Are New Grad screwed for jobs?

[dinah77, ADN]

Okay, so call me overly-anxious, but particualrly when I see threads like the one below about lay-offs I start to get paranoid about post grad job opportunities.

* disclosure: I'm not actually graduating until May 2010

Still, especially when I hear anecdotes here in the cities about job searching horror stories coupled with the saturation of new RNs graduating every May and Decemeber, and the current economy, I start to get worried.

Addtioanlly, I REALLY would LOVE to do hospital work after graduation, because I know I want to go on to be a CNM eventually.

I may need to move post graduation anyway because of my husbands job, but if I can stay here and get a job summer 2010 so I have expereince I want to.

So, what's the view from all you current RN's? Am I kidding myself to think I will be able to work anywhere other then LTC after grad? Are the twin cities just way too saturated with new grad vs # of jobs? Should I just tell my husband yes, start looking other areas to move to summer 2010 where there may be more opportunity for me?

[deeDawntee, RN]

That is really hard to predict this far in advance. I think the availability of hospital jobs wax and wanes in spite of the economy. When I graduated in 98, there were very few hospital jobs for new grads, unless you were ok starting out in the float pool. Nursing jobs are very recession proof and you can maintain a positive attitude about finding employment. Don't forget all the hospitals in the outlying areas of the Twin Cities that also may offer a new grad employment. There are many opportunities out there, including TCU work where you are very well prepared for hospital nursing.

I would remain optimisitic, if I were you. Good luck.

[dinah77, ADN]

Thanks for the input- this is exactly what I am looking for, those of you who have been in the field for a while and have perspective about the ebb and flow of job openings.

[andpeggy]

Thanks for posting this question, Dinah. It's something that I'm really concerned about too, and I haven't even started nursing school! A bit off topic, but I'm interested in talking to you more about your school experience, work experiences, etc...I tried to PM you, but I can't seem to get it to work. Would you mind if I emailed you at your home account? If not, send me a private message, and let me know. I totally understand if you don't want to post your email.

Thanks!

Lola

[mom2cka]

If you're open to starting where the needs are (unit, hours, etc), then working into the position of your dreams, you may have more options. I know of a few who were very unrealistic about shift, hours, and unit who have been unable to find what they want. Realize that those who work days shifts, OR, ICU, L&D, etc. usually started somewhere and worked into the position they wanted. Get involved now with what you can in school, this shows initiative and helps with references; get a job as a CNA/PCA so you have good references within the organization you want to be at, and keep an open mind. Look at your end goal, and think of steps of how to get there rather than 'this is where I must be and I won't compromise.' Research the programs that offer new grad classes. Work on your resume and volunteer if you need. Hope that helps and good luck!

[dinah77, ADN]

Thank you, it does help. I'm working my butt off to get an internship this summer and have several years home health aid/ support staff experience, so I'm hoping that and the fact that I AM willing to take a job any shift any ward in any hospital will help me find employment post graduation.

[andpeggy]

You’re absolutely right, Mom2CK. That’s the realization I’ve come to, and I know that I’m willing start wherever, because this is what I want to do. So, hopefully next summer, I’ll be working as an aide in a hospital or LTC facility. I think it’ll also help keep me sane while I’m waiting to be accepted into a program! I'm also hope to start volunteering at a hospital or LTC facility in the very near future. Anything to get a foot in the door!

Happy Friday everyone!

Lola

[mom2cka]

I was involved with SNA, was a Red Cross student nurse, mentored other students, and was also on a committee or two - helped me to get a different picture of the leadership aspect of nursing, but also to get to know my instructors and they in turn were able to know me and give truly good recommendations. I wasn't able to do an internship, so having that other stuff was helpful. I could be wrong, but I hope it made my application/resume stand out a bit from some of the others. Now that I've been working for a bit over a year, I'm getting involved at work as well to help build some of that up, too. It never ends :) Good luck!