Are nursing grads still having a hard time finding jobs?

Bobbkat · Jun 24, 2010

I have a BSN, graduated Dec of '09, still no job. Hundreds of applications later I haven't even been on an interview. I got one interview that was cancelled, now I was supposed to have a different one tomorrow, got a call today that it needs to be rescheduled. So not a single interview yet. It's brutal out there.

mariposabella · Jun 24, 2010

Wow that sucks. I hope you find something soon!

student_nurse24 · Jun 24, 2010

I graduated May 2010, with a BSN from an accredited school. I don't have a job, I haven't been on an interview yet. There are 2 major hospitals in my city. They both don't seem to be hiring even though they post jobs online. It's weird, because they still have job listings from 2009. It's like no one checks the online applications.

I took NCLEX already and passed with 75 questions....

I live close to Houston, TX...and I REALLY don't want to move there, but things are not looking optimistic where I am. So, who knows...

I need to change my name! I'm an RN!

SparkleRN · Jun 25, 2010

I would absolutely NOT go to nursing school if I were in your position. There are NO jobs for new grads. I graduated with honors in Dec. 2009 with a BSN, excellent GPA, references, ACLS, etc. I have gotten one interview and no job...it's been almost 7 months of unemployment and I'm living in poverty. If you see this for your future, then go to nursing school. If you want a better life for yourself, do something else! Also, I've applied in several states and am currently licensed in 3 different states and still no job. There are thousands of applicants for very few positions. There is no nursing shortage and there never was one. And forget getting into a specialty like peds. You might be lucky to get nights at a nursing home for $10 an hour. Beware!

TipitiwichitRN · Jun 25, 2010

One semester to go for me.... I will finish, but I don't know what will happen. I can only hope that the hospital that I am working at as a CNA will invest/make a spot for me come Jan/Feb, after I test (and pass:)

If I were making the decision now to go or not, I would NOT- only because I do have bills to pay and kids to raise.

Sooo many new grads- lots of competition- but... I am thinking that wages are going to drastically drop anyway, since there are so many desperate applicants. :crying2:

mariposabella · Jun 25, 2010

Thanks everyone for your responses, I definitely wont be applying to nursing school anytime soon. Good luck to all of you in your job search! I hope you all find jobs soon!

Bobbkat · Jun 25, 2010

Yeah, up until recently I would tell people to still go into nursing, but honestly it doesn't look like the job problem is getting any better, in general. If you have anything else you could do, do it.

I worked my a$$ off raising my daughter by myself while my husband was in another state, was so proud of my great clinical recs and my 3.5. What does it get me? A lot of disgust from recruiters that I would DARE to be a new grad and try to find a job at their organization.

sunsg32 · Jun 25, 2010

WOW... I'm sorry everyone is having such a hard time, but if you want to be a nurse then this shouldn't stop you. The reality is that there are a lot of new grads without jobs, but new grads are getting jobs too. I recently graduated (May 2010) with a BSN and had a job offer right after graduation. About 75% of my class has jobs at major hospitals in Acute or critical care areas, so it can be done. Your shooting yourself down before you even START nursing school, thats probably 2 yrs away, and who knows what the job market will look like. I mean the country is in a recession and it has hit healthcare. I would recommend that you get a BSN because a lot of hospitals, at least in my area are prefering that degree. Best Wishes to you, but please dont let negativity destroy your goals.

Jw1724 · Jun 25, 2010

WOW... I'm sorry everyone is having such a hard time, but if you want to be a nurse then this shouldn't stop you. The reality is that there are a lot of new grads without jobs, but new grads are getting jobs too. I recently graduated (May 2010) with a BSN and had a job offer right after graduation. About 75% of my class has jobs at major hospitals in Acute or critical care areas, so it can be done. Your shooting yourself down before you even START nursing school, thats probably 2 yrs away, and who knows what the job market will look like. I mean the country is in a recession and it has hit healthcare. I would recommend that you get a BSN because a lot of hospitals, at least in my area are prefering that degree. Best Wishes to you, but please dont let negativity destroy your goals.

where do you live? im in awe at the 75% having jobs.

valzRN, ASN, RN · Jun 25, 2010

Ok... this is scary. I am waiting to test into another college and transfer to that program. After reading these posts, I am not so sure that I even want to follow through with this. I guess the only way to get a job these days is to actually know someone out there that would actually hire you! I have read about new grads sitting there with RN degrees and no job for over a year. I can't do that! I need to work as soon as I come out of school! Guess I better get prepared. I still want to do it, I am just not so sure about "sitting around" and waiting on someone to call me back though. Lots to think about.

happy2learn · Jun 25, 2010

Yes they are having a hard time. There are no jobs within 100 miles of where I live for new grads. They all say "no new grads will be considered."

Go to indeed.com and type in "no new grads rn" in the search box and you will find thousands of jobs that says this specifically.

The economy may turn around by the time one graduates, but I know a lot of people thought the housing market would have bounced back by now and it sure hasn't.