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).
You personalize cover letters by linking some of the key phrases in the job description with how they apply to concrete examples in your clinicals and work history. How does the organization's values or mission relate to your accomplishments? How have you demonstrated leadership?
Agree with joanna's advice on personalizing cover letters. Also, if you want more ideas on creating nursing specific cover letters and resumes, RNAO usually hosts a career expo around this time of year, it may be worth your while to attend.
I am also trying not to get depressed as we have been promised that we will find jobs through our pre-grad experience. I was lucky enough to find a great preceptor and unit that I would love to work in. I'm supremely frustrated with the CNO process and have applied to numerous positions through the new grad initiative (NGG) and postings on workopolis and hospital sites.
Its also really discouraging when you have completed everything and are sitting in limbo since CNO process takes forever, and now with the new NCLEX you have to wait for CNO to process and send info to Pearson to actually take your exam. I've been waiting for almost two months to take the exam. I can't even imagine how long getting a temp license will take , plus you'd need a job offer for that, which aren't happening....
Makes it pretty discouraging when you're competing with people who already have their licenses. Any one have suggestions on how to stand out? Or expedite the process?
Unfortunately, the schools have been deliberately misleading students since 2008. It's a business and they want your money. Nurses have been laid off for the last 7+ years across the country.
New grads everywhere continue to struggle, but if you are flexible, willing to work any shift, and willing to accept any position, you'll find something and build experience. Consider relocating to a small town. Most small towns are desperate for nurses and there are lots of hours to be had.
Apply anywhere and everywhere. Tailor your cover letters and network with other students and nurses. Don't rely solely on those new grad initiatives because they are under funded.
The new grad initiative is not under funded, politicians have excessively funded it for years. Most employers cannot use the money without violating the Ontario nurses collective agreement. In order to receive the money, the employer must guarantee the grad a full time position after the six month supernumerary placement is finished. However, most work places have casual nurses, with years of seniority who desire full time work and they are next in line for vacant positions. The only way a new grad can be given a full time position, is if the employer is deceitful and does not post the position.
@aywl, no one can advise you if you should file a grievance, you will need to educate yourself, weigh the risks and benefits and make an informed choice. Your first step is to read your union contract and find out if the employer violated the contract. Your next step is to read the grievance process for your local. Usually a grievance must be initiated within a set number of days and if you do not grieve within the allotted time frame, you cannot do so at a later date.
I am in Alberta, I have been worked for a hospital for years, most time the full time positions were offered to a new grad, should I go to complain?
Only if they're actually doing something they're not allowed to do. It depends on your contract and there are variables you have to be aware of. For example, here temp positions can sometimes be offered internally or created for new grads, and posted lines with no applicants can be offered to new grads (external) no questions asked. This is how I got my original PFT line. It closed on the day I was hired with no internal applicants so the manager asked me if I wanted it. If the lines are being offered to people rather than being posted, there's probably a reason for it. Were they posted lines you applied for? Definitely get to know your contract first and maybe ask your rep about it.
The AUPE contract basically says that you have ten days to file a grievance once the position is filled.
Seniority is the deciding factor when the applicants interview equally well. You are awarded points for your answers to the interview questions.
There is one question you have to ask yourself. Do you want a position that you have to grieve and win to be the successful applicant?
Right now in my hospital there are roughly 75 internal applicants for every posted position. With the ever popular workplace utilization (or whatever it's being called now) the trend is to post most positions as temporary for one year.
I'm not sure where is OK for you to move and where isn't but I would bet that Abbotsford and Surrey, BC are hiring emerg nurses. Both of which are about an hour from Vancouver, which has so many surrounding cities that your boyfriend could likely work in.
, plus you'd need a job offer for that, which aren't happening....
joanna73, BSN, RN
4,767 Posts
You personalize cover letters by linking some of the key phrases in the job description with how they apply to concrete examples in your clinicals and work history. How does the organization's values or mission relate to your accomplishments? How have you demonstrated leadership?