Is it hard to find an entry level nurse job?

[PopeJane3rd]

When you graduate from school did you find it hard to get a nursing job as entry level? Do most of the available positions go to nurses with exp.?

[mondkmondk]

I've been a nurse for 16 years in LTC and I had a terrible time finding a job in my area...despite all my experience. I now work prn at another LTC facility.

When I was a new grad, our area had a high demand for nurses and I literally could take my pick.

Good luck!

Blessings, Michelle

[Katnip, RN]

It depends on where you live. How many hospitals and other facilities in the area, the economy, that sort of thing. Urban areas tend to have more job openings than small, rural ones.

[hope3456, ASN, RN]

Another factor is the number of nsg schools in the area and how many students they graduate each year. Sometimes hospitals will not consider new grads for certain postions - even though they have several openings. I personally came up against that situation.

[MB37]

It seems like it depends on where you live. I've read a lot of complaints from new grads in parts of CA and the Northeast who have been having trouble this year. It seems like it's easier in the South and the Midwest, at least according to posts in the Graduate Nurse and First Year in Nursing forums. A lot of places/specialties prefer experience as an RN, but you'll also improve your chances if you have CNA or any other relevant past work experience (you can use any customer service experience to your advantage if you play it up right, I did). Good grades can help some places, as can having a BSN. At least in my area, people with an RN license (little tougher for LPNs I think) have no trouble finding at least some type of work. Not everyone gets a specialty right out of school, but if you aren't picky you'll find a job you can learn at. Good luck to you!