Experienced RN With No Luck Finding Position

[olivia28]

Hello All,

I am just wondering if experienced RNs are having difficulty in finding work. I know it depends on the area you live in ( I am in NYC, UGGGHH), and with all of the layoffs out here the competition is stiff! I have been getting down to the last two or three candidates on every job interview I have been on, but no luck yet. I am not feeling any desperation, but how about those who are out of work? If new grads are not finding jobs easily, how are the experienced RNs doing? Thoughts, comments?

[Lovely_RN, MSN]

The job market is really bad. Facilities aren't hiring and nurses are still working short. You just have to keep applying and endlessly networking till you get something. Even experienced nurses are searching for months to a year or more.

[Broadway404, ASN, RN]

23 years of OB/GYN experience both in and out of the hospital setting, a recent MSN ( with $40,000 debt and NOTHING! There is not a shortage of nurses just a shortage of facilities willing to work with those who have the qualifications. They all want "recent" experience. Eventually all those are going to die off and then what? I'm frustrated - Have been applying and interviewing since August. If it's money I haven't heard a single person discuss me being flexible and willing to take a cut to get my foot in the door. Im not sure whats next........

[mindlor]

i hate to say it broadway but it souds like you may be the victim of age discrimination

[Biffbradford]

Currently here in the upper Midwest, there ARE hiring freezes in effect right now in major hospitals despite some units being down as many as 9 nurses on staff. Some places make up the shortage by using travel agency RNs who get worked up to 70+ hours / week. Others are told to just 'make do' with what they have.

I'm hoping things change quickly in 2012. (yeah, right)

[katkonk, BSN, RN]

I am so sad to hear that so many experienced nurses with all the skills to offer patients are

having a hard time. Just a suggestion, but try to throw out a broader "net". Nurses often

forget to check out the local jails and prisons within commutable distances. Most correctional

facilities are usually looking for some nurses, but you have to go to their websites...you will

not usually see those job ads unless you are specifically looking for them. Also look under

your city and county websites for public health nursing. Look for clinic nurse, occupational

health nurse, urgent care nursing. To focus just on hospitals is limiting your job prospects.

Good luck to everyone.

[trinitymaster]

14 years experience. ICU, TELE, VENT, REHAB . . .etc

Seen a lot and done a lot. Only have my ADN. Was told at last interview that the job was down to three candidates. One had more experience than me, so I was fine with that person getting the job. The other candidate (the one who the Nurse Manager was leaning toward) had ZERO experience and was a fresh BSN grad who handled a lot of projects in college and was PERKY. Hospital is trying to get magnet status. Lot of fresh BSNs on the unit. All of them had that "Deer in the headlights" look.

Hospitals are going to hell in a hand basket trying to get that Magnet status.

No way that you can tell me that a fresh BSN is a safer nurse than an experienced ADN.

[Biffbradford]

Agreed. I'm guessing that Magnet status affects reimbursement rates?

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Agreed. I'm guessing that Magnet status affects reimbursement rates?

Directly? technically no, eventually yes.......and of course with the focus on patient satisfaction and it's "proven" that Magnet facilities have greater "satisfaction" scores....blah, blah, blah.....

[Aviationurse]

Ive applied to some dangerous neigborhoods and small community hospitals and still waiting....what a massive bummer.....

[fiveofpeep]

In southern california I did okay. I sent out about a dozen apps. Received interviews for all. Selected three to interview with. Offered job for all three. I have my BSN and two years SICU experience in a smallish community hospital. It took me about two weeks to find a job. Good luck to you all :redbeathe It's very sad to me to see experienced nurses struggling to find work. It shouldn't be that way.

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

14 years experience. ICU, TELE, VENT, REHAB . . .etc

Seen a lot and done a lot. Only have my ADN. Was told at last interview that the job was down to three candidates. One had more experience than me, so I was fine with that person getting the job. The other candidate (the one who the Nurse Manager was leaning toward) had ZERO experience and was a fresh BSN grad who handled a lot of projects in college and was PERKY. Hospital is trying to get magnet status. Lot of fresh BSNs on the unit. All of them had that "Deer in the headlights" look.

Hospitals are going to hell in a hand basket trying to get that Magnet status.

No way that you can tell me that a fresh BSN is a safer nurse than an experienced ADN.

I bet "perky" wins!

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

What type of job are you looking for? Educator or NP or floor RN? Just curious? We have so many nurses going for NP, I wonder how many are actually going to find jobs in that field. It seems over saturated where I live anyway!

From what I've read you have to sell yourself, go out and ask people for a job. If NP go in person and let the doctors know your available or send out a targeted resume and cover letter to doctors you would be interested in working for.

If you are looking for a MSN educator job in a hospital I guess you would find out as much info about the administrative and hiring people as possible. Check out linked in, business journal, etc and try to make a connection that way. Just some suggestions!