Finding a Nursing Job

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As the goverment say nurses are in high demand, is it hard to find a job as nurse still?

what do the hospitals expect from you straigt out of college when you pass your boards?

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Depends on the position

To have a heads up, check out the career section on the websites for some hospitals you would like to work for

Often, looking at the qualifications for the position you want to apply for will give you an idea of what that particular facility is looking for

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Specializes in cardiac.

as of right now, seems like 98% of openings in nursing are for someone with at least 1 year of experience. how you are supposed to get that experience when no one will hire you is beyond me. i'm even having a hard time getting a job in a nursing home :(

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Specializes in ICU (all), ER, PACU,Psych, Mother/Baby.
As the goverment say nurses are in high demand, is it hard to find a job as nurse still?

what do the hospitals expect from you straigt out of college when you pass your boards?

I understand your dilemma, I really do. I was in the same position when I started out. I actually had to relocate from Pittsburgh to Dallas to land my dream job.

Yes, a lot of positions will request at least one year experience. That's expect, but don't despair. Remember that these managers need to fill in those positions. Some may be willing to hire a confident, passionate, determined newbie that they can mold into their culture. that can be preferable to an old timer who is stuck in their ways.

Those are the things I will tout on a resume. In addition to checking out the hospitals websites, make sure you sign up for job alerts. Search in the classifieds, job hotlines and online for ER jobs & internships - internships are probably your best bet. Volunteer in the ER at a hospital you like.

While you are there, let them know you would love to come work for them; if you make a good enough impression, you just might land a job. Also, practice interviewing, make sure your resume and cover letter reflect the qualities they are looking for. I am writing a series of articles on this very subject. It covers everything from searching, resume writing to the art of interviewing, and then some. It is on page 71 of a nursing magazine that's on Facebook. I believe the version is digital so you can click on it and start reading.

I really hope this helps in some way. After working so hard to get through nursing school, you deserve to land your dream job.

Let me know how it works out. If you need help with your resume, I can give you tips, too. Get jobs became a quasi specialty of mine after 8 years of travelling. I'm always happy to help. Good luck! :).

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like the saying goes...its not what u know its who u know!!

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It is a matter of supply and demand. If there are more applicants than positions available the employers are in a position to pick, choose and refuse. It would stand to reason that the most experience qualified nurses would be offered jobs first. They do not have anything against new grads, except for the fact they have to spend money training them. If an employer is really trying to cut corners then they may hire less experienced nurses who are willing to take huge pay cuts over more experienced ones that wont work for less then a certain amount. New grads might have to be willing to relocate in order to get the best training and offers for employment. In my area none of the new grads are able to find work, and neither are experienced people. We have a 13% unemployment rate. :(

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Specializes in ED.

Experience doesn't matter *if* you get some time in front of those who will hire / work with you.

Volunteer. *Shining* while doing so is key.

During your clinicals, *shine*. Make them *ask you* to apply there. If they can see you have the raw talent and good attitude, they will often happily teach you the rest after holding an opening for you.

DC :)

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If you can work as a tech in a hospital, do it! I just went back to look at RN jobs at the old hospital I was teching at. Every position on my old floor requested 1 year RN experience, but when I was working there (and I recently quit) EVERY tech who became an LPN/RN was hired on as a nurse there. I looked at about 200-300 RN jobs the other day around the Atlanta area and a bunch of hospitals, and every single job I read said "one year prior experience required." I plan on walking my resume into the floor manager's office and talking to them in person if I have a hard time finding a job.

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