Graduated last May.... NO JOB

panpan · Jun 2, 2012

I have to sympathize with the 123wannabenurse, I am also a may graduate from last yr. I was offered a nursing home job on the spot and decided not to take it. I toured the facility and I just didn't get a good vibe from it at all. So I made a choice and decided that it was just not for me. I believed that I deserved better for all the hell went through (Literally) in nursing school (does that make me a bad person?). Yes, you might say I do not have a practical attitude, because jobs are hard to come by... but I have to have some sort of reasonable expectations for my self and my future goals. Also, I want to point out that there is nothing wrong with starting at a nursing home/LTC, everyone has to start somewhere. Anyways, I don't understand why more experienced nurses can't be more understanding of young nurses...

Why not just be supportive instead of jumping to conclusions, it's almost insulting. To "TheCommuter", I think you are right on one thing, you may not feel bitter towards anyone on an online forum, but really that just means you have no concerns or sympathy for anyone on this forum either other than real acquaintances. You may also argue that you are being truthful, and reality is harsh. Ok! We understand! I understand! But do you really understand where I am coming from? I can't speak for others but I certainly don't need someone else lecturing me on things yet don't give a damn.

geekynurseRN · Jun 3, 2012

I graduated in May and did not get a job until January. I work in a correctional facility. I have my BSN, and I took the job because I need some kind of experience. They even asked me to work by myself with only FOUR hours of training, guess what I said? No. But I still felt I was not trained enough but I do think some people are just being a little too picky...if you want that experience you will figure out someway to get it...

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jun 12, 2012

Obviously this is really a 'hot button' issue for some of us. It's always tempting to start throwing rocks rather than engage in rationale discourse when this happens. The best approach for addressing any conflict is to "seek first to understand others, then to make oneself understood" (paraphrasing Steven Covey).

As an educator, I am trying to get a better understanding of the orientation expectations of new grads in their first jobs. Of course, formal transition programs (internships, residencies, etc) are ideal. We have a lot of evidence that these programs are the best way for new grads to begin their nursing careers. But (you knew it was coming, right?) the number of new grad programs is shrinking dramatically as education budgets shrink.

It seems that the health care industry is in a 'negative loop' - New grads expect lengthy formal transition programs --> employers that cannot afford to provide transition programs but try to keep hiring new grads --> new grads are dissatisfied and leave any employer who cannot provide formal transition programs --> employers cease hiring new grads because they just cannot afford it. . . and so on

How can we break this cycle? Nurses are creative and intelligent people. Let's give it a go.

babyswaddler · Jun 15, 2012

How can we break this cycle? Nurses are creative and intelligent people. Let's give it a go.

If it was up to nurses I think things would be VERY different. Unfortunately, we have hospital administrators running the show.

I think the original poster did the right thing quitting the nursing home job. It is going to take nurses who will actually refuse unsafe assignments for any change to happen at these places.

Wish I had some advice, because I know how you feel I was there not too long ago! I just got lucky one day..

EricaSAFJAF · Jun 15, 2012

I graduated a month ago and I've received two job offers and just got an e-mail wanting to set up an interview for a possible third....I worked during nursing school as a tech...that is so highly valued IMO...you know what it's like to be the low man on the totem pole and you really appreciate your tech's as well... I also had a recruiter look at my resume and help me with it...

escapebigd · Jun 20, 2012

This thread makes me nervous. My husband has the mindset that if I make good grades, and apply and accept any position that comes at me after graduation I won't have to worry. From the tone of this thread and others I don't know how likely that is though. I guess I will find out next year when I graduate :/

allnurses Guide · Jun 21, 2012

You may wish to show your husband this thread and all the other ones delineating the troubles new grad RNs are having. It is more about who you know than your grades these days.

escapebigd · Jun 21, 2012

Do you guys think Sulphur Springs, and Commerce areas are far enough outside of Dallas for a fighting chance?

Stephalump · Jun 21, 2012

This thread makes me nervous. My husband has the mindset that if I make good grades, and apply and accept any position that comes at me after graduation I won't have to worry. From the tone of this thread and others I don't know how likely that is though. I guess I will find out next year when I graduate :/

Well, no sense worry about it. That won't change the job market! All you can do is put yourself in the best position possible. I have a friend who graduated in May and was offered her dream job in a Level III NICU at a major hospital right before her graduation ceremony. She starts next month. She focused on the NICU in her preceptorship, made a great impression on the staff, and absolutely worked her booty off every time she set foot in that building. No prior work experience, just wonderful networking. My mother in law also graduated in May. She worked in a nursing home during her last year of school (obtained her LVN license between years) and was automatically promoted to an RN position.

It can be done!

allnurses Guide · Jun 22, 2012

Yup yup. I did the same - worked an externship in a stepdown unit, was hired the October before my December graduation for a January start date.