How hard is it REALLY to get employed as a new RN?

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I'm currently taking prereq's towards an an ASN. On the one hand, I hear that nursing is one of the most in-demand jobs in America. On the other hand, I hear that it's very hard to get employed. Most of the job postings I see require at least 1 year experience and say nothing about ASN/BSN. How tough is the job market, really? How do you suggest I get my foot in the door?

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Specializes in CNA/LPN.

Honestly, just never give up. I've learned through reading as well, that while it is one of the most demanding fields right now, it's also competitive to land a spot in as well. My friend told me a great story of one of her closer friends working as a lunch lady in the cafeteria at her local hospital, while going for her ASN and once she completed, they hired her as a full-time RN! ...Now that was just one lucky duck if you ask me! But as far as getting your foot in the door - think that LOW, when push comes to shove. You never know what could come from working in the coffee or gift shop at a hospital. :) There's all sorts of ways to get your foot in the door, be creative and never stop!

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Specializes in Sub-Acute/Psychiatric/Detox.

Wrong... nurses are being laid off left and right. However, if you like nursing and it clicks for you go for it! Plus it is very geographic but for the most part nurses are not in demand.. not saying you won't find a job. The OP is young I would go to a BSN program and by 4 years things should open up again. That is if Medicare and Medicaid isn't destroyed.

Also remember not all nurses work in the Hospital.

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Depends on the region. I worked as a tech and as soon I got my ADN, they hired me the next day. And it also depends on specialty too. I work in the ER and their overtime book is always full of empty slots everyday of the week. I can pick up 12hr shifts and work 14 days straight if I wanted too. Then again Texas didn't get hurt much by the recession.

you can work as a pca or nurses aide after 1yr of nursing school. Get a job as one at a hospital asap. HR sees that as a big plus. A reliable worker in a hospital with a set schedule. They don't care about volunteer work or that you been in committees. thats my opinion.

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Specializes in Sub-Acute/Psychiatric/Detox.

What can you offer them? I was a speciality hospital pharmacy tech before being a nurse. I work in detox/psych. Which I love the only thing better would be being a Psych NP. But Getting the RN is key one day at a time. I'm an LPN also a nurse,

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Thank you, everyone. I didn't know you could be a nurse's aid after 1 year of nursing school - I will look into that. I also see a lot of clerical positions open in local hospitals and nursing homes. I have clerical experience, but it be worth it to be in that enviroment and get to know some people? Or perhaps I should be looking into getting my LPN for even CNA first?

I'm very new to everything.

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Specializes in SDU, Tele.
Thank you, everyone. I didn't know you could be a nurse's aid after 1 year of nursing school - I will look into that. I also see a lot of clerical positions open in local hospitals and nursing homes. I have clerical experience, but it be worth it to be in that enviroment and get to know some people? Or perhaps I should be looking into getting my LPN for even CNA first?

I'm very new to everything.

Depends on the state. Here in Florida you can become a CNA whenever you want. I got my CNA before going to NS.

However, hospitals want experience so their require PCAs to "have completed 1 semester of nursing school". Good enough for me :up:

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I've heard complaints from new grads saying they can't get new jobs...what they really mean is that they can't get jobs at HOSPITALS. There are plenty of jobs available in doctors' offices and nursing homes (at least in my area).

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