Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

netglow, ASN, RN · Apr 11, 2011

Well it's a crap shoot. If you have the time and money and nothin else to do, go on and do your BSN. However a lot of BSNs and ADNs are unable to get hired. Doesn't much matter your degree anymore, there are just too many nurses now, enough to fill any openings for years.

I'd say what the heck, if you can pay for your BSN in cash and still have enough for all your other life expenses you have your answer.

witc · Apr 11, 2011

I feel your pain Finallyrn. I have been applying for all kinds of rn jobs since April 2010, and have not yet found one... :crying2: . I am too going to school to enter the BSN, and I was wondering the same thing...Is it worth it? Now, one year sounds good for a BSN. The school I applied for only offers a two year program, and that is if I can assist full time, but since I can't because of my current work schedule, I'll be finishing in three years!

Persueing another career crossed my mind many times, but then I think of myself not being a nurse for the rest of my life, and it really makes me sad.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Apr 11, 2011

From what I've heard from larger hospitals, the trend is toward hiring nurses with BSN's. It certainly wouldn't hurt to get it and keep applying for jobs while you are working toward it. It's hard to predict what the job market will be like in a year or so. Volunteering or shadowing a nurse for awhile is a good way to get started. Do you have friends that are working? Maybe they can put in a good word for you at their organization. Good luck!

Ashley

lmercurio · Apr 11, 2011

First of all, where do you live? If you're in a state like NJ where there have been a lot of hospital closings (which have flooded the market with experienced nurses seeking work) then you're going to have a harder time. That said, it's tough EVERYWHERE right now thanks to the economy, and that isn't going to get better any time soon.

What sort of jobs have you been applying to? I have a BSN and a BA in Sociology with past work history as a CNA. I graduated and passed the NCLEX in Jan2010 and couldn't find a hospital position to save my life, so I wound up working at a LTC/rehab facility for about a year. It wasn't exactly what I wanted but I learned a lot, and I got my foot in the door. Unfortunately I got fired about two months ago, so I'm back in the boat of looking for work as a relatively new grad.

If you've been out of school and looking for work for over a year then you need to rethink your strategy. Apply to LTC facilities. Stick with ones that are tied to hospitals if possible, and aim for those that are part of a chain if you can't get one tied to a hospital. Get your ACLS, IV certification, PALS, NRP, etc, or any other certification that may help you towards whatever speciality catches your eye. Consider home care or hospice. Look into hospitals that offer intern/externships- even if you're way past the deadline you can still inquire- these places are often more friendly towards new grads.

Look into volunteering. If there's a specific hospital you'd really like to work at become a volunteer there, but keep in mind that they will not let you volunteer as a nurse. You'll be volunteering just like everyone else, but you'll make a good impression and may meet someone that will be a reference for you. If there isn't a specific hospital that catches your eye try volunteering for the Red Cross or any local clinics near your home. The clinics are more likely to let you do medical things such as H&P, vitals and med reconsiliation. Be patient and persistant with these volunteer positions- you'll have to fill out an application, go for an interview, go through orientation and training and get a physical and PPDs just like you would for a real job. It's a long process, but it'll be worth it if you manage to meet someone who gets you through the door at a hospital.

Go to every career fair and open house you can find, even if they're only hiring experienced nurses. These events usually put you in front of the nurse recruiter, and she may be able to help you even if she isn't looking to hire new grads at that exact moment. Networking is crucial, and you never know when someone you meet will be the right someone to help you out!

Are you completely tied to the area you're living in? If not, think about relocating. I've found that some hospitals in the south (NC specifically) are a little more new grad friendly, and you may strike gold. Even if you don't live there forever, you can get your experience and move on.

Lastly, in my opinion I don't think a BSN program that offers no clinical experience will help you at this junction. By the time you graduate you'll be really far removed from your last clinical experience, and while a lot of hospitals are looking for RNs with a BSN they also want experience. I attended an accelerated BSN program and have actually had recruiters tell me they don't think I'm as well prepared as nurses who went to traditional programs, so while I have that prized BSN to my credit I still don't have quite what they're looking for.

I hope that helps. Good luck in your search, and take comfort in the fact that you certainly are not alone.

tothepointeLVN, LVN · Apr 11, 2011

There is light at the end of the tunnel. Just due to budget cuts it only shines for a few hours a day.

Just keep hanging in there if this is what you want to do for a career.

LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN · Apr 11, 2011

I am doing an RN-BSN program that is about a year long with out clinicals, started in Nov 2010.

I never stopped applying to positions and looking for work and in Jan of this year I got hired in a LTAC/rehab facility. So I am hopping that by the time I am done Oct/Nov this year then I can get into a hospital position, but for now I am getting some experience.