Can't get a job

Wuzzie · Jan 31, 2018

I got my rn license in August of 2017. It is not February 2018 and I still having been able to secure a job. I have associate of science and currently in schoo doing the bsn.I live in south Florida. Why is it so hard to get a job? I'm not even getting interviews. What can I do to increase my chances of getting a job? I thought there was a shortage of nurses.

Well, that's the first problem. There is no overall nursing shortage and there hasn't been one since the economy tanked in 2008. There are some regional shortages to be sure but it sounds like your area isn't one of them. Where have you applied?

klone, MSN, RN · Jan 31, 2018

You need to relocate. If you do that, I guarantee you will be able to find a job.

Triddin · Jan 31, 2018

Have you had someone review your resume? Tried speaking to managers in person?

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jan 31, 2018

Cast a wide, wide net. ANY job and RN pay is better than waiting for THE job.

Davey Do · Jan 31, 2018

.I live in south Florida. Why is it so hard to get a job?

You need to relocate. If you do that, I guarantee you will be able to find a job.

Belinda, my wife, worked with a medical nurse at WRMC (Wrongway Regional Medical Center) who sold her house and moved to Florida. After six months of not being able to find a job, she returned to WRMC.

WRMC will hire any nurse who has the credentials and has the ability to undergo spontaneous respirations.

And, I'm not kidding.

Dadrie · Jan 31, 2018

I have honestly thought about relocating however I'm back in school persuing Bsn. I'll be done in Dec. If I don't dont get anything by then I'm gone.

Dadrie · Jan 31, 2018

I thought my resume might have been the problem so I had it redone professionally. $200 later not even and interview.

Wuzzie · Jan 31, 2018

What types of jobs have you applied for?

beekee · Feb 1, 2018

Did your classmates get jobs? If so, where? Have you been applying to those types of places?

chare · Feb 1, 2018

What types of jobs have you applied for?

This. OP, if you aren't already, you need to apply to any and all nursing jobs; regardless of whether it's an area of nursing that interests you or not.

Until you are able to relocate, if that's is what you decide, if you are called for an interview, or offered a position, there are two questions you need to ask: is it a nursing position? And does it pay you to perform it? If the answer to both question is yes, then you need to accept it. There is little that is more helpful in finding a position than currently working.

Best wishes as you finish your BSN and continue your job search!

CCU BSN RN · Feb 1, 2018

Ditto the multiple posters who have asked what types of jobs you applied for. If you really want strangers on the internet to tell you why you're unemployable, we need just a SMIDGE more information than 'I have an associate's in nursing and I live in Florida'

1. Are you only applying to hospital jobs? If so, you need to pack in some home health nursing, nursing homes/rehab centers, etc.

2. What kind of school did you go to? Did you get an online degree from a barely credited school, did you go to community college, somewhere else?

3. How were your grades in nursing school?

4. How big was your graduating class, how many of them do you keep in touch with, and how many of them are employed?

5. If so, in what types of care areas are they employed, and how long did it take them to find employment?

6. What did your job history look like before you got your RN? Do you have any healthcare experience as a CNA or EMT or anything? Does your employment history show that you are able to hold down a job for a period of time?

7. Feel free to post your resume here, I'd be happy to take a look. Just blur out the personal data.

There is absolutely a nursing shortage. There are also areas where the market is supersaturated. You can be sure you'll always have a job as a nurse...if you're willing to go where you're needed. Radio ads leave that last part out. The shortages aren't always in the acute care setting, in your county, or even your state. It's expensive to train a new grad, pure and simple, especially with so many young new nurses only trying to get a job for 1-2 years so they can go back to school for NP and quit their jobs. Employers in areas without a shortage can afford to be picky: get RNs with BSNs, experienced RNs, RNs certified in their care area.

I'm sorry again that you haven't had luck finding employment and if you want to answer a few simple questions to help us help you, we'll be here.