Getting experience when can't get any job as a new RN

chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · May 17, 2011

Here's why I believe you are having difficulty.

There are 23 institutions in just Philly and the surrounding PA counties (Delco, Montco & Chesco) with nursing programs; 5 diploma programs, 7 associate degree and 11 BSN. During the period from 2005 through 2009, according to the PA BoN, these programs produced a collective total of 9,682 RN's. Over that same period, nursing employment in the area was:

2005 - 43,740

2006 - 44,840

2007 - 42,420

2008 - 42,740

2009 - 42,820

So when you do the math, you find that there is essentially no growth in nursing jobs in the Philly area in the past 5 years - and arguably a decline (the BLS data for 2010 isn't available yet but it is likely to remain virtually unchanged from 2009). At the same time, new RN's are coming into the workforce in increasing numbers. Taking just the period from 2008 to 2009, you can see that the net increase in nursing jobs was a grand total of 80. The number of new RN's from just those 23 schools in 2009 was 2,142 or about 27 new grads for each of those 80 jobs. Add in some of the 1,986 new RNs from 2008 who weren't able to find jobs and a bunch of retired or experienced RN's who needed to return to the workforce for one reason or another and you can see that the jobs competition is pretty stiff.

If it's any consolation, I'm in the same boat as you as far as working as an RN goes. The same is true for most of my graduating class from May of 2010. Fortunately, I remained at my old, non-health care related job through nursing school which ironically pays significantly more than I could expect to earn as an RN, so it's not a critical situation for me. Many of my classmates are not so fortunate and despite not being able to find employment, now have to find a way to start repaying their student loans.

The good news is that most new RNs are able to find jobs within 2 or so years of graduating. And the employment situation is bound to improve in the near future.

Best of luck in your job search.

bonesrn · May 17, 2011

Are you dead set on Philadelphia? I am trying to get to Philly and I have 16 years experience. It's not easy, but don't give up! One thing I noticed here is candidates coming to the units directly and dropping of cookies and such..at first I thought it was weird but when I asked the nurse manager about it she said 'anything someone does to get noticed is good, I get over 100 applications from HR in my inbox and I can't possibly look at all of them" Her point being that it at least gets them an interview, which is more than most.

Good Luck!! We need good nurses!!

mrsjbrent06 · Jun 15, 2011

I have heard that it is lucrative to work in a retirement home for a year or 2 and gain the experience you need to get accepted at a hospital. You may want to look into that as an option.

HelloNurse_RN · Jun 19, 2011

:faints: :: puts up white flag::

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2011

Networking is really important. Keep in touch with classmates and professors and join and participate in a professional nursing organization. Volunteer as a nurse with the Red Cross. Make sure your resume and cover letter sell you well and make sure you are filling out applications online completely. Call to follow up on your applications.

IndecisiveInMiami · Jul 20, 2011

Aaaaahhhhhhhhh This is so confusing!!!! I'm currently in Florida and moving to the Philly area in a few weeks to a month. I was going to start nursing school THERE because "there's a huge shortage in PA" What the H is all this talk about shortages?????? There clearly isn't one!!! I don't understand this at all.

dacmorri1 · Jul 21, 2011

Just wondering why you thought there was a huge nursing shortage in PA? Maybe other areas in PA (of which I do not know), but not Philly. There are no jobs for new grads, all want experience.

Jeanne M P · Jul 21, 2011

There is a huge difference between not enough nurses and not hiring nurses. I think the problem is that the budget conscious management in anticipation of Obama care simply are not hiring. They dont care about adequate staffing just the $$$ bottom line.

kathleench · Jul 22, 2011

Hi there:
Trying to get a job as a new RN in Philly and the surrounding area is very discouraging. I don't even get any call backs for interviews. I graduated August 2010, and received my license in November 2010. I know that there are a lot of people in the same situation, some have been out even longer. I already took several certification courses thinking this would help gain at least an interview. No such luck. I don't know what else I can do. How can I get experience when any place you look wants someone with experience? I also am a registered dental hygienist and have been doing temp work as a dental hygienist, but I want to work as a nurse. That is why I went back to school. I keep hearing things should get better soon. When? Now, there is even more competition with the recent graduates waiting to take the NCLEX and become licensed. I am also getting worried because it is almost a year since I graduated. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks a bunch.

Dont become discouarged in this day you MUST be a PEST, keep calling back wherever you feel interested. you must fight the system. by being a so called PEST they or employer will be more apt to know your are of strong character

kathleench · Jul 22, 2011

There is a huge difference between not enough nurses and not hiring nurses. I think the problem is that the budget conscious management in anticipation of Obama care simply are not hiring. They dont care about adequate staffing just the $$$ bottom line.

You are accurate, unit management is gaining $ by keeping staffing @ a minimal !!!!

kathleench · Jul 22, 2011

Do Not quit !!! search relentlessly with any or maybe the bottom of your lists of interest. then know it is but a stepping stone to what type of job you truely desire. unless you want long term dont go there !!!