Hows the job market for new grads?

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 18, 2012

It's on par with NY: lots of hospitals but each with few residency spots, and tons of new grads everywhere. BSNs may seem like they have the upper hand as most facilities want/prefer them, but that advantage is minimal given the number of applicants for each position. Internal candidates (former CNAs, LVNs, etc.) are finding that there's not much advantage in being internal for the same reason: too much competition from outside so there's no guarantee they'd be hired. Also, new grads are finding it hard to get hired in non-acute settings as well. Some new grads are searching for 6-12 months or longer.

If possible, do not come out here unless you have a couple of years' experience under your belt. Yes, you might be able to beat the odds and land a job with minimal effort, but you'd be the rare exception. Just read all of the new grad threads in there to get the more accurate picture.

Coriander, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2012

I second what Meriwhen has said. I graduated with my BSN in May and have interviewed with facilities that I'm "internal" with but no luck so far. There's upwards of 1800 applications for some programs. If this next opportunity crashes and burns, I'm going to have to look out of state.

Personally I have about 50 applications out (a smidgen compared to some people) and have had 5 interviews from that lot. Many of my friends have had no luck getting an interview at all. It's hard out here. We have so many new grad programs exploding into the market at the same time and a very limited number of openings.

Good luck!

spectrabrite, LVN · Sep 21, 2012

all jobs req 1 - 2 years exp new grads are left with no work.

Im leaving the state as there is no work and cali is way to expensive.

ExPharmaGirl, BSN, RN · Sep 22, 2012

New grad job market is ridiculous. I would love to leave, but I have no option but to stay here for now.