Can anyone handle another new grad Q?

nohika · Sep 3, 2009

I know you don't graduate until December, but have you started applying for jobs yet? If you start looking now, you might have a better chance at securing a job before you graduate. Best of luck! =3

griffly · Sep 3, 2009

I' I'm almost to the point where I'd take any job I can get, even though I haven't started looking..

I'm sure it is very stressful to worry about not getting a job. But, if u haven't looked then how do you know there isn't a job out there. I would suggest getting busy with sending your resume out to anyone and everyone. The sooner the better. I applied for my job 6 months before i graduated.

SunnyAndrsn · Sep 3, 2009

My background: LPN license in 2008, started working in an LTC/TCU. Started working on RN right away while working as an LPN. RN license obtained in January '09. Immediately stepped up at the LTC/TCU as charge nurse, and started part time doing home care for a pediatric trach pt. Started this summer at a local hospital in a call position...so as you can see it IS possible, but with the current market I had to put lots and lots of resumes, and had almost 100% rejection. The local hospital that did hire me for the part time/call has a great relationship with my school, and it was an instructor's recommendation that helped me get the job.

Also, I was most certainly did not want to work in LTC. Guess what? It grew on me. It's hard work. With the current job market, we've had a few RNs from hospitals apply, and they have a very hard time with the pace. Both are gone now. Not to say they were not wonderful nurses, one was a cardiac nurse. But she just didn't get the pace or the types of assessments we do, our labs, the dementia management. She just passed her pills and wanted to sit at the desk.

We take a lot of hospice pts, and it is an amazing journey to walk with families and patients. It's a real privilege to care for someone during the twilight of their life, to see that they leave this world peacefully. LTC nurses seem to get very little respect, I wish I could figure out a way to change that.

I'm not a new grad, but will be in December. The job market is pretty miserable here in CO and I'm scared that after killing myself and my family for the last 2 years (plus the previous 3 yrs of pre reqs just for an ASN) I won't be able to find a job. I have a slim chance at a LTC job at a nice place, but that's not where I want to work. I'm almost to the point where I'd take any job I can get, even though I haven't started looking. I'm afraid a bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush, you know? I'm sure like everything the downturn is temporary and I can suck up a few years anywhere. But I'm afraid if I start in LTC I'll be stuck there. I remember when I worked as a CNA it was really hard to move to a hospital once you'd worked in LTC, even with a few years experience.

JenniferSews · Sep 3, 2009

I'm sure it is very stressful to worry about not getting a job. But, if u haven't looked then how do you know there isn't a job out there. I would suggest getting busy with sending your resume out to anyone and everyone. The sooner the better. I applied for my job 6 months before i graduated.

A lot of friends from previous semesters are still looking, including those who graduated in the very top of their class. I will start looking in the am, I guess I just got caught up in the way it's been for a while now and thought I'd have people willing to hire me right away as long as I was willing to work any shift and any unit. :chuckle Live and learn! I've been in denial a bit about how bad it is and didn't realize I should look so early. I thought no one would be interested until I had passed the NCLEX.

JenniferSews · Sep 3, 2009

We take a lot of hospice pts, and it is an amazing journey to walk with families and patients. It's a real privilege to care for someone during the twilight of their life, to see that they leave this world peacefully. LTC nurses seem to get very little respect, I wish I could figure out a way to change that.

Thank you so much for the positive spin. I did love LTC when I worked there as a CNA.

rn2bnwi, BSN, RN · Sep 3, 2009

for graduating in december its time to start putting your resumes out there. Good luck!

Tait, MSN, RN · Sep 3, 2009

We take a lot of hospice pts, and it is an amazing journey to walk with families and patients. It's a real privilege to care for someone during the twilight of their life, to see that they leave this world peacefully. LTC nurses seem to get very little respect, I wish I could figure out a way to change that.

Maybe if they paid them more?

Tait

1220nurse · Sep 3, 2009

yeah i agree with what they said, better start applying for a job now and yeah do the LTC I'm telling you with our economy in recession, it's really tough to find a job!

chicookie, BSN, RN · Sep 3, 2009

If I were you I would start looking at new grad programs now. They usually start again in Jan. (well here they are in Jan and in Aug.) Hopefully you get hired before you finish school.

SunnyAndrsn · Sep 4, 2009

So my nursing colleagues in other specialties would give me more respect if I had a bigger paycheck?

Maybe if they paid them more?
Tait