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?

Specializes in Oncology.

Well I had the exact position as you were. Before my interview, I made sure that I researched the hospital and looked at there mission statement. ALOT of hospitals are big on education so I made sure to bring about that I am a huge believer in educating the community (which I really am, I actually debated on being a teacher vs nurse). I also mentioned that I am a team player, I like to learn new things, and like to take on a challenge. I also mention that I can handle conflict well and not afraid to ask questions when I don't understand things. Managers like that cause 1) no one like a person that doesnt like to handle conflict well and likes to start drama at work instead of working it out and 2) no one wants a nurse that just does stuff even though she doesn't understand and you need to learn to question MD. I think that will help you stand out. With experienced nurses, the managers know they know how to do this but want to make sure you as a new grad have the potential to do this. Honestly, im not a manager and I am just a new grad but out of A MILLION interviews that I have done I found this is what they like. Good luck

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Ok great, at least I am on the right path.

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There really is no way to compete with nurses who have experience. I know it is extremely frustrating. I graduated in May, passed boards in June, and quickly discovered it would be much more difficult than I anticipated to get a job. I applied everywhere. Hospitals, home-care, nursing homes, doctor's offices, ect. Everywhere I applied I heard the same thing. Need experience. There are many job listings in my area as well, but those jobs are usually unattainable for new grads.

With no job by July, I ended up getting a job as a server at Red Lobster. It was disappointing because I never imagined I would be interviewing for a job as a server after graduating and having my RN license. Finally, October 15th I had my first healthcare interview and was hired at a hospital in Michigan. I live in Ohio, so it's a 45 minute drive to the hospital. I do not mind at all. I am thankful to have a job, as many of my former classmates do not. I know it's difficult, but don't lose hope! It will happen.

If you are able, I would recommend volunteering at the hospital. One of the women I am going through orientation with did that and she was able to get a job that way. Good luck and don't give up!

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There is a great demand of nurses especially at my hospital. The problem was that earlier this year they were posting positions, but holding a not official hiring freeze because of the economy. I know that there were positions waiting to be filled in my unit. Starting in August/ September they started hiring new nurses. Just like other businesses, hospitals were not hiring (unfortunatly we are dealing with people's lives and they can not hold off forever). The demand is still there. (Especially for ICU nurses if you are interested.)

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.
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.

I would give you a word of caution, just because there are "tons of jobs" available on your local hospital's website, that doesn't mean there are "tons" of jobs open to new grads. I am looking for jobs too (as an experienced nurse) and several hospitals I have applied at have made it very clear that despite having pages of RN openings, they are only interested in talking to experienced nurses at this time. So, despite their need, they want some one that will take minimal time/money to train, and that is more likely to be retained as an employee. Sorry, but it's just the honest truth of what I'm seeing in the job market.

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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.....

I would LOVE to know what new grads you are interviewing them so I can smack them upside the head. LOL A "high paying job that is easy with not a lot of training" hello! Are they sure they even researched nursing before going to school. If I wanted a job making a lot of money and sitting on my ass I would never have switched careers. All I want is a chance to learn and be a good nurse. I don't even care if I work holidays. I even thought about taking a PCT job just to get my food in the door but even they want experience. The way the job market is right now what more could you possibly be asking for. God I just want a job. :cry:

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.
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.

I think there are studies being done on this and I can tell you from my own experiences (anecdotal) is that most of the new RN grads do not like being bedside and are just "biding their time"--i.e. no loyalty, want to get what they can from the hospital chain, only thinking of themselves, etc.,

I heard this direct from a friend of mine in nursing administration.

I can only extrapolate that they are not too fond of these newbies.

I personally think it is going to be a problem later on.....

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
I just want a new grad to have realistic expectations.....
By which you mean???
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I think there are studies being done on this and I can tell you from my own experiences (anecdotal) is that most of the new RN grads do not like being bedside and are just "biding their time"--i.e. no loyalty, want to get what they can from the hospital chain, only thinking of themselves, etc.,

I heard this direct from a friend of mine in nursing administration.

I can only extrapolate that they are not too fond of these newbies.

I personally think it is going to be a problem later on.....

So what are they "biding their time for"? If I might ask? Their is still student's that really want to be nurses. :icon_roll

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Specializes in Trauma.

Where are you looking for a job and exactly what are your qualifications?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.
I would LOVE to know what new grads you are interviewing them so I can smack them upside the head. LOL A "high paying job that is easy with not a lot of training" hello! Are they sure they even researched nursing before going to school. If I wanted a job making a lot of money and sitting on my ass I would never have switched careers. All I want is a chance to learn and be a good nurse. I don't even care if I work holidays. I even thought about taking a PCT job just to get my food in the door but even they want experience. The way the job market is right now what more could you possibly be asking for. God I just want a job. :cry:

Besides working at the bedside, I also teach. You wouldn't believe what some of my students say. They think they will be making at least $30/hour, starting rate for new RN (even LPN with experience new RN) is about $20/hr in the area where I am. They usually also comment, "I'm not working weekends OR holidays, they can kiss my a$$". And believe me, we actually see these demands on resumes......And even our most senior nurses (25+ yrs experience) don't get this treatment. So while some of you are not like this, there are still many who are, sorry, but it's really the truth. And right now, the hospital I work for will not even look at a resume that has less than 2 yrs RN experience. It's really a tough market.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.
By which you mean???

That the job market is tough, the employer holds the cards and may dictate what they want from an employee, whether it seems fair or not. Right now, unfortunately, unless you live in a geographical area that is willing to take new grads-and lots of them, it's going to be luck of the draw....I know it doesn't make it easier to hear, but right now it's just how it is. Again, I think many new grads don't do this, but there are still many more who do. Reading resumes and interviewing gives me a firsthand look at this. When I called one interviewee to tell her that someone else had been selected for the job, she told me that she felt she was owed the job (forget her exact wording) because her nursing school told her how valuable she was.

She was demanding about $8 more than our highest paid RN, refused nights/weekend/holidays, and was a new grad (just passed boards) with 0 experience. This is not an isolated incident either.......and I'm sure there are others who have heard the same. I feel bad that we can't give everyone a job that is looking for one, but every facility can only do so much.....

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