It's Tough Out There!

calivianya, BSN, RN · Jul 26, 2013

Why are there 15 RN jobs listed on a hospital Jobs Available page on their website; I apply with 16 years experience, and no call back? What are red flags that they won't hire? Human Resources won't take any interviews without applicants first going through the online app process. If they want RNs so badly, why don't they bend a little? It it fake? Do they really not want the jobs filled? Frustrated.

They might be "fake," as you put it. I talked to my manager at my last hospital and he had plenty of positions posted that he didn't necessarily intend to fill. We had low census at the time and couldn't afford more staff, but he said that if he didn't put positions up on the website the higher ups would assume he was fine with the staff he currently had and they could eliminate the positions and reduce the unit's staffing budgets. So, yes, sometimes jobs are put up just to protect them in case people are needed to fill those positions later. It sucks.

ToothFairy(5) · Jul 26, 2013

Yeah, here too. Almost 16 yrs experience, great references, etc and got only 3 call backs after waiting forever. Market for nurses is really stuff right now. Best wishes in your job search.

TamDar429 · Jul 26, 2013

Thank you for posting that, Calivaniya. I was beginning to think it was all my fault.

TamDar429 · Jul 26, 2013

That is crazy, ToothFairy. There are still jobs showing from March and I know good people have applied. thanks for the best wishes. you too. All of us!

sevenup0307 · Jul 27, 2013

I know this has been covered extensively, but I've been on a job hunt for a while now, and I have to say it is tough out there!!!
At first I was holding out for my "ideal" job. But now I'll be happy to take what I can get just to get my foot in the door.
I'm not even a new grad seeking my first job. I've got six years' experience, several certs, and excellent references, and I'm still putting in multiple applications with no calls back!
A lot of positions are being filled by internal applicants, and I've been applying outside the system I'm currently employed in, so that's part of it. If I were to apply for a transfer within my current system, I'd probably have another job by now....but I want to relocate, and my current system doesn't own any facilities where I want to move to.
But sheesh, I'm sure glad I'm not a new grad out there trying to find something!

You'll be surprised to know some places actually do not like hiring people with too much experience, since they think you will expect a hire salary than a new graduate. Some places are just looking for the "right" amount of experience or maybe a little bit under but not by too much. If I was a hiring manager the new grad technically will be paid less, so it would seem like a smarter move.

martymoose, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2013

I hate to say it, but ageism? :-(

sevenup0307 · Jul 27, 2013

I hate to say it, but ageism? :-(

Not necessarily, remember that money is the root of all evil. It always comes down to money. It is possible they feel older nurses cannot lift and be active as the younger crowd. I feel tho nurses with experience are expected to be paid more than a new grad. From a hiring standpoint, i feel HR would prefer to hire sum1 that will make less, usually that would be a new grad or sum1 with less than 1 yr of experience. The economy between 2008-2013 has been on the decline. There is some hope that things are starting too improve however i feel that what happens overseas will largely determine wehter our economy improves or not. If we go into another war, i think this generation is going to be screwed personally. So def! keep an eye on whats happening overseas, our economy will be effected, thus nursing will be effected as well as every other occupation you can think of.

Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2013

You'll be surprised to know some places actually do not like hiring people with too much experience, since they think you will expect a hire salary than a new graduate.

Actually, I already knew that and am not surprised. But thanks for bringing it up, because it is true.

Although, I am not entirely sure that's the case here, as I am not applying to new grad appropriate positions. Plus, what I'm making now is smack dab in the middle of the hiring range for the positions I'm applying for. No, not at the bottom, but definitely not at the top.

It's true that I could be competing with new grads for the same positions, but it's doubtful since I'm looking in specialized areas that are unlikely to hire a new grad.

But you could be right.

TamDar429 · Jul 27, 2013

How do I tell HR I will settle for less money? I just want to work. When I call HR, they act all dumb and pause like no one has ever asked to speak to the HR Director in charge. I don't want to put a black mark on my name. I feel like they have that power without even knowing me or giving me a chance. I don't feel like the Nursing Recruiter or top HR people want to be contacted by RNs that want/need a job because there is no where on the website that gives out that kind of contact information. I just don't understand that. Anyone with knowledge on this please tell me. Getting so bummed. Can't lie on my resume.

Ms Z · Jul 27, 2013

Its not what you know..its who you know..finally have come to this conclusion. Graduated in August 2012 with a BSN from an excellent school and nursing program..still am without a job unfortunately. It is hard to remain positive while my fellow peers, who have family at the facilities they apply at ,obtain positions so easily when iam working so diligently on trying to get a position. And believe me I am not being picky! Just wish all my volunteering, networking would get me somewhere. But iam going to try to have a positive outlook in the meantime :)

RescueNinja123 · Jul 27, 2013

Where do you live?

Altra, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2013

Wishing you well, Stargazer!