Forget the nanny state

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I'm a new graduate nurse, so I don't expect any institution to be overjoyed about offering me a job, however I have placed in 77 jobs applications over 54 different hospitals/clinics/nursing homes/assisted living facilities and I can't seem to get an interview. I noticed NY employers are interested in only hiring BSN degree nurses or LPNs. I was so proud of graduating and passing my NCLEX but now I'm starting to feel like a second class nurse. I notice my friends and family in other states do not seem to have the same experience, but I would like to hear others weigh in. I'm leave NY in a heartbeat if that could mean a job. Is this a NY issue or more nationwide than I would like to believe?

What does the title of this thread have to do with the content?

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

You are not alone. It's nationwide. Facilities in all larger metro areas in Tx are moving rapidly into the "BSN preferred" mode - and limiting new grad hires to BSN only. ADN grads still have job opportunities in smaller cities and rural areas. There is a sufficient amount of clear evidence that higher proportions of BSN-prepared nurses are strongly associated with improved patient outcomes in acute care. Reimbursement is increasingly tied to patient care outcomes. Therefore, it is very clear that health care providers are compelled to take action to improve quality as well as maintain their own financial health.

Just this week, I attended a seminar presented by a nationally known Nursing Leader/Researcher. She shared a recent study which analyzed nursing research & professional literature and found that it is written at a 'post-baccalaureate' reading level. Hmmm - so what are the implications for nursing education? We are licensing new graduates who do not have the capacity to read & understand their own professional literature. Very sad - the complexity of actual nursing practice seems to be outstripping our educational system.

All signs point to BSN if you wish to practice in an acute care setting.

"who you know" is often the most important part of the equation. Can you network with fellow students who already have jobs? I helped several of my fellow students get a job where I'm working. I'm sure some would do the same for you.

And if you're not getting a call back from even LTC facilities, I wonder if your resume needs tweaking. Make every resume specific to the facility you're applying to.

70 something apps and 50 something facilities- apply more. With 50 something facilities you could easily have 250 apps.

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

But don't just "blanket" local employers with the same generic resume. That's a sure way to get lost in the shuffle. Research each facility and each job and tailor each resume to it. You need to stand out.

What does the title of this thread have to do with the content?

Umm, that would be "nothing whatsoever."

OP, it's like that more and more all over the country. But by all means, if you are free to travel, search for jobs in other areas. There are many threads on AN talking about where there are jobs if you really want to do everything you can to find one.

What does the title of this thread have to do with the content?

Wondering the same thing????

+ Add a Comment