New Grad RN-->No Jobs, Then what?

[lperkrn]

I have been reading through these threads and haven't seen an answer to this question. I know that it is tough to get a new grad RN position and some say they are still looking after a year post graduation. So what happens to those who get no experience and in effect are now "old grads with no experience" when the job market begins to open up again? What do those in the know recommend for those who may not be able to get a job within a year or two of graduation? Do you get more certifications, i.e. ACLS, PALS, etc while waiting for the market to open? Do you volunteer in a hospital? If volunteering, do hospitals allow clinical practice as a licensed RN volunteer? (Of course, there may be union issues with that). Essentially, will a licensed RN with no experience become obsolete since many will graduate and be "newer" when the job market opens again?

[nyebe]

i graduated in a foreign country but im a us citizen grad 2008 but just took n passed nclex dis 2010 im very sad to hear all this post i havent got a job yet after 2mos applying its very frustrating to recieve same emails dat u guys had like i still have not enough experience ... over a 1,200 applicant only 8 vacancies and im not chosen well very depressing... its recession but yes they do hire nurses in other countries.. really sad. i trained 1month in a foreign country as a dialysis nurse whats really surprising is that 1 of my fellow there applied and only have the same training as mine and got hired in us a foreign citizen... i wish sum1 wud do something for us nurses to have trainings so that us citizen nurses could fill up the job needed in our country.. i think programs to train new grads here is a lack ... i dont know wat to do so that we can help each other and our future nursing grads in us. can we write a letter to authority or sumtin so dis prob can be aggravated???

[cabalic]

Hi there new grad nurses and administartors, nurse educators!!!

I am a big proponent of new grads who cannot find jobs. I hear you and I would like to let you know my dear new RNs that there are financial issues and education program components that need to be looked at when creating this program in any organization.

In helping to problem solve this, I thought of a workable proposal... that you and the administration facilities can brain storm. An innovative way of hiring new grads to get started is thorough HR screening, adaptation to a dynamite program and a solid trade of loyalty:

"need to sign a fair contract to stay in the unit to be trained for at least 3 years." The workplace must try to develop a nurturing work environment so that these nurses will stay and grow professionally. Nurses do not leave when they are committed, have positive role model and have caring learning environment.

The intention is to gain skills and experiences....to be greater clinicians and foster retention of nurses!!!

The next part of the proposal is..."while they are engaged in becoming expert during the program, they are only paid stipend $$$ during the orientation program ... can be 3 months 6 months or whatever financial resources available. If the candidate backs out before the completion of the program for whatever reason, she has an obligation to return the necessary money spent for her. This is an incentive for the new nurse to do her best.

I would like to invite feedbacks from anyone from the novice nurses, nurse managers, administration staff and CEOs. I also applaud your Nurse Educators who will support this concept. New RN grads will find jobs if they agree, night shifts will have sufficient staff. This is worth trying investment... why not try, isn't our goal "nurse/ patient satisfaction."

thank you ....cabalic from California

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I personally would not agree to a stipend. I took out loans in order to obtain my BSN. I worked hard, and nursing is my second (and last career). I expexpect to be paid what a new grad nurse earns.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Woops. That is strange. Sorry for the typo above :)

[cabalic]

I personally would not agree to a stipend. I took out loans in order to obtain my BSN. I worked hard, and nursing is my second (and last career). I expexpect to be paid what a new grad nurse earns.

hi Joanna,

I am presuming that you are still a BSN student,

I think this is a better approach to get the NGRn starting job that pays money for a few months then the scale pay increases after the orientation program.

.....w/ the yearly surplus of new grad RNs for the last 3-4 years when the economy is low, need to refine some nursing skills....thanks for your input...CC

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Hi there. I can see the point in what you are suggesting. I am now a new RN. While I have a lot to learn, I've done close to 2000 clinical hours. Someone somewhere needs a nurse. Thankfully, I have a job. I just feel that proposing we work for a stipend may be a slippery slope. After 4 years, and loans, its time to still learn...but be paid accordingly.

[cabalic]

Hi there. I can see the point in what you are suggesting. I am now a new RN. While I have a lot to learn, I've done close to 2000 clinical hours. Someone somewhere needs a nurse. Thankfully, I have a job. I just feel that proposing we work for a stipend may be a slippery slope. After 4 years, and loans, its time to still learn...but be paid accordingly.

... but what about those NGRns that are not lucky as you are and have bills to pay. Still looking for the jobs for 1- 2 years now.

I am a nursing professor, I know a lot of those frustrated ones, inspite of strong letter of recommendation. What suggestion do you have for them....thanks CC

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Hi CC:

Well I would recommend that these new grads try to get noticed while they are in school. Volunteering on nursing committees, tutoring, and maintaining a high GPA. Having clinical instructors write letters of reference helps immensely. Finally, having an aggressive approach to job searching, and networking helped many of us secure jobs. Most of my friends now have jobs, 6 months after graduation. It is a tight job market, but there is hope. Relocation is also something to consider. Happy new year :)

[Azure1213]

I heard BSN is the way to go, as thats what alot of employers are looking for.

[cabalic]

I concur w/ you...thanks CC

[cabalic]

Those are great suggestions, thank you

Still the question that new grads RN have is... "how can they fit in those RN jobs while networking and job searching if what they look for is a minimum of one year experience?

There must be BIG voices from the NGrns to stand before the White House, or BRN offices....to cry for some help, petition letters for assistance. There are thousand of NGrns that cannot look for jobs because of this minimum requirement.

jobless NGrns? would like to hear your views....much appreciated!

CC

[tryharder]

A stipend does not sound appealing for a couple of reasons. As stated by another poster above, people have paid in cash or by loans to become a RN. Why would one work for less than what is acceptable, also 3 years is a long time. What about nurses that need to work in the icu's for their one year or 2 years of experience to get to their master (crna). Doesn't sound like a good plan to me.