I am beginning to think that I can not get a job...

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I am a new grad RN (of course). I am wondering, is there any way to compete with people who have experience?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

Sorry, not really an answer for this. Would you hire someone new that you have to basically train from scratch, and yes, it really is that way, when you can get someone that can come in with minimal training, and hit the floor running?.....I know it's not what you want to hear, but it's how it is. Things will pick up eventually, so hang in there. I'm really praying for all of the new grads to get jobs. I just wish these 'schools of nursing' would quit pumping them out 40-80 a semester, just flooding the market with more unemployed nurses. I know we keep saying we're going to need them eventually, but while that is time is passing, these folks are going to lose skills and have to take refresher courses, just my fear anyhow.....

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Specializes in Oncology.

Do you mean competing with experienced RN or new grads that have been CNA/PCT in the past? if your talking about nurses, you have nothing to worry about. When you apply for the new grad position you are competing against new grads (people who have never been nurses). If you are competing against people who were once techs on the unit you are applying for its pretty hard. Are you atleast getting interviews? Are you being picky and applying to certain positions?

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Specializes in thinking about being a PA instead, now.

is trying to get into a bsn programme still worth the effort and waitlist? if new grads cannot get jobs now? :o

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Yes, I am getting interviews. One hired internally, the other hired an experienced nurse. I have not heard from the third and I have two more interviews to go for now.

As for being picky, I quit that a long time ago. I see any opportunity as experience that I do not have currently. Also, I got my ACLS and some other certifications to make me more competitive. I would love to apply solely to new grad programs but there are none in my area currently, so I am in pools with everyone. This is why I would like any constructive suggestions on how to be more competitive.

I am just hoping for one offer. I only need one. And yes, I feel fortunate to even get the interviews because I know some from my very small graduating class are unable to even get interviews.

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I have not graduated yet but I have looked at job availability because I was worried about not being able to compete for jobs against nurses with experience. I found that where I live, there are tons of positions available. One hospital system had two pages of listings for RN positions (and there are other places for nurses besides hospitals). My point is that depends on your area. Some places may have a serious shortage and others may not have any problems getting all the nurses they need. Maybe you could expand your search into other towns nearby or look into another kind of place (if you're looking at hospitals, you could try something else until you have some experience or an opening becomes available). Hang in there, you'll get something eventually.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

If you want to be a nurse, then go for the program, but if your looking for a "high paying job that is easy with not a lot of training" then you may want to look elsewhere. Sorry, I don't mean to sound harsh, but I'm on an interview team that looks at many resumes, and many new grads want to be catered to, with high paying jobs and all the perks that many who have years and years of experience have recently just started getting. I just want a new grad to have realistic expectations.....

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Specializes in Emergency.

Wingnut answered his/her own question- buy mentioning"my area". One might have to move to get/ find that job. There really are places that cant hire nurses or new grads fast enough. If one is not willing or cant due to family well then you may just have to wait out the current economic situation.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
I found that where I live, there are tons of positions available. One hospital system had two pages of listings for RN positions...
Well heck, most of the hospitals around here have listings for RNs... and a few don't even specify experience requirements. When you apply, however, the computer sends you an e-mail saying "no new grads."
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Thanks, I can appreciate that. This is a 2nd career for me. I left my previous career where I was making more than I will as a nurse, so it isn't about money.

From previous posts, it seems as though the impression of new grads is that we are in it for all the wrong reasons. I can tell you that for me and many of my fellow students, that was not the case at all. However, I am sure that for some, it is.

I just want to find out ways to be more competitive rather than needing to defend my motivations/expectations in becoming a nurse.

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Well heck most of the hospitals around here have listings for RNs... and a few don't even specify experience requirements. When you apply, however, the computer sends you an e-mail saying "no new grads."[/quote']

Same here.

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Not long ago, it was more of a "do I REALLY want to be a nurse...go through nursing school/possible wait list, etc.??". Those who answered that question seem to now have an additional deep question to answer.."do I REALLY want to be a nurse...go through the possible less-than-we-expected "nursing" jobs or even non-nursing jobs to get there?"

I think this cohort of nurses who are having to face these questions as they enter nursing are going to be one AMAZING group of nurses. This group REALLY want to be nurses, as we've gone through so much to get there, between having to get top grades in tough courses to having to develop ourselves in order to be marketable for few job slots. We're not the ones going into nursing just for the money, for sure.

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