I just wanted to put a positive word out there - that it IS POSSIBLE to get a nursing position in 2012.
I was worried sick after hearing all the horror stories regarding new grad nurses and this economy.. and then terrified when I finally graduated and got word that the hospital where I've been working for the last 5 years (in a non-clinical position, I didn't move to a PCT position because I love my boss, she made it possible to go back to school) had just entered a hiring freeze. I started calling around to nurse recruiters in the area (Im in Chicago btw)... but was constantly told the same thing, "call us back when you have your license in hand".... and to top it all off, many hospitals in my area have Magnet status and are only interested in BSNs (including my own, I graduated with an ADN) ...so after months of worrying... the hiring freeze is starting to let up, my awesome boss put in a good word for me with a Nurse Manager in the area I'm interested in (Women's Health/Perinatal)... I interviewed with our hospital's nurse recruiter (who previously told me they hire new grads with PCT experience first).. and Nurse Manager last week and I found out yesterday that I got the JOB!!!
So New Grads don't give up hope!! I, the atypical nursing student, single mom with the BS in biology, ADN in Nursing instead of a BSN, interested in a "difficult field" to get in to, working in a non-clinical position with no clinical experience outside of school, working at a Magnet hospital in the middle of a hiring freeze, got my dream job... I graduated in February, Passed boards beginning of May and got the job yesterday.
I believe I did it with a lot of prayer and faith.. but also because I kept trying despite everything that seemed to be against me... God is Great!!
