with a license and a pulse. One thing to look at is that you are using the hospitals preffered system for application. As an example I know of a couple hospitals if you dont apply online and file out their application in full your resume just gets dumped in the trash. One other thimg to do is to send your resume directly to the hiring management. HR departments are famous for lost applications, resumes and other paper work. That and HR is dealing with all the other staff that need hiring as well.

The other option is MOVE, there are 49 other states with plenty of jobs just waiting to be filled and like I said you have a license and a pulse someone needs you.

RJ

Rosewine · Feb 24, 2006

i come from out-of-state. i've been trying to find a job for new rn in oregon but in vain. it has been really hard. there are many ad for nurses...but they mostly need at least one year of experience!

i find it really frustrating and depressing. it is good news to pass the nclex but only to realize it is all just a delusion.

it is not easy to just move to another state. this is because you have the family to think about. your spouse needs to work too! work is not easily found even if you are highly educated.

i am really sad...and there are so many nursing students been produced by the schools here. such a large supply, but where is the demand?

lannisz · Feb 24, 2006

What is the difference between an agency and a travel company? Is it the same, just length of assignment?

DidiRN · Feb 25, 2006

Maybe this is your problem...but I don't know. Suzanne4 would be a good one to ask.

Also i didnt come to the U.S. with employment visa, but with K-3 visa(my husband is U.S citizen and i will be getting my green card soon)

LilPeanut, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 25, 2006

I do have to say I agree with the others. You think your english is perfect, and people might tell you it is very good, but I picked up a few grammatical issues in your posts that mark you immediately as being a non-native english speaker, which is usually a warning sign that the speech also has difficulties at times.

Rosewine · Feb 25, 2006

Frankly speaking, most people do not have the patience to listen to someone with an accent. They may just appear like they are listening to you, when in fact, they neither understand nor care to clarify what you are saying. It may help to speak slower.

It is hard being an 'Alien'.

You think your english is perfect... but I picked up a few grammatical issues in your posts that mark you immediately as being a non-native english speaker, which is usually a warning sign that the speech also has difficulties at times.

I know of friends, both native and non-native English speakers, who speak much better than they can write and vice versa.

From first-hand experience, it can be extremely hard to find a nursing job without RN experience. Perhaps, harder for people with a foreign accent, among other factors.

buddiage · Feb 25, 2006

My idea would be to not only review your resume, but go in person and talk to the nursing recruiter. No over the phone stuff.

LilPeanut, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 25, 2006

that is very possible Rosewine, but if someone's english is "perfect" they don't have those issues that people could pick up on at all, YKWIM?

Midwest4me · Feb 25, 2006

You mention that you don't get any calls back. Do you follow up each application/resume with a phone call or another visit? I would sugest making follow-up calls and/or visits within a few days of each application you're serious about. Though many states do have a nursing shortage, the applicant that stands out (and gets the job) is the one who has (nearly)made a pest of herself/himself. It' worked for me. Good Luck!

Rosewine · Feb 25, 2006

I called the HR after I submitted the application once....but the answer would be something like,"We have many applicants....no time to answer everything...if you receive no reply, that's it"

I had seen some of them in one of the hospital's Open House. All smiles but no reply. Felt very dejected....

Go in and talk with a nurse recruiter? Go and see them in person after I submit the application? What if I pose as a patient's family member and asked to speak to a nurse manager?

Ok, sounds good. However, should I make appointment with them first? Do I just barge into the HR office? Security will stop me, won't they?

I was taught to be polite and orderly in my home country...so....????