how can I get experience?

yadi87 · Jul 30, 2012

Not to be rude or anything but there are literally hundreds of threads relating to lack of jobs everywhere on this site just use the search box and there are tips on how to get your resume seen by other posters.

Unfortunately the economy sucks and hospitals are just not hiring nurses like they used to even experienced nurses are having problems.. just stick it out open your horizons by looking into LTC facilities, VA hospitals, private care, ect ect.....eventually one will work out

Right now you are on the same boat as thousands of other new nurses across the U.S. that arent being given a chance because the is a job shortage and they have no real experience.

nursie_nursie_415 · Jul 30, 2012

Best of luck in your search for employment.

Nursing is not a "recession proof" career & many states are near bankruptcy. Several cities in California have filed for official bankruptcy already & so many more cities all over the country are following suit. Unfortunately, the economy is going to get WAY worse in the near future so unemployment/underemployment rates will be increasing all across the board & nursing is among the professions that are not immune to this (despite what has been depicted in the media).

Remember, health care is a business & money will always be the bottom line.

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 30, 2012

Unfortunately, you are graduating at a bad time. As others have said, the economy has tightened the nursing job market far beyond anyone's predictions. If you browse this website, you will find many other people in your same situation.

What should you do?

Step one is to broaden your horizons. Start investigating ALL options for employment in your community -- even those that don't particularly appeal to you. You need to make the best of a bad situation, and that might mean compromising on the type of job you get. Consider long-term care facilities, home health agencies, clinics, etc. -- whoever might have a job for a nurse.

Simultaneously, make sure your application packet is the best it can be. Scrutinize your resume, etc. ... make sure you have great references lined up ... have examples to show/discuss about the excellence of your schoolwork and your abilities as a nurse and as an employee. Should you be lucky enough to get an interview, you'll need to do your best to "beat out" the competition.

You should probably start thinking about other options for income should you not be able to find a nursing job right away. How long can you afford to be unemployed? If necessary, you may have to take another type of job -- and keep touch with nursing through volunteer work, temporary work giving flu shots this fall, etc.

Good luck to you!