Nursing graduates find tighter job market

Some of the problem ISN'T that there is not nursing shortage- It's that there is a shortage, but the hospitals are suffering from the economy, too, and don't feel they can afford it. UAB in Birmingham Alabama has hundreds of jobs available, but the administration has put in a hiring freeze for the entire hospital. I havn't started nursing school yet, I start in August, but I have friends that have graduated and got their jobs before the economy started tumbling, and they tell me no one is getting a job or a transfer right now.

Here in Heavens waiting room ( florida ) you would think we have tons of jobs. NOT the case, 75 % of my graduating class do NOT have jobs. Thought about cont. school but just cant do it financially right now.

I never thought this would be an issue after graduating nursing school, but here I am a whole year later and still looking for a job. Its highly frustrating to hear about the shortage when no one wants to hire someone without 2+ years of experience. I want to go on in school to be a nurse practitioner, but its not feasible without some income. Although its not comforting, its good to know that others have been facing the same depressing dilemma.

I have been nursing for 3 years. When I first graduated I had great job offers that paid awesome....... now NOTHING!!!!!!! I can't find a job, its getting me depressed!!!!!!!!

"If the government spent money on new-grad transition programs the problem might be solved. However, all the talk is that the money is going to be headed towards those in academia for loan repayment (because the people who are shaping this debate are the ones who stand to profit from it)."

This is very true and I wrote to my local nursing organization about this very thing when they sent me an email asking me to support a bill that would increase funding for education for nursing school. They never sent me a reply.

I'm currently working as a CNA and taking my pre-req's. I'm hoping that in the 5 years or so I'm planning on taking to get my RN degree that jobs will be easier to find. I am also preparing myself for having to relocate if necessary. Just keep your chin up and things will fall into place. lsebeg:

Don't worry. When Obama mandates healthcare, and the hospitals are forced to "cut costs," the first salaries they will cut is the nurse salaries. At that point, when RN base pay is $18 across the nation, there will be a HUGE nursing shortage!

cool! I'll take it to start.. as long as I'm practicing what I want I'm good.

If you are willing to move, I know that many hospitals in San Antonio have new nurse internships and are hiring.

Right now, I'll take $18 an hour--sure as hell beats $0 an hour.