I know this is a pretty common statement on these boards, but I am so frustrated/upset/disappointed about how difficult it is to find a job as a new grad nurse right now.
I just finished my pregrad in an ICU, and normally they hire their pregrad students into the NGG positions to orient them and then hire part time afterwards. This year they are unable to because they're laying off nurses on the unit.
The only postings I see (outside of NGG) are for emerg jobs, which I am not qualified for (although I did apply to a bunch of them anyway, because what else can I do). I think I've pretty much applied to anything that is within an hour or so drive of where I live.
My boyfriend and I are looking at moving so that we can both be employed, but his job is a little more limiting. He also makes more money than I will as a nurse so if he can't find a job as well it makes no sense to move. I've applied to Calgary and to the interior of BC. From reading the boards I know that everywhere in Ontario (except for way up North perhaps) is a tough market right now. I had a phone interview for a casual position in the interior, but my boyfriends interviews for that area didn't pan out.
It's extra frustrating to me because the lie I was sold when I applied to nursing was that there was this "huge shortage" and so many jobs for nurses. And this is my second degree, which makes the looming student debt even more terrifying for me.
I'm not really sure why I'm posting this. I think I just need to get it off my chest to other people who are dealing with the same thing. My family just keeps telling me oh its cyclical, it wasn't like this a few years ago. Which is kind of a lie, throughout my degree nurses on the units have been telling me there were no jobs, but I loved being in the hospital so I kind of ignored it.
Here's hoping I eventually get a job here in Onterrible, or get an opportunity to move to Alberta or BC (which I would love to do, beautiful out there).
I have applied to all of the jobs within an hour or so drive of me that have been posted on HFO. What some of the nurses on my pregrad unit told me was that they have to post those jobs, but they will usually hire the students who were on their units. Not going to stop me from applying though :)!
There are at least 4,000 newly licensed RNs looking for work in Ontario every year, suggest you apply to every healthcare facility within an hours drive, not just to places that have jobs posted. The NGG intiative is limited because most healthcare facilities are unionized and cannot guarantee a fulltime position to a new grad, because they have casual nurses who want the positions.
I have applied to all of the jobs within an hour or so drive of me that have been posted on HFO. What some of the nurses on my pregrad unit told me was that they have to post those jobs, but they will usually hire the students who were on their units. Not going to stop me from applying though :)!
Yeah I've been applying and no responses yet. Gives me more time to study for NCLEX I guess lol. If all else fails Ill go up North.
I have been applying to non-NGG jobs as well. Although I haven't submitted my resume when there are no jobs posted except to my hospital and one other one.
If employers have the need for casuals, they can hire without posting the positions. Suggest you make a map of every employer, (not just hospitals) that are within a one hours drive. Do not send generic cover letters with your resume, spend the time and effort to make cover letters that are geared to each individual employer.
I see you've written a couple times about how your boyfriend makes more money than you will as a nurse, but that doesn't necessarily mean you don't deserve the same amount of respect regarding finding a job in your field as he does. There should be some sort of compromise here; you've worked hard to get your nursing education and your starting salary isn't anything to sneeze at. For me, getting an education, being able to count on myself financially and being independent are very important. I would have a hard time just giving that up because my boyfriend's career "trumps" mine.
I'm not trying to be harsh, just a friendly reminder that you and your career is just as important as him and his. :)
Just a little more life wisdom from someone who's been around a few years longer than you (I think):
You shouldn't be planning your life and future around the needs of someone who hasn't committed his life and future to you, nor should he be doing that with you. Call me old fashioned, but to me that means marriage. It does still mean something.
If employers have the need for casuals, they can hire without posting the positions. Suggest you make a map of every employer, (not just hospitals) that are within a one hours drive. Do not send generic cover letters with your resume, spend the time and effort to make cover letters that are geared to each individual employer.
Its incredibly time consuming to do that. I know employers expect it but I'm studying for an NCLEX I dont have time to personalize each cover letter. I know some ppl sending out resumes without them
Relizabeth are u sending out cover letters with each resume?
It is time consuming to personalize your cover letters, but competition is fierce. If you want to increase your chances of actually being called for interviews, it's worth your time.
As a hiring manager, I can tell you that HR receives hundreds of resumes. The candidates who haven't bothered well, often those resumes are tossed out.
Resumes are kept on file for six months, if you do not have time to create focused cover letters, you are better off waiting until you are officially a RN and have more time to spend developing cover letters that will help you stand out from other applicants. Also, large hospitals use keyword software programs to screen resumes, if your resume does not contain keywords for a RN position, it will not be be selected to be scrutinized by human resources staff or a manager.
I totally understand that. We are going to get married. We've talked about it, we've looked at rings, we're getting ready to buy a house, etc. Otherwise I wouldn't be planning my life with him.
Its incredibly time consuming to do that. I know employers expect it but I'm studying for an NCLEX I dont have time to personalize each cover letter. I know some ppl sending out resumes without them
Relizabeth are u sending out cover letters with each resume?
I am indeed sending out cover letters with each resume.
Resumes are kept on file for six months, if you do not have time to create focused cover letters, you are better off waiting until you are officially a RN and have more time to spend developing cover letters that will help you stand out from other applicants. Also, large hospitals use keyword software programs to screen resumes, if your resume does not contain keywords for a RN position, it will not be be selected to be scrutinized by human resources staff or a manager.
Wow really. Thats crazy. Ugh maybe I should wait. But how would I "personalize" it? Talk about the specific hospital and unit? Look up mission and values of the hospital, that kind of thing?
relizabeth
22 Posts
I have applied to all of the jobs within an hour or so drive of me that have been posted on HFO. What some of the nurses on my pregrad unit told me was that they have to post those jobs, but they will usually hire the students who were on their units. Not going to stop me from applying though :)!