got those new grad blues

[amknollman]

Hey everyone,

I know this is the same old story, but I just don't know what to do! I just graduated with my BSN, but have been applying since February (like I was told, mistake apparently,,, they dont like getting applications with out licenses!). I did not work as a PCA while in school because I'm a single mom with a 6 year old son and with my school and his school I barely saw him as it was... you can never get those years back, you know? but not I am in a pickle... Everyone wants 1-3 years of experience, no one has openings for new grads, if they do you need your license (waiting on Ohio board of Nursing and Pearson Vue on that one... who knows how long it will be) at this point I am desperate for ANY job. I have tried applying to be a PCA, said they would not hire me bc they'd train me then I would get my license and be moving on to RN and they would have to train me again (assuming I could even GET A JOB) and train someone else for that position. At this point I don't even care, I've applied at Target, Kohls, IKEA... all gave me the same story--with that degree you wont be staying so why would we hire you?

so I have educated myself out of retail and PCA positions... But don't have enough experience to work anywhere I would actually use my degree.

I have lived with my parents for the past 25 years, I would like to get out on my own but I am STUCK. what do I do?

[ldiva0808]

It could be that the places that you applying to are not teaching hospitals. It took 6 months of applying to jobs before a hospital gave me a job. Most of the hospitals are picky in that they would want someone who can come in and start working quick after orientation, that is different from the new grads in that we are brand new and it might take us longer to learn. The hospital that I work at is a teaching hospital, so they have that patience for new grads. When you apply to a hospital. look to find out if there is any university or community college around there that uses that hospital for clincals, often times those hospitals are interested in new grads. but other hospitals would not want to spend more than orientation time trying to teach a new grad reason why they would want an experienced person.Having your license, helps, When I got my license was when the hospital called me. Even if you put down that you have already taken the boards already, waiting for you license to them , if they are not seeing the license number they go on to the next. Good luck with it all.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Sorry you're having such a hard time getting your career started. I don't have any sage advice, but can help to clarify some issues.

First of all, most employers will not offer you a position until you actually have a license. The rationale? If they hire you and begin training you, and THEN you don't pass NCLEX, all the training has to be put on 'hold' because you essentially become a nurse aide (unlicensed) until you can pass ... because at that point, they aren't allowed to continue to let you perform any tasks that require a license. It puts the employer in a real dilemma.

The critical factor - determining whether a hospital is hiring new grads - is not whether they are a teaching hospital. Instead, it whether they have the budget for providing education and training resources that are needed to transform a new grad into a competent nurse. Healthcare reimbursement is in a free-fall situation at the moment due to increasing Federal reimbursement cut-backs at the same time they are requiring massive increases in expensive technology. It's not a matter of "patience" - it's just money. They can't afford to pay a salary to someone who is not fully productive so they just afford to hire new grads. Some have created non-paid internships to help fill the gap. Time will tell whether this will catch on, but I do know that there is increasing interest in my neck of the woods.

I do have some advice on avoiding the "over qualified" label when you are looking for an interim job. Don't list your degree. A couple of years ago, a friend of mine earned his PhD in Public Health, but was desperately trying to maintain some income while he hunted for a permanent job.... with absolutely no luck. But when he left off all the college information and just listed a HS diploma, he had no problems. BTW, he did end up with a public health department in a major city before his student loan deferment ran out.

I really hate what is happening to new grads like you. It's just so unfair. I wish I had the power or influence to fix it. Please don't give up. My thoughts and best wishes are with you.