First job location?

yulans · Apr 13, 2009

As a new RN it is very difficult to find jobs in todays economy.Every hospital in NYC is asking for experience. I feel like I wasted two years going to school and now cannot find a job. It is very frustrating to me. I have applied to every hospital and LTC with no avail. I have not even gotten a call back from anyone. I am losing hope.

tuxedo_1 · Apr 25, 2009

Really, there are a ton of areas that would work. Check Texas and Michigan as both are CRNA friendly, and pay well. Texas has no state tax and the housing market is better so maybe there first. I wouldn't recommend N. California. Other areas that are great to work, but the pay scale isn't as high, are the SE states...Carolinas, Virginia, and Kentucky. And, there are some states that you won't find many jobs...Utah, Dakotas, Colorado to name a few.

Most importantly, make sure you find a hospital that will provide you with the experience you will need to be able to do everything. Don't limit yourself right out of graduation by going to a small or rural hospital...stick to the big learning centers, that way, when the time comes, you can move where you want, since you will be able to handle everything. :yeah:

fyrace · Apr 25, 2009

Florida. Tons of openings. I am in Central Florida and plan on getting a job right out of school. Happens a lot.

alumno · Apr 25, 2009

Do you recommend using a recruitment agency?

Could they offer options/opportunities that I'm unlikely to find on my own?

tuxedo_1 · Apr 26, 2009

They may or may not. Some are great to use, but others can be a little vague, meaning what they tell you may not be what you get. Or they advertise a great salary but when you get to the nuts and bolts, you find that salary number also included benefits and all the extras, so it's not what you would be putting in your pocket.

As a new grad, consider a few things. First and foremost, as I said above, look for a place that will over experience. You may not care right now, and just want to get out there, but in the bigger picture, having the ability to adapt to a variety of situations will only make you stronger clinically and more capable in the future. If you have already gone to school at a large teaching facility, then you're already almost there. Now, you would just need AT LEAST 6 months of independent work under your belt. Depending on your school, you may have already been independent for most of your schooling. If that's the case, then you may feel ready to just find a long term home.

Another consideration, assuming that you will not stay at this first hospital for more than a few years, remember that you will have the least seniority, meaning that you won't get the best schedule or vacation pics or whatever. That will take a bit. I have found, for me, that my schedule is a big thing...I like to travel, so I like my job because we can work a variety of shifts (anything from 3-5 days a week) which offers a TON of flexibility...I take numerous vacations a year and never use official vacation time. I also like that our department is big enough that when I do get a shift I don't like, I can usually switch it with someone. So, those type of things matter to me. Think about what matters to you....do you want to live near a big city for after-work entertainment? Do you have a family going with you...if so, what are their needs? So, if you are going to start with low seniority, but in the bigger picture, things like schedule and vacations will get better, then you may still want to consider that position.

What about US location? Is weather an issue? Or closeness to a large airport for travels?

Is working overtime important? Is it offered? And, if it is, how bad is the staffing? Do the CRNA's get regular breaks or are they stuck frequently...meaning not getting morning or lunch breaks and how often are they stuck when it's time to go home?

Maybe it would be good to list what you would want in a perfect job, including location and all that. Then start online (gaswork.com) and start a comparison list where you can throw out jobs that are a definite no, then list the others based on what they offer that you like.

Bottom line is, once you get your experience, a job is a job. That's not to say you won't love or hate your ultimate position. But, it means that no matter what you end up with, you will still want to go home and enjoy your life.