Is it me (with no experience) or the NYC job market still sucks?

[CP1983]

It's going to be a year and a half since I haven't had a nursing job. I have two months experience from a clinic but that's it. I have been applying EVERYWHERE, mailed out my resumes, dropped in certain hospitals to give my resume in person but was told to apply online (like I was doing already). I truly don't know what to do at this point yet I want to spare everyone the details of my nursing job search. I work for the City of NY and have been applying to all the HHC hosiptals (or the ones that post on the website). Is there any other way I can get "noticed?" I am a city employee already so I thought I had an advantage but apparently I don't. All tips and suggestions are welcome. Thanks. I am still trying to keep a smile on my face, :). It has been really frustrating.

[MsRNny]

You are going to have to change directions and apply in non acute areas. When I graduated it took me almost a year to find something. I started working in a nursing home (sub-acute rehab) not my dream but at least I was working. Try to do sub-acute rather than long term in the nursing home. You learn a little more. A little over a year and I finally landed a position in acute care. You have to be a beast with the applying though, have faith and don't give up. You will get there it just takes some extreme patience.

[CticuRN95]

I graduated over a year ago and have yet find a new grad job in nyc. It's very hard not to take it personally especially since I have actually been I have been on quite a few interviews. But when I show up to these interviews I am competing against nurses with way more experience. Seriously for 1 position they interview 30 plus people and it's so hard not to beat yourself up not getting the job. Just keep applying and mix up your cover letter to see what may get you a response. It's so hard but I hope soon we can reap the benefits of our hard work!

[NurseDreamerNYC]

You are definitely not the only one. I graduated 2 years ago and have been unable to gain unemployment. I started out as a ADN, then basically gave up on my job search until I finished my BSN. I just graduated with my BSN, so now I'm hoping my chances will improve. It is very difficult and some of us do not have the option to relocate. For example, my spouse's career is here, so unless I break up my family, that is not possible for me to do. I'm keeping the faith though and telling myself I am going to get something soon. I wish everyone good luck...don't give up. We worked too hard to get to this point.

[DoGoodThenGo]

Long as hospitals keep closing (a decision was reached this week on LICH), inpatient beds continue to be reduced, and the push towards more community/home care increases the hospital employment market for nurses in NYC will remain tight especially for new grads.

Things might be slightly better if everyone and their mother doesn't want seem to move here, but that is also a trend which is increasing as well. So you have everything from new grads to travelers making their way to NYC, meanwhile local nursing programs continue to pump out graduates every six to twelve months.

Something has to give sooner or later...

[Gentleman_nurse, MSN]

It's already broke beyond repair.

[friendlyelse]

Not sure where you live but have you tried Montefiore? Go to the Human Resources in person.

[MommyRN15]

I have applied to quite a few positions at Montefiore. Does going to HR in person make a difference in your experience? I know some places they tell you that you can only go to HR if you have an appointment.

[friendlyelse]

I think you should. My friend was searching for about one year but was applying online. told her try HR in person; the thing is you never know who you will meet. She went in and asked to speak to a recruiter or nurse manager. She got an interview 2 weeks later. Do you have good reference?? Not necessarily hospital setting. She had to provide 2 references. It does not hurt to try. Goodluck and don't give up.

[MommyRN15]

This was at Monte? Only thing is I have an 8 month old son with no one to watch him.

[friendlyelse]

Yep Monte. She is working at the Children's Hospital. Started 4 weeks ago.

[yenzies]

I'm in the same situation. -___- Awful market.

[estrellaCR, BSN, RN]

It is. With hospitals that closed, there's more job candidates than available jobs. And most hospitals are wary of new grads as they require more training which costs money and also new grads leave after a year to go to a big name hospital ....so one hospital invests on training the new grad only for the new grad to take their newly gained skills elsewhere. This was a convo among RNs on my unit two days ago. New grads have a bad rap. It's not fair as we were all new grads once and some of us do stay with our hospital that first hired us for a few years but it is what it is. My advice is look into non hospital jobs until something opens up. Non hospital jobs can be found on craigslist and idealist.org .