How long are we expected to have this "hiring freez for new grads"?

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Specializes in Surgical/Ortho.

I am one of those who thought "nursing is a recession proof profession" where i would not have any problem of finding a Job. I graduated in May 08', wanted to wait until i took my NCLEX before starting to work, which might have been a bad move from my part considering the situation right now!! After doing so starting in January, i have been applying,applying and applying. However i am not getting any calls, and when i do call, their reply is that they are still in the decision process. It has been 2 months now.....am still looking....its really tiresome. What scares me the most is on top of the December graduates, there are the soon to be graduating May graduates, hence the application pool is going to be swamped. I live in Richmond, VA. I am mostly filling out the "new grad application" positions, thinking that it incorporates almost all the units available to new grads. Am i doing something wrong here? Should i also feel out the specialty units where their qualification states 1-2 years experience is preferred. Do you have any tips for me to make my application stand out? Thank you all in advance for your input!!

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

This is the third time in past 25 years seen new grads having difficulty gaining first position ---expect this to last at least to beginning of 2010 with way economy going today + past economic history.

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I agree with NRSKarenRN, this hiring freeze is a direct result of the bad economy. When our economy starts to pick up hospitals will start hiring again. I wouldn't look for much of a change for another year and a half to two years. Until then I think new grads are just going to have to take what they can find. It's unfortunate but I guess it could be worse.

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I also graduated in May 08 and I never experienced this hiring freeze. I was offered many different positions as matter of fact the hopitals from our area wined and dined us at the most expensive restaurants in order to recruit us. I accepted a job in the Neuroscience ICU in Detroit a job that I had wanted. So, maybe it depends on where you live, perhaps you should relocate to where the jobs are?

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Specializes in Surgical/Ortho.

Easyatmidnight- Thanks for your suggestion. I am glad that you didn't go through of what i am going through. I guess if i had applied right after graduation before the whole economy hitting floor bottom, i may have not had this situation. I just waited too long to start applying. Most of my friends who applied in 08 got calls right away. Relocating is not an option for me right now, i am going to try my hardest and keep my fingers and toes crossed!!

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I think it depends on what area you live in and how fast they bounce back. Because of the economy you are getting nurses that were in other jobs and have returned and you are getting nurses that would like to leave but can't. Even before the bad economy, there were areas that did not have a nursing shortage. What about long term care? I work in LTC on a respiratory unit and have gotten some good experience over the years. I know some people believe it is a carrier killer but once the economy perks back up you shouldn't have any trouble as a RN getting into acute. Rehab is another area where you can get some good skills.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.
I also graduated in May 08 and I never experienced this hiring freeze. I was offered many different positions as matter of fact the hopitals from our area wined and dined us at the most expensive restaurants in order to recruit us. I accepted a job in the Neuroscience ICU in Detroit a job that I had wanted. So, maybe it depends on where you live, perhaps you should relocate to where the jobs are?
Really? There are jobs in Detroit? That area has been hardest hit by the recession.

My parents live in Detroit and I grew up there, and I've always toyed with the idea of moving back there because housing is so cheap, but I was worried there wasn't enough opportunity.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.
Really? There are jobs in Detroit? That area has been hardest hit by the recession.

My parents live in Detroit and I grew up there, and I've always toyed with the idea of moving back there because housing is so cheap, but I was worried there wasn't enough opportunity.

St. Joseph Mercy in Ann Arbor is hiring...

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I had applied to several places in Minneapolis... thinking about moving up there. I just got a call today saying that they're not hiring any new grads this year at Children's... because of the economy. I think the freeze is definitely geographical. There's a "shortage" but it's only in certain areas. If you can't get a job there the best bet is probably relocation if you can. Thankfully where I'm at jobs are not too hard to come by.

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Specializes in ER, Nursing Education.
St. Joseph Mercy in Ann Arbor is hiring...

I live in Detroit and I graduate in May and all of my cohort has been struggling. Luckily for me I am going out of state, at least that is my plan. I have several interviews already scheduled. I did one of my clinical at St Joe Ann Arbor and I heard they were on a hiring freeze as well. I also talked to a few recruiters from out of state and they specifically said if you wait until you are several months out of school to start applying, it is to late. They want New Grad's when you are a 'new grad'. From what I have found, after you get at least a year in, you can go anywhere. Until then, it's seems like the luck of the draw!

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