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?

I always thought that many of these certifications required hospital experience, esp. Med-Surg certification. I looked on the AMSN site and it says that a minimum of 2 yrs acute care experience as an RN is required to be eligible to get certification.

So how does one get certified without even getting an entry level job in acute care?

I have ACLS, BCLS, PALS, for the past year, and still hasn't helped me get a job. They were great to take, and I learned alot, but hasn't helped me get a job in a hospital yet. The job market is very competitive in certain areas.

I am in the same boat. No experience in acute care, no job in hospitals. I am working in pulic health but it doesn't count as nursing experience. I am not longer a new grad, so I don't qualified for a new grad program. I have all of those certifications, BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP, fetal heart monitoring and pretty soon will add de CIC (Infection Control), those doesn't help, even to apply for a Infection Control Nurse, they ask for CIC certification but also for experience in acute care.

I think that as soon as my resume is read and the recruiters look at my cero experienced in acute care, they don't even look at the rest of my resume or probably is something wrong with my resume that makes it look so disgusting for the recruiters. I don't know what to think.

I am so depressed and discouraged. Altough I am working, I need to complement my job with the nursing experience in acute care. My husband was fired looking for a job. If I don't get a RN job pretty soon. I am thinking to apply as a warehouse clerk, janitor at nights, seriously, no a joke. It is very discouraging and frustating.

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I think the nursing schools are partially to blame. They are actively recruiting more and more students to train for years for jobs that don't exist. Maybe they should slow down the number of new grads they pour into the industry. They are basically stealing peoples money.

On another note, can someone tell me the difference between HR and a recruiter? are recruiters part of HR or are they separate? if they are separate, who does the recruiter work for?

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My understanding is that nurse recruiters work for the facility recruiting nurses to work for them. It seems like they are the first level of screening before your application goes to the HR.

Any ideas out there?

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Does anyone have input on which RN to BSN programs are good? It seems most of them are online, so it could be done from anywhere. With the crap job market out there, what I thought was the end of my schooling now looks to be just the beginning....I just want to start working!!!! I am sick to death of school, but if it keeps me from defaulting on my loans, then I HAVE to keep going. Blahhhhhh.

any thoughts on RN to BSN programs? thanks.

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This is all great input. I have a similar question..I graduated in December 2009 (BSN) and passed the NCLEX in February..I would like to take some time off to find the right position. I know the market is tight right now, however, I am willing to wait rather than take a position that might not be the best fit..I was wondering how long past graduation is I guess too long to wait. I am giving myself a year, but want to remain an attractive applicant to employers. Anyone here wait a year or so before working as an RN after passing the boards? Or, does anyone have insight on waiting a while after graduation and how that may affect future employment as an RN? Any thoughts are appreciated. Thank you

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It really depends on where you want to work and the type of organization as to who will be the first person to contact and screen you..I think for larger organizations it is HR and in smaller organizations, it is the DON or Nurse Manager..That's been my experience. Hope that helps!

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Education.

This too will come to pass.... I know its frustrating but the jobs will open up.

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Same here i graduated in December 09 and passed the Nclex February. Still searching. Even the folks who work as CNA's have not been able to gain a job at their specific hospital. I am kinda at a loss here. i KNOW this too will pass however when it does "pass" we will be well "passed" our clinical experience and then what?? Its so upsetting. I wrote a letter to the Senator's of my state. i will post it here. They need to get MORE programs for new grads. I can tell you that in 10 years the nursing shortage will get worse. If you go to a MedSurg floor right now look at how overworked the nurses are!! We need less patient load and if that means taking less money then so be it! It is not a fair situation to have RN's overworked while WE are searching for a position and would take LESS MONEY for training!! So frustrating!! LOOK for my post!

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Specializes in Cardiac, Peds.

I'm slowly becoming "stale" but I figure I have to target my activities on what will make my resume stand out from the rest. So I am doing a nurse residency program at a local hospital sponsored by the local junior college's work experience department. I get to work on my skills for the next 10 weeks, pretend I am working for pay and hopefully there will be a job somewhere after this. I love doing it despite the fact that there's no pay but at least I get to finally do what I trained for. :nurse:

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Hi NovatoRN,

May I ask you where are you taking this RN residency program, where are you located?, are you paying to taking this program? I am in San Diego area and I am looking for a program like this, I am willing to pay for it. I agree with you we have to keep our resume up getting as much training as we can.

Thanks in adavance for your reply.

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Specializes in Cardiac, Peds.

I am up in Marin County across the Golden Gate from San Francisco. There are 2 programs up here: Samuel Merritt University in Oakland and Santa Rosa Junior College in Santa Rosa. Samuel Merritt charges a $50 application fee if accepted and the junior college is more expensive at $85 for background check and over $110 for tuition/units/fees. Both of these schools are doing it because of the lack jobs for us new grads. Check out the nursing schools down your way and see what they are doing for their new grads. Both of these programs take all new grads regardless of where you went to school. Samuel Merritt though is particular about where you reside and it must be in one of the adjoining/adjacent counties.

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I have looked into the several different schools out there and I recommend Chamberlain School of Nursing. Look them up online. They a totally online RN-BSN fast track option that can be done in one year, or less depending on how many classes you take and what courses you have already taken. I think they are the best option. I start in July. I can not find work either. How can you get experience if no one wants to hire a new grad!

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