Bitter and Out of Options

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Nurse Beth,

Any advice for a new grad RN who can't seem to find a job? I live in a big metroplex so I'm aware that can contribute to the problem. I currently work as a PCT for a community hospital that is part of one of the largest hospital systems in my area and I've told my manager about my current status but I feel like I'm being pigeon-holed at this point. I would have loved to stay at my current hospital as an RN but it seems that despite the "job openings" that they post, they rather stay short staffed and save money instead of hiring a new nurse. I know I'm being bitter but I feel like I'm out of options.

Dear Bitter,

Congrats on getting your license! You are disappointed because your home hospital did not hire you, and that's understandable. But it's time to turn the bitterness into focused energy and get a job.

You are in a very narrow window of time as a new grad. You have new grad status for about 1 year after graduation and it's important that you land a job during that time frame.

This is the time you are eligible for new grad residencies, which provides the most support for transition to practice.

You may need to cast a broader net and relocate. There are definitely new grad friendly hospitals, although you may have to move out of the big city to find them. Later on, once you gain 2-3 years experience, you will be marketable anywhere.

Check in with your classmates and find out where they are applying. There are FaceBook groups for new grads in certain areas, like California.

Your resume and cover letter must be pristine, and your interview skills on point. I wrote the book below for new grads just like yourself, to walk them through every aspect of the hiring process, and gain needed skills.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

You do not mention what kind of degree you graduated with. If you graduated with a two year degree versus a four year, you will definitely find it difficult to get hired in many major metroplex areas. Consider a more rural setting and you may have much better luck.

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On 2/12/2019 at 9:28 AM, not.done.yet said:

You do not mention what kind of degree you graduated with. If you graduated with a two year degree versus a four year, you will definitely find it difficult to get hired in many major metroplex areas. Consider a more rural setting and you may have much better luck.

But not impossible. Most, if not all of the major health systems in NC will, and do, hire nurses with an associates degree. For those hired with a 2 year degree there are strict, but reasonable time periods in which to begin and complete the BSN. Some of these systems have tuition reimbursement as well.

I can agree more with being willing to relocate; jobs are there, if one is willing to relocate.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, Home Health, Corrections, School Nurse.

You state that you've told your unit manager about your status, but you have not indicated that you've actually officially applied for a position as an RN. Your unit manager cannot "hire" you as an RN. Everything has to go through HR, and most application processes are on line these days. Once you've officially applied, keep following up with HR. I used to work at a hospital that was DESPERATE for nurses, yet I would constantly encounter nurses that had applied and never heard back. Go figure. Also go speak with some other unit managers, maybe if they have a real need for staff they would be more amenable than your current manager. As a current employee of that hospital you definitely have an "in", so use that to your advantage.

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On 2/4/2019 at 9:33 AM, Nurse Beth said:

I currently work as a PCT for a community hospital that is part of one of the largest hospital systems in my area and I've told my manager about my current status but I feel like I'm being pigeon-holed at this point. I would have loved to stay at my current hospital as an RN but it seems that despite the "job openings" that they post, they rather stay short staffed and save money instead of hiring a new nurse.

Have you looked at the openings within your system (maybe not the same facility)? Have you applied outside of your system?

They haven't considered you for whatever reason - waste no time or emotional energy on personal offense and instead just take the next steps.

Best of luck~

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