No new grad positions in Boston hospitals

Yikes. I'm glad I'm not looking at the Boston hospitals (I'm in Worcester and would prefer to work at one of the hospitals around here and have a shorter commute!). It doesn't seem easy here either though--hopefully I'll be able to get something soon! Complicating things for me is the fact that I am in a direct-entry NP program and have one more year to go, so not only am I a new grad but I won't be available full-time come September (although I have applied for some part-time positions that are two 12-hr shifts/week, which would be ideal with school). Anyone have any good suggestions?

is it just grads with AS degrees (RN's) who have trouble finding a job, or do grads with BSN degrees (4 years) also have trouble finding a job?

i start nursing school this fall (2 year RN program). i have a young child, so i can't work while in school. i have no medical experience. what can i do to increase my odds of getting a job after graduation? someone mentioned externships? are those paid? i can probably manage a few hours a week as a hospital volunteer. would that help me get a job after graduation? i don't have the money to take a CNA class (they cost $800+ here).

Congratulations to "IGotIN!" As nursing faculty, I advise all my students to try to at least get a part time CNA or "tech" position at a hospital. Is there any way that you could even work 1 or 2 shifts a month with finding child care? As you are reading, it is so competitive out there- I'm at Tufts in Boston, and we regularly hire techs as new grads. We know them, they us, and it's been a good fit. If you have absolutely no experience, to volunteer is better then nothing, but it really puts you at a disadvantage finding a job. It might change in 2 years.... but we still are graduating more new nurses then we have positions for. Just my 2 cents- and good luck to you in your journey to becoming a nurse!

it never occurred to me that anyone would hire me for just a couple shifts a month. i could probably manage that. how would i look into it? thanks.

To "IGotIN!"- My suggestion is to apply to every hospital within reasonable distance, certainly if you're possibly interested in working there! You would just specify that you're looking for "per diem" employment. Unfortunately with limited availability you might have to be flexible re: choice of shifts. You will also have to commit to a short period of orientation- could you find child care for a week or so to get up to speed? Then you might be able to "pick and choose" your shifts. We have a schedule posted, and our techs just put themselves in for availability. One of our techs works about 1 shift a month, and she's very good. Again, I wish you good luck in your endeavor and being a mommy!

Not to sound even more discouraging, but, I graduated a year ago and still haven't found a job in a hospital! I have applied everywhere except MGH. It is extremely upsetting since I gave up alot to do this. I am working (and greatful for it), but this is not the kind of nursing I want to do. I went to the open luncheon at Good Sam and 10 min after I go there the Nurse mgrs who were there left. So to all the really new grads hang in there, keep applying and take a nursing job where you can get it, at least you'll get some experience!

Hi Haleysmum:

Were you able to work as a PCA/CNA during school? Did you graduate with an RN or BSN?

I'm supposed to start school this fall..but I'm having second (and third) thoughts ..

Thank you.

Hi Erica,

I have my ADN. I have already applied for my BSN at UMass.I did work at an area hospital as a tech, but I didn't like the hospital at all, so I left after 5 months. Please try not to get discouraged, I just keep on applying........Good Luck!

Haleys mum

Thanks for replying. Not sure what I'll do...as you already stated, it's a significant sacrifice (financial and otherwise) to go back to school. And I'm *already* in a field where it's difficult at my age (57) to find employment ..!
You said you don't like the kind of nursing you're doing..what kind is that?

Thanks again,

i am counting on the job market changing by the time i graduate (hopefully for the better).