Curious about the new grads not finding jobs?

[bubbly_nurse]

I am just curious about something. I have read many discussions on the topic of new grads not being able to find jobs. Do any of you have previous healthcare experience at all, in a hospital or otherwise? Or does that not matter at all? I am on the waiting list for RN school so I still have a way to go, but have 20 years in the healthcare field so was just curious if that is taken into consideration at all when you apply to these local hospitals? Thank you so much for your input.

[Barbara Hessinger]

I hope that everyone realizes that that this economy is not in a cycle. It is not going to recover. We are most likely all just (can't say). I have no advise. I got hurt on my first nursing job, but since I had been a CNA for twenty years the hospital would not take responsibility. I then worked in an office while in physical therapy, that I am paying for. Then that job ended because the company did not have enough clients. I am now on unemployment for the first time in my life. The thing that bothers me the most is that everyone still thinks that nurses are never out of work. I wish someone would let everyone know this so I can stop being questioned by everyone who thinks I am being lazy. Give me a break I worked all my life as a caregiver and raised children why would I all of the sudden decide to stay on unemployment. I apply for 3-5 jobs every week and no one ever calls. I had one interview with a prison and I didn't even get that.

Are you in AZ?

I tend to agree with you on the economy. AZ is not looking too good. Just read yesterday that the Phoenix housing market will take a long, long time to recover. The military bases and surroundings still do fairly well here but that's about it.

The retirees are not coming down here as they used too and that hurts health care in AZ.

[serenity1]

I have friends from the Banner Fellows program that cannot find a job. If Banner cannot find a spot for a graduate that they paid for, I don't know what to tell you? Banner had to let some new grads out of their contract because they could not find jobs for all of them. As someone else posted, it does not matter how many years experience you have if there are no openings to apply for. I'm hoping things will turn around for all the new grads, but it doesn't look good right now. It's more about having a connection to get into where I work. I wish you all the best. Good luck to you!! :)

[justanimals]

When the need increased for nurses some years back many community colleges expanded their programs and/or started new ones in addition to four year colleges. I live in northwest Arizona and we have a community college that feeds three branches into an area that has five small hospitals. That doesn't include clinics, nursing homes, etc. They graduate about thirty a semester more or less. That is quite a few to absorb for an area. It doesn't have to do with not taking new grads either, it has to do with creating a balance on the unit so that the floor has plenty of experience to safely care for the patients. Nursing school is just the beginning of your career, stepping onto the floor is just the next step. I consider a new grad nurse one for two years. New grads have to be willing relocate to areas that may not be choices for others with experience. There are many other options to include military, federal government. Hope this helps.

[hope3456, ASN, RN]

What about the hospital in Yuma, AZ?? I just saw a huge 'RN wanted' posting in a magazine.....could just be a hoax.

[sassiebaz]

This is exactly why I decided to find another healthcare dicipline that would still be in demand. I have gone back and forth about whether or not to pursue nursing. I am happy with the decision I made, although had the economy been different over the past few years, I probably would have continued down this path....

[Amburgerz12]

I gradated in May 2010, passed my boards in August and got a position in September at a SNF. I have found the biggest thing is to network and you actually have to go in to the places, not just apply online. You need to get your face out there so the managers can put a face with the resume, your personality can really make a difference.

Good Luck!!

[sassiebaz]

I gradated in May 2010, passed my boards in August and got a position in September at a SNF. I have found the biggest thing is to network and you actually have to go in to the places, not just apply online. You need to get your face out there so the managers can put a face with the resume, your personality can really make a difference.

Good Luck!!

Even though I have decided to pursue another healthcare field, I did talk to a friend who recently graduated from an LPN program here locally. She said each student except one in her graduating class had a job lined up. Does that mean it's easier to find an LPN position as opposed to an RN position? Interesting....

[fromtheseaRN, BSN, RN]

Even though I have decided to pursue another healthcare field, I did talk to a friend who recently graduated from an LPN program here locally. She said each student except one in her graduating class had a job lined up. Does that mean it's easier to find an LPN position as opposed to an RN position? Interesting....

did your friend say where they got the job? i would think LPNs are getting jobs faster because they are being employed in long term care, skilled nursing facilities, etc. i assume most RNs graduating are looking for jobs in hospitals, and the major chain here is on a hiring freeze, and not many others are hiring either.

[mscardiacnurse, ASN, RN]

I am a Banner Fellow graduating tomorrow from nursing school. I have already been offered a job, as well as 4 of my classmates . Though the market is tight Banner is working very hard to place new grads from their program. I know that the last 2 groups that graduated have almost all been placed now. I have to say that while I got my first choice of area and shift some people have their hearts set on certain specialty areas and have not been able to get an interview even after precepting on the units they want to work on. Personally, I am very happy with Banner and know they are trying their best to fulfill everyone's wishes and find them a spot.

[inforn43]

did your friend say where they got the job? i would think LPNs are getting jobs faster because they are being employed in long term care, skilled nursing facilities, etc. i assume most RNs graduating are looking for jobs in hospitals, and the major chain here is on a hiring freeze, and not many others are hiring either.

Personally, I would love to work in a SNF. That is what I have always done so it would be easier for me. When I first graduated I thought I would only work in a hospital, just to get better skills. Now I am willing to work anywhere. Things are really bad here in Oregon. If I am OOW any longer I will have to move. If anyone has an Idea of the best place I could go yo find any nursing job, let me know.