I am in my final year of prerequisites for entry into an Accelerated BSN program here in LA. I have my BS and MFA in unrelated fields, have lots of management and even previous medical experience, and long for a commitment to nursing through a BSN and, hopefully a masters in nursing down the road. Here is my concern, from some of the forums here I get the idea there really are very few RN jobs--that the shortage is a bit of a myth propagated because nursing home jobs go wanting for the crappy circumstances they provide us. I need some feedback. I am going into considerable debt, dedicating my life to the career change, but if I am going to finish in 2 years (one more year of prereqs and on in the accelerated program itself), only to come out and find no work, I need to reconsider now. Some of your posts say there are lots of openings for OT and PT but not RNs. There are no locations on the posts, so maybe that is another part of the country. I don't see many jobs listed around here in the LA County area, but may not be looking in the right place. Anyone out there in LA County who can enlighten me? Are there RN jobs for new program graduates? Is there another, related field where the jobs are going begging? Help!
I live in Orange County and there are virtually no available jobs down here. I check the openings often at all of the hospitals around here and noticed that 2 of the Memorial Hospitals only offered 2 new grad positions. A patient of mine was telling me the other day that she has a friend that is a nursing school instructor here in So Cal and that they didn't place any of their Dec. '08 new grads. I graduated in '05 and the hospitals were begging us to come work for them at that time. Fortunately, I no longer work in the hospital. As far as jobs picking up in a couple of years -- that is debatable. Our economy is not going to turn around anytime soon and you know it's bad when nursing jobs are scarce. We are in for some very tough times ahead. Personally, I would not incur debt at this time -- not even for a career. The "Greatest Depression" is upon us. Do your research and get prepared.
I live in Orange County and there are virtually no available jobs down here. I check the openings often at all of the hospitals around here and noticed that 2 of the Memorial Hospitals only offered 2 new grad positions. A patient of mine was telling me the other day that she has a friend that is a nursing school instructor here in So Cal and that they didn't place any of their Dec. '08 new grads. I graduated in '05 and the hospitals were begging us to come work for them at that time. Fortunately, I no longer work in the hospital. As far as jobs picking up in a couple of years -- that is debatable. Our economy is not going to turn around anytime soon and you know it's bad when nursing jobs are scarce. We are in for some very tough times ahead. Personally, I would not incur debt at this time -- not even for a career. The "Greatest Depression" is upon us. Do your research and get prepared.
I know what you are saying there are many listings in San Diego but they are not being filled. There are hiring freezes all over San Diego. I know some say that Scripps has many job openings but are they filling them with full time people? Nope. I was in contact with a person from Oahu and she she stated the same thing. Plus she stated the new grads are trying to come to the mainland ie: California and I explained to her that it is no better here. There are jobs in other states due to life style not what it is here but I have found that people in other states are saying the same thing. There are no jobs period, so your advice is sound. I wish luck to anyone looking for work and not games. Kudos to you xgingerx.
I must say these last two are the most depressing assessments yet. I thank everyone for taking the time to respond. I think I will persevere, as I can't believe the economy won't improve in a couple years, or think that there will be any job more evergreen than healthcare. It might stink, but I suspect most other jobs smell worse right about now. And, with my professional background, good attitude, perseverance and the excellent advice from you guys, my new friends on here, I am hopeful for the best.
But, if I am destined to be unemployed, as a nurse I could at least do volunteer work that would be meaningful. If the future is really as bleak as this, there will be a lot of us in need.
If I can't repay my student loans for a while, they'll have to wait--they can't take back my education.
I live in Orange County and there are virtually no available jobs down here. I check the openings often at all of the hospitals around here and noticed that 2 of the Memorial Hospitals only offered 2 new grad positions. A patient of mine was telling me the other day that she has a friend that is a nursing school instructor here in So Cal and that they didn't place any of their Dec. '08 new grads. I graduated in '05 and the hospitals were begging us to come work for them at that time. Fortunately, I no longer work in the hospital. As far as jobs picking up in a couple of years -- that is debatable. Our economy is not going to turn around anytime soon and you know it's bad when nursing jobs are scarce. We are in for some very tough times ahead. Personally, I would not incur debt at this time -- not even for a career. The "Greatest Depression" is upon us. Do your research and get prepared.
I actually think Orange County has more openings than other areas of California. I know UCI had several new grad positions. I just got called for an interview for a new grad position in the NICU, but declined because I just received a new grad position at UCLA. I know St. Jude in Fullerton & St. Joseph in Orange, are also hiring new grads for their summer program. So anyhow, just wanted to let everyone know that the positions are out there, they are just highly competitive. Good luck to all!
Thanks Karen. I am in a longtime relationship and he owns a business here, so I'm not moving. I have decided that, like anything else in life, a positive attitude, passion for your work and commitment to be the best will win out over mediocraty. My friends in nurse management say there are a lot of nurses out there now with a "fast food mentality," it is just a job, they have no passion for it, no love for the people they serve. I'm sure that is true, I'm sure there are plenty of people who got in for the money, they are in all careers. I chose to believe I will find work because I do care, and my life experience gives me the compassion and the skills to excel. So, I am giving it all I've got.
Dang! I graduated in Dec 2008 and went right back to school to work on my MSN (have a BA/Business). Applied at several OC Hospitals in April and 450 people are showing up for 15 jobs! So now I am expanding my radius to LA and SD and maybe the IE...looking into some Urgent Care jobs too. Any suggestions...
Hi, don't despair! True, there are extremely limited new grad jobs in south cali, but experienced nursing jobs are much more plentiful. It took me forever to get a new grad position (graduated May 08, started new grad program Sept). Just don't set your sites on one floor, be flexible. Regardless of where you work, you will be getting valuable nursing experience.
I think one of the problems with this whole "nursing shortage" thing is that it is a shortage of experienced nurses. The hospitals in my area (OC) are all hiring, but want someone with 1-2 yrs experience. They don't want to have to train a new grad because it is so expensive to do. I realize that won't help you from the get-go, but once you get that first year out of the way and can drop the label "new grad" you won't have any more trouble finding a job. Nursing is a great career for job security. It also helps that most of the hospitals are phasing out using traveler's and registry...which opens more positions.
I tend to be more optimistic--the economy will look up. There have been nursing shortages and overages fluctuating throughout the last few decades. In the meanwhile, do all that you can to start getting noticed early on. It would really pay to network when you are doing your clinicals. If someone likes you enough, they may help you get a job. Good luck.
Thank you! I was also thinking that volunteer work might help, if they can see I'm dedicated, hard working and smart, maybe it would help too. I'm willing to do whatever it takes. It helps to hear encouraging words. Thanks again.
I do not mind Behavioral health or LTC but they all want EXPERIENCE. Just got 2 matches at a OC hospital, and I am following Brian's advice to get many certs. I have ACLS, PALS, EMT, taking the NRP, taking trauma course, took CDE exam. No worries with the education...just need a foothold.
FYI- I can't believe that my sibling is making $65+ an hour as a speech pathologist at an elementary school. Yay, but where's the equalization...maybe I should get my masters in swallow evals and lisp correction...less liability, stress and more pay.
I do not mind Behavioral health or LTC but they all want EXPERIENCE. Just got 2 matches at a OC hospital, and I am following Brian's advice to get many certs. I have ACLS, PALS, EMT, taking the NRP, taking trauma course, took CDE exam. No worries with the education...just need a foothold.
FYI- I can't believe that my sibling is making $65+ an hour as a speech pathologist at an elementary school. Yay, but where's the equalization...maybe I should get my masters in swallow evals and lisp correction...less liability, stress and more pay.
Newbie Nurse
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but my employer is deleting 1850 positions due to the result of the economic recession. And they are on a hiring freeze right now; both for the New Grad Programs & for EXPERIENCED RNs.
The upside to this is that there are hospitals out there that are hiring BUT only if you have AT LEAST 2 years of RN experience under your belt. Otherwise, as a new grad RN, its pretty slim pickin'. Sorry, just keeping it real.
Best of luck to you in your endeavors as a future RN.
p.s. Please feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.
onesmartgirl
18 Posts
Hi,
Thank you. Did you attend UCLA? Did you do volunteer work there first?
Thanks again,
Pamela