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

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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?

Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

Have you tried registry work?

OmGsh!! 300-400 applications!! You've got to be kidding?? What is wrong with this profession that they are forcing nurses (ADN or BSN) to work so hard to get a job when we have been told, "Nursing is one of the fastest growing professions." Moreover, there will be a nursing shortage at some point. A perfect storm is brewing.

I am currently in a BSN program b/c i knew long before this turn of events I was going to need more education. However, I don't think a BSN is going to land me a job all by itself. I have applications in at the local psych hospitals and I am HOPING for an interview.

300-400!!! It is a pathetic statistic that the nursing world should be ashamed of;/

Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

Quite simply because the people telling them that there is going to be a shortage and that there will be plenty of jobs aren't the same people that are in charge of hiring. In other words they are issuing uncashable checks.

Specializes in Correctional Nursing, Orthopediacs.

I graduated in October 2009. Started 2010 in a prison infirmary with an Aa in nursing and Ba in chemistry

. I interviewed about 12 places and not sure amount of resumes went out. I talked about my experience that I did have. First few interviews were on contacts. I landed three positions one in mental health. Overweight but personable. Took a hospital job they were hiring we were in fact understaffed til this yr. Still have prn positions. Been there a yr and half. Just goes to prove out of the box does work. Some things they needed to train me other things they did not you need to go and find opportunities that you might not want to do rather think you are better than the job. In Indiana all my friends ended up with jobs just took time.

I graduated in October 2009. Started 2010 in a prison infirmary with an Aa in nursing and Ba in chemistry . I interviewed about 12 places and not sure amount of resumes went out. I talked about my experience that I did have. First few interviews were on contacts. I landed three positions one in mental health. Overweight but personable. Took a hospital job they were hiring we were in fact understaffed til this yr. Still have prn positions. Been there a yr and half. Just goes to prove out of the box does work. Some things they needed to train me other things they did not you need to go and find opportunities that you might not want to do rather think you are better than the job. In Indiana all my friends ended up with jobs just took time.
What was it like working in the prison?? And did you say overweight?? I'm wondering if that could be part of my problem :(

I feel very blessed after reading this thread...Im a new grad who works a hospital job, as well as PRN LTC/rehab job. I hope everyone finds what they are looking for!

If you are in Chicago area and would like to volunteer for experiance, please email [email protected]

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