Hiring Freeze and New Grad

sunray12 · Apr 13, 2009

I can attest to there being no jobs for new grads in Philly. After applying for every job within an hour commute I came up empty. Every single recruiter I got on the phone said, "We're not hiring new grads right now. Maybe in a couple of months." There are TONS of jobs posted, but believe me, they are not hiring. I moved back in with my parents and am working in a crappy small town where there is an actual "nursing shortage." It's pretty terrible.

But the point is that you have a job and in a year you'll no longer be a new grad and then you'll be golden. Congrats.

nminodob · Apr 13, 2009

http://pennhealth.hodesiq.com/careers/joblist.asp
Thats for Penn Hospital only, pages upon pages of jobs!

I clicked on the link and quickly found jobs - with the minimum qual being 1-2 years experience! I know you are trying to be helpful, but this is a perfect example of the problem!

Jules A, MSN · Apr 13, 2009

i clicked on the link and quickly found jobs - with the minimum qual being 1-2 years experience! i know you are trying to be helpful, but this is a perfect example of the problem!

well a perfect example of the problem is also people that aren't able to take some initiative and think outside the box. i got one of my jobs by applying even though i didn't have the experience they wanted. if you wait for a nursing job posting asking for someone with no experience you will probably remain unemployed. whats the harm in persuing it? at the very least you can gain some experience in the hiring process.

Jules A, MSN · Apr 13, 2009

I moved back in with my parents and am working in a crappy small town where there is an actual "nursing shortage." It's pretty terrible.

Kudos to you for doing what you have to do to find work and it won't be long before you wil have experience. Hang in there.

Jules A, MSN · Apr 13, 2009

I graduated in May 08', wanted to get over with my NCLEX before starting to work!! After doing so starting in January, i have been applying,applying and applying, but i am not getting any calls!!

I also graduated in May 08 but my fellow students that did the new grad programs all had to have their jobs lined up before graduation because the new grad orientations here started in June and July. Is it like that in your area by any chance? I hope this spring will be better for you. I'd think that Richmond would be a good area for opportunities.

mochabean · Apr 13, 2009

9 GNs were hired on my unit.

Snowman22 · Apr 13, 2009

Jobs are plentiful all over the country...but not for new grad RN's. Once you have a year of experience the doors are pretty wide open. I posted my resume on Monster an I received numerous emails and phone calls every day. Too bad they didn't read my resume closer to see that I was a new grad. I would just take what you can get, even if it means relocating, and after you put your time in you can do whatever you want. That's my plan!

April, RN, BSN, RN · Apr 13, 2009

Jobs are NOT plentiful here right now in the Boston area, even for experienced nurses. Many of the hospitals are on hiring freezes. It's terrible for new grads here, but it's not easy for the experienced ones either.

MikeyBSN · Apr 13, 2009

When I graduated that economy wasn't great, but it was better than it is now. Even then, getting a nursing job wasn't cake. I had medical experience, I was at the top of my nursing class and I had a previous degree. I still only got 3 offers in my area. Although the economy is bad, I know that people are still hiring nurses. It might be a little harder as a new grad, but it's not like you are trying to find a job in IT or the financial sector. Here are some general suggestions:

1. Look for programs. Some hospitals have externship programs that will give you a good educational bases and a job! Personally, I think this is the best way to go. You might have to look outside your area and it might not be the best pay, but it is a good investment.

2. Look everywhere. You should try the internet, newspapers, nursing magazines, local hospitals and radio/tv ads.

3. Network. Ask people you know if they know of anyone who is hiring. Send out a facebook message. Ask other people in your classes where they have had success.

4. Check your resume. Make sure it is in good order and doesn't have any mistakes.

5. Make a good impression in an interview. Dress professionally, be on time, and ask questions to let them know you are interested. You should also find out about the hospital or company you are interviewing with.

jmking · Apr 13, 2009

In the great northwest, near the Seattle area, most hospitals are not hiring new grads either. My advice take any job you can get as long and be creative.

nminodob · Apr 14, 2009

well a perfect example of the problem is also people that aren't able to take some initiative and think outside the box. i got one of my jobs by applying even though i didn't have the experience they wanted. if you wait for a nursing job posting asking for someone with no experience you will probably remain unemployed. whats the harm in persuing it? at the very least you can gain some experience in the hiring process.

having spent 4 months chasing leads that were going nowhere it's hard to hear from other people that i wasn't "taking enough initiative," or "thinking outside the box."

nuwbee25 · Apr 14, 2009

I graduate in May and I go to school in boston, is there any hope of landing a hospital job? The economy is terrible and i hear a lot of the hospitals arent hiring new grads. any advice?

Sorry kiddo.....I graduated in December 08 in Boston. Tell me why I am moving to North Carolina in 2 weeks? YUP...a job! Boston is the last place to get a new graduate position even with PCA experience and connections. I suggest being flexible with not only the unit but the location as well. I am leaving family and friends to pursue my career. Not all bad though.....the city I am moving to is beautiful and the position is a great one so I am thankful to at least have a job. Good luck!!!!