A Day In the Life of a New Grad

It's very well written, but also very depressing, discouraging, and sad.

I really do want to be a nurse, and after reading your article, now have a better insight of what I need to do to get there hopefully.

I will become a nurse, I don't care what anyone says......someone, somewhere is hiring new grads. Maybe the reason there is a shortage is because HR has to live up to impossible standards. Lets also keep in mind that when the economy takes a toll, the lesser on the totem pole have to wait it out. The competition is stiff, and there probably ARE nurses who have all the required experience they want for a certain job. Of course I feel bad for the experienced nurses having to take these jobs, because the pay is probably crappy considering how much experience they have. However if you were an experienced nurse and hospitals were hiring new grads before you, you would be equally as ****** off.

Also, nurses are not retiring like they should be. Everyone is running our of money and flipping out and not wanting to go into retirement. It's a scary time right now, and college grads are the least of most people's concerns, no offense. They SHOULDN'T be, but we have companies that have to choose between hiring a married has three kids and 15 years of experience or brand new grad that doesn't have a lick.

Now I believe your time will come, and there are some things you should/could be doing that others mentioned:

Volunteering. Why aren't you down at your local nursing home or hospital volunteering whatever services they need? What better way to get your smiling face down there and show them that you give a damn lol. Seriously though, they remember that kind of dedication.....and you will retain good practice. If you're broke go for a CNA job, just make sure you get a job in a place where you can quickly move up the ladder if they like you.

Dress up nice, get your resume together and make it super presentable, and then head on down to your local hospitals/doctor's offices/where ever. Find out the name of the person in charge of hiring and call the front desk to find out if she there that day. When you go in, be brief and professional but also warm and friendly. Just let her know that you are very much wanting to work so you are simply trying to get your name and face out there, and that you sincerely hope she/he will let you know if they could find any available work you would be qualified for. If they tell you they won't be hiring for a few months, tell them you will gladly wait and would still love an interview when the time comes.

Good luck and I hope you get out there and get one!

Something in your post made me think that you are a career-switcher like me??? If so, look at your background for strong selling points and then knock on some doors. I searched one particular hospital and "found" the Nurse Manager of the Telemetry dept where I wanted to work. She told me that while she was willing to give me a couple of minutes and take my resume, she could not interview me without going through HR. I took that opportunity to "interview" her about the dept and what her needs were. One of her major "needs" was someone who would commit to 2 years and not leave as soon as they got ACLS, etc. It's a very busy, tough floor and many new grads have come, gotten their year, and left for bigger hospitals or slower floors. She has a core of nurses who are super dedicated and have been there 5...10+ years.

After speaking with her, I dropped off my resume and spoke briefly with the nurse recruiter (I had already applied online). A couple of days later, I was called for an interview (early May-before graduation) and hired in July. During the interview, I highlighted my very stable work history (I worked at my last company for 11 years, with a minimum of 2 years in a specific position) and my current stability...married with children, not looking to relocate, etc. I was able to tailor my responses to her needs based on our initial conversation.

I tell you my story to encourage you to try the face to face with managers. Regardless of what HR says, the Nurse Managers have the final hiring decision. If they like you, and have staff available to precept you, then they'll hire you, but you have to stand out and meet THEIR needs not yours. Just like the housing market, it is a buyers market now not the seller.

Lastly, as a Christian, I do believe my faith has much to do with my success throughout my life. I live by the scripture that "Whatever you desire, in prayer, BELIEVE you will receive it and you SHALL receive it" Mark 11:24.

Good luck and may God bless you in your future endeavors!

Keep trying, man. I heard from a buddy today who just graduated by law school who said that law firms are getting 3-5 applications for every paralegal position! I'm hoping, like you, things turn around soon.
I can see you use writing to get you through your day. Some grads exercise, some go to church or mosque or temple, some go to therapists, and other give up and find a new job. Don't be the latter.
Personally, I take the time that other applicants are using to pray for a job and use it to put in another application or make one more phone call.

I can empathize with everyone's senitiments. Nursing shortage for experienced but not for new eager RNs. I took a job that's over an hour away. I drive past 7 hospitals on the way that pay more than what I'm getting, but they want ONLY experienced nurses at those hospitals. More than half of my class are working at nursing homes or rehab centers.This isn't what I was expecting after graduation. I thought I would have a job in a hospital that is 15 minutes from my home working with the critically ill. We can only hope that things will turn around.

I justwanted to thank you! I really needed to read something like this tonight. I am a new Grad and I am finding it hard to get a job. I didn't realize it would be this difficult. I also don't remember anyone stressing the fact that you need a year's experience for most of the nursing jobs that are advertised these days. I really hate returning to my job at a school next week but since I have not found anything I have no choice. I am thankful that I do have a job to return to. I'm not giving up, and it makes me feel better that I'm not alone but I really thought there was a nursing "shortage" not but it seems like in this area there is a nursing "saturation." I know in time I'll find something I just hope it doesn't take a year to begin working as an RN.

Right on Sister !!

I really try not to look at post about jobs; to much negative energy and I don't need any more of it.

I knew 4 years ago that the recession was coming and put myself in the position to take advantage of it. Just bought a $600,000 home for $220,000, bought a new truck for $10,000 off sticker, etc. However, I didn't think that there would be a shortage of nursing jobs. My biggest fear right now, besides financial, is that my skills will get increasingly stale and I will be mediocre at best.

I feel your pain! I didn't become licensed officially until today...just got my results. However, I have been "job hunting" since April. ONLY ONE call-back....got ONE interview...but did not get the job. Doesn't matter because I needed my license by July 16th...and here I am, just not getting it. Too bad I have my pride...because working as a stripper while I wait would pay great LMAO j/k...kinda

I am sorry it is so difficult out there. Our nurse to patient ratio is 1 to 4 and patient satisfaction surveys are running around 96%. We look for people who are enthusiastic team players who look and act professional and most of all, show up! It is scary to hire a new grad because you don't know if he or she will be dependable and/or teachable.

Thank you for your "day in the life" piece. Nicely written and refreshingly true, but things will turn around and then we'll all get jobs where we want to be. I have to have some optimism...