Is anyone in Hampton Roads finding it hard to find job?

Published

Hi. I just found out I passed the NCLEX yesterday, and I've been applying for jobs here in the Hampton Roads' area since November '08. I was wondering if others are finding it hard to find a job, or is it because I don't really have any clinical experience besides what I had in clinicals itself. Before I go any further, let me explain that I graduated from Norfolk State U's 2nd Degree BSN program here in Norfolk in Dec'09. Because the program was so tough and so accelerated, I chose not to work during the 13 months that the program was in session.

I did go to the job fair mid Jan '09, and I actually just got interviewed for two positions..one at Sentara Leigh and the other at Sentara Norfolk. I felt led on at Leigh, because one of the nurses who interviewed me said, "I think you'll like it here." Then, the next day she told me that the position was offered to someone else. Right after she said that I said, "Do you know I passed the NCLEX?" "Really?!" she said, "Congratulations!" BTW, she said that there may be another position, and to hope for the best...hmmph! I'm wondering whether that person had his/her NCLEX out of the way! The other one yesterday at Norfolk General said that she would coordinate a start date for me, but I've learned not to keep my hopes up.

I wish these nurses would be more articulate, and not lead people on. I would have rather preferred Leigh, because I heard that it's a small hospital, and a lot of nurses I talked to liked it there. This hospital gave me an orientation while Norfolk General did not.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone had the same problem. I'm applying for other jobs still.

Oh, and also does anyone have any suggestions of other places that could hire a new grad here in H. Roads besides Sentara & Ches Gen, or am I just freakin' out?

Thanks for listening!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I seriously thought I was the only one with this problem...I am in school for practical nursing; and wanted to find a part time job; I have been looking for a solid month, I am a Certified Nursing Assistant, Registered Medical Assistant with 15+ years of Geriatrics, OB/GYN, Pediatrics...I have had interviews at ALL the hospitals in the area; and the one you spoke about, I have had six interviews with them...I had nothing but positive reviews...so what is the deal? I had two of them say they would love to have me on board...my guess is the recruiters...I call leave messages, I never get called back. I don't want to appear to be pushy...but my feeling is that they have jobs posted online, yet I don't even know if they are hiring??? Have you tried the website http://www.indeed.com (I have found a couple of job leads from there) and also http://www.craigslist.org I was just saying to my cousin, who's an RN, that I wish I had gone for RN, b/c the jobs are plentiful...now I am second guessing that...hopefully when I finish school for practical nursing the job outlook will be better??? Good luck!:up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Actually, I did look via indeed.com. I was talking with one of my instructors, and she told me that the ones who graduated in Dec '08 are having problems finding a job. BTW, which hospital did you get a lot of positive reviews on and they wouldn't call you back? Is that Leigh or Norfolk *IF* you don't mind me asking?

I actually got an offer from one of the places I interviewed and of all places, I actually saw one of my classmates there. Luckily I caught her, because she said that it was her last day there! I said, "WHAT!" Apparently, she told me that she didn't like management. According to her, they weren't really checking up on her, and she decided to go to another hospital. I'm not surprised, because she was thinking about going to this hospital even before she was working where she's working now (or not right now..haha). She told me, however, that despite her management issues, she did get good experience there, and therefore felt like a pro after 3 months, so I might just take that. She believed that after her 6 months of Med Surg on that ward, she had enough under her belt..that's why she's going to another hospital where she wants to go.

It just seems like Sentara are not hiring that many new graduates, or if they are they're hiring very few. When I thought I was going to pass my HESI exit exam and therefore graduate in June '08 instead of Dec '08, managers were running after me back in May-June '08. Now, I have to run after them. The recruiters at Sentara were saying the same thing. They have never had it this bad where they weren't able to offer than many RN positions.

Still though, I think your experience will help. I didn't do any externs during school just because I was in an accelerated program.

I have a feeling that the other positions that they were offering to others are those that had experience.

Good luck in your job search!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in new mother/baby nurse.

I graduated in December and only have experience with hospitals on the Penninsula. There were 13 people in my graduating class. All but one is already working but that is by her choice. We graduated from RIverside's program. Two of us are at Mary Immaculate, two at Obici in SUffolk, one at Walter Reed in Gloucester, and 7 are at RIverside. In other words, all of the hospitals that I mentioned will hire new grads.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.

What unit did you apply at at Leigh? I work there and know we need people on my unit (and it really is a great unit to get your feet wet on).

PM me and we'll talk!

Amy

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just sent you an email. I don't know if you received it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

:lol2:she did get good experience there, and therefore felt like a pro after 3 months, so I might just take that. She believed that after her 6 months of Med Surg on that ward, she had enough under her belt..that's why she's going to another hospital where she wants to go.

hahahah

i needed that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion