For those who are having trouble finding a job due to the gluts

[PeachPie]

I live in Houston, which has about 6 nursing schools in the area and therefore experiences gluts of new nurses. Despite the famous medical center, even the biggest county hospital has a new nurse/GN waiting list of about 90 people. I was having trouble finding a job, especially since some places require a bachelor's.

The solution? I thought outside of the box, or in this case the city limits. I called hospitals and other facilities in the surrounding cities and suburbs, and was set up with interviews immediately. Also, don't just go for hospitals. Look for LTACs and other places that are less advertised. Everyone flocks to the big city places, but there are opportunities to be made elsewhere.

I now have a job at a brand new LTAC in a very nice suburb. Yes, I have to drive 30 minutes both ways, but it's worth it. Don't be afraid to go out of your limits or take positions that you hadn't originally planned on taking. Remember, the beginning of any career usually involves paying your dues. Good luck! I'm not sure if it'll be the same for all of you, especially for those who don't live in major metropolitan areas with surrounding towns, but it doesn't hurt to try!

[TexasPediRN]

PeachPie :

I think you have a wonderful and positive attitude about the whole situation, so kudos to you!

I also live in Houston, and it took me a while to 'get into' the med center. I first moved here as a new grad and did some private duty nursing for a while b/c I couldnt get a job in the med center (which was all that I knew!) Then I went to a smaller hospital, and am now right in the heart of the med center.

I hope you enjoy your new job!!!

[PhillyMujer]

Thank you so much for that piece of advice, I am graduating from school in Philadelphia and I feel like there are so many positions for experienced nurses not new grads. We also have so many programs that are pumping out new nurses, I was starting to get discouraged.

Do you have any advice as to where to search for "other" nursing opportunities?

Also, this may be a silly question, but what is a LTACs?

Thanks!

[AtomicWoman]

Also, this may be a silly question, but what is a LTACs?

Thanks!

I had the same question. I know what an LTC is, but what's an LTAC?

PhillyMujer, I feel your pain. I'll be starting NS in the Philly/South Jersey area, where it seems to be getting mighty tough to get a fresh-out-of-nursing-school job these days.

[Butterflybee]

What are 'gluts'????

[MB37]

LTAC = Long Term Acute Care - in this area at least they include patients on vents, drips, etc. who may be direct transfers from an ICU once they've stabilized somewhat. Unlike working in most traditional LTCs you can keep current on all your skills.

"glut" = overabundance

[Mocow2006]

The solution? I thought outside of the box, or in this case the city limits. I called hospitals and other facilities in the surrounding cities and suburbs, and was set up with interviews immediately. Also, don't just go for hospitals. Look for LTACs and other places that are less advertised. Everyone flocks to the big city places, but there are opportunities to be made elsewhere.

Thanks, I live in NJ and we are having the same problem. I appreciate the positive spin that you have put on this topic.

Mo