Unemployed & inexperienced New RNs. Vent it out!

Nurses Job Hunt

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The nursing job market in most parts of the US is poor for a number of reasons, most of which have been touched on in this thread. The problem is exacerbated by the large and still growing number of new nursing grads combined with large numbers of experienced nurses who have either lost jobs, become underemployed or who have delayed retirement. This is not a situation that seems likely to be resolved favorably for new grads for some years, perhaps even for a decade or more.

I am in the same boat as many who've posted here: A new grad RN from an ADN program. Though I'm an Army vet with over 15 years as a volunteer EMT and have several other degrees in addition to the ADN, I've found it exceedingly difficult to get even as much as an interview with a hospital or clinic. I've also applied to virtually every LTC facility in the area but as with most hospitals, these institutions too are averse to hiring new grads. I'm far luckier than most new nursing grads however since I have no school loans to repay and can simply continue on in my present non-health care related job.

Though I'm not quite ready to throw in the towel on nursing, I'm close. I am about a third of the way through an RN-BSN program and will wait to see if having the BSN will open some doors. While I hope it does, I'm more than a bit worried that I will become a life member of what is shaping up to be a rather extensive generation of permanently non-practicing RN's.

lilcampy310

33 Posts

Specializes in Medical ICU, PACU.

It is so frustrating!! We are hard-working people who go through a HARD program, graduate with degrees, are begging for jobs and still can't get any! No wonder our country has such a high unemployment rate. Sitting on the couch every day collecting unemployment does sound tempting, especially to those who don't have the motivation that we do. I am 5 months away from graduating and getting very nervous. I have lots of experience, and it's still all basically about 'who you know.' This annoys me so much! You should not get hired based upon what friends you have on the inside - it should be based on your KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS. I don't know WHAT nursing shortage everyone is talking about! It's pretty much non-existent in my book. I live in NJ and I thought that it was worse here because it's so densely-populated and there are so many schools in the area, but from what I've been reading, there are problems every where!

All I have to say is good luck everyone! It all happens for a reason and you will eventually fall into the place you're supposed to be - or at least that's what I believe!

RNtobeinSoCal

61 Posts

What a great story, RN_PICU! Your attitude is what got you where you are. I'm relocating to SoCal and hadn't thought about prisons. I'll put them on the list. THANKS!!!

RNtobeinSoCal

61 Posts

The "Who You Know" syndrome is in every industry, not just nursing. It's a fact of life, and we all live by those rules whether we like it or not.

Northern NJ is REALLY rough right now. I've heard UMDNJ hires ADNs and new grads, as well as AtlantiCare in A.C. If you can do NYC (The Bronx, Queens), I've heard some of the less fancy (read: not so great) hospitals are hiring. We just have to be flexible and persistent. GOOD LUCK!!!

lilcampy310

33 Posts

Specializes in Medical ICU, PACU.

Well that's what I like about nursing - That there are SO many different options and so many different places we can go, but I think we all have drilled in our heads that we have to start off in a hospital setting. I think that's what makes it even more difficult! What are you opinions on that?

Biffbradford

1,097 Posts

Specializes in ICU.

If companies are simply just not hiring, then there isn't a thing you can do about it.

Specializes in Behavioral Health.

Campy, the thing is that even though a lot of us know how broad the nursing field is and may not want to start in JUST a hospital setting - the alternative employers outside of a hospital setting usually create barriers to newer nurses by stating that minimum experience is required. It's a difficult lose-lose situation, unless you can find that small spec of WIN and snag it as quick as possible.

missxrara

30 Posts

I just wanted to say...you will find a job! don't give up!

Believe me when I say I know you probably want to throw rocks at me right now through your computer monitor. I heard it all, too, even from my own mother. From "Why don't you just find ANY job and gain experience while you wait..." to "Don't worry, it'll happen for you soon!"

"don't worry" and "soon" began to encite anger and frustration from the pit of my soul.

I got my license in Jan 2011 and graduated with a BSN in June 2011. After MONTHS of applying and receiving rejection letters, I finally got an offer and will start next month in the NICU at LLU Children's...13 months after becoming licensed to work as an RN in CA. I understand CA, especially Southern CA is the most saturated region but I refused to settle. I would hear news of my classmates all landing their own dream jobs one by one and would wonder what I was doing wrong. BUT I was determined to land my dream job no matter what it took. Between graduating (and losing my financial aid) to now, I worked part time as a secretary hoping to finally gain access on the unit as a nurse. I was rejected from the very hospital that hired me as well as the 13 other hospitals in the area, 4 of which I interviewed for. I went through 2 rounds of new grad applications -6 months apart- for an RN residency in pediatrics...rejection after rejection. It really wears you down...I KNOW. But whatever road you take to get to where you want to be, be optimistic and keep trying. It will only taste that much sweeter when you finally land that coveted job.

GOOD LUCK to everyone out there!!

Specializes in Behavioral Health.

Yeah, I'm in a similar boat.. Been trying to get a position at a local Medical Partnership, at a pediatric clinic. I hope it goes through! I submitted online app, called and informed them that fax was coming in, faxed all the info I already submitted online, except I also was able to attach 3 crucial reference letters this way, and called and left message following up to confirm receipt of fax. I got voicemail the whole time, no one actually answered me, but I'm hoping HR gets back to me. I KNOW they got my information, but getting back to me even to CONFIRM seems to be a huge deal. We'll see what happens!

KATRN78

229 Posts

Well that's what I like about nursing - That there are SO many different options and so many different places we can go, but I think we all have drilled in our heads that we have to start off in a hospital setting. I think that's what makes it even more difficult! What are you opinions on that?

Well why don't you fill us in?

Hello,

Check out USAJOBS.GOV. I am in AR and we are still short 3 nurses at our site. Not too many people want to come to corrections. But is fun and good experience.

Hi rebelgirl#1 - I am in AR. I haven't seen anything for new grads on USAJOBS.GOV. However, I realize I am seeing this post very much after the fact. :)

~M

Specializes in Behavioral Health.

In all honesty, the best way to get a job is to be in people's face. Go to your local areas of interest, drop of resume's, set up appointments, follow-up yourself, don't wait for responses, and literally bust your way through. It works. What doesn't work is web-sites offering tons of jobs.. They are all an evaluation of general demand and very depersonalized, not to mention the fact that they are up for months at a time, so when the applicant pool is filled they choose the one THEY THINK is best, just judging by paper.. and no prior face:face contact or even a phone conversation.

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