Where the heck are all the jobs?

Fiona59 · Jul 30, 2014

Wow, I had no idea that new grads were so terrible! Just a question though, you ladies were new grads once upon a time too, right..... New grads do need mentors but I do understand your frustration. Yes, I agree that they should be better prepared.

Lori said it. There is a huge difference between mentoring a new nurse and having to teach them their skills.

Freddy, I graduated from the same college as you, I started my working life in an economic climate worse than today's. Nobody was guaranteed a job despite being told that there was a demand for jobs. There was a need when we started and by the time we graduated the funding had been cut and all that was available was casual. I wound up working for non-profits and private companies. Capital Health (the forerunner of AHS in the Edmonton area) was only hiring casuals and they had limited positions. It was a grim time.

When I was a new grad, I was casual at three different sites. There was no chance to have a mentor. I just got on with it due to never working with the same people twice. I made sure to ask whenever I need an experienced set of eyes and hands. I did not expect to have my hand held, nor did I get a prolonged orientation.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2014

It's interesting because I find some new grads are both eager and able to learn and go with the flow, while other people, no matter how much mentoring they're given really struggle to pick things up.

The problem is, you never know what you're getting. Unfortunately, more cuts are looming everywhere because the Provinces are all facing deficits in health care budgets. That means fewer jobs for new and experienced nurses, even though there is a need.

starlane · Aug 5, 2014

I just graduated from the RN program in Ontario and I have applied to numerous jobs but am receiving no call backs! I even applied through the new grad initiative. Speaking as a new graduate it is really nerve-racking to come on a floor where everyone is use to the routine, know where everything is and is generally confident in their skills. Also another thing to keep in mind is that for some we learn how to give an IM injection ONCE on these pads in school and so far i have only given two IM injections on real patients months ago..so when i do eventually get an RN position I will be feeling a bit uneasy. Some nursing students I know had jobs in nursing homes or in my class we had a good number of RPN's (which were the students that excelled in clinical in my opinion)..When you have been working at a fast food restaurant and then FINALLY get a nursing job its a huge change (with a lot of anxiety). Although i do think students should be eager to learn, just don't be too harsh on us newbies :-)

relaxingbath · Aug 5, 2014

I can see both sides of this, I had clinicals with classmates that looked for any excuse to avoid doing anything more than they had to do. I on the other hand took every opportunity I could to learn new skills, once my patients where set up I would ask all the nurses if they needed help (classmates too) I gained experience with chest tubes, nasal gastric feeding etc. while I know of some students that their limit of experience was getting pills out of the med cart and giving them to patients. I realise I was lucky in my placements I was able to learn a wide range of skills, breathe stacking, phlebotomy, wound care, the list goes on I would still like to have a mentor when starting in a new facility to learn best practices (plus its always good to learn tips from the pros) but you have learn to be independent and not need your hand held. Do as much as you by yourself if its your first time doing a IM injection or you haven't done it in months its sensible to get someone to check you are doing it right, the hand holding becomes an issue if you require that assistance on the 3rd or greater time.

The pros we want your help, input and advice and to fellow new nurses we need to take responsibility after all we are all adults.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Aug 5, 2014

Students who routinely show initiative and interest are the ones employers and preceptors want.

Many people think that because they've got a degree they're entitled to a job. It's very competitive, so allow yourself to stand out and apply for everything. Ask instructors for references. Eventually you will find work.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Aug 5, 2014

Students who routinely show initiative and interest are the ones employers and preceptors want.

adding to this comment

Things like this is what gets you noticed and that means your application will stand out meaning better chance of getting a job.

If you don't show initiative or are lazy then you will also be remembered but not in a good way