Yes, that was true maybe five years ago, but today... how can people be so clueless? Especially other nurses! Case in point, a close friend of mine; has been with the same employer for a decade; could be fired tomorrow if she has to call in sick (which would be the first time since May '10; such goes the punitive sick policy she got caught up in); but she's convinced she'll have a job tomorrow, just because she's an RN! Even if she gets fired for attendance issues!
Is it just me... (unemployed for almost a year) - or are some people absolutely clueless about today's economy? And what do you say to them?!
What about part time work instead of volunteer? That is a way to get your foot in the door. I guess it really depends on what you are looking for. It sounds kinda specialized.
The agency I'm interested in has a hiring freeze... sign of the times. But when they start hiring again (as they must), I will be first in line - with inside connections
I know exactly what you mean. I hear this from non-nurses all the time. I understand the logic. There are so many advertisements for job opportunities for the registered nurse, hundreds. But they are just not for new graduates. It does depend on the area. And your friend has experience, so it will be slightly easier for him/her. I know experienced nurses who have had two (even three jobs) for years. Of course, if they quit they will find another job easier than I will. It is extremely frustrating because everyone knows there is a nursing shortage. However, there is no shortage of new inexperienced nurses. Lucky us. I feel bad for all those who entered nursing for "job security". I usually just smile and nod until they stop talking.
Maybe it depends on your state? Or area of expertise? I'm in GA psych and the pickings are slim. Even the state hospitals are about full of nurses; and we see a lot of people putting up with nonsense because they know there's no where else to go.
Maybe experienced OR? Or ER?
I think, for some reason, there's also a great tendency for places to use agency nurses instead of hiring and training permanent staff (part-time or FULL time). This is only exacerbating hospital budgets. Why would they use SEVERAL agency nurses at $80-100 hour cost to them rather than just hiring an experienced nurse who is looking for a job???? Why would they waste money like that, when they could hire someone for 1/4 that cost who doesn't even need training??? STUPID!!!!
And yeah, I have never met a competant or qualified HR department in all my years. I was just calling one yesterday, asking what they were looking for in a candidate since it was a "NOW needed" type of job advertisement and my experience matches the demand EXACTLY. Five HR people were vague and unable to tell me anything--why I hadn't even been called or interviewed for this "NOW" job that is obviously still posted (that and 7 other similar jobs).
I say, get the unit managers a cheap assistant and eliminate HR!
DeLana_RN, BSN, RN
819 Posts
The agency I'm interested in has a hiring freeze... sign of the times. But when they start hiring again (as they must), I will be first in line - with inside connections
DeLana