Job Situation Sounds a Bit Scary

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Hi Everyone,

I want to go to nursing school after graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in an unrelated field. Honestly, the posts from new nursing grads trying to find a job are kind of scary. Is it a good move to go into nursing? Maybe some of you who have been in the nursing field for a while may have some perspective on this. Is it a cyclical thing? Will opportunities increase at some point? Is working in a Boston Hospital just a pipe dream? Thanks for any realistic advice you can give. :confused:

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Forgot to add... Are there any tips a student should know from the very start to increase their chances of being hired after graduating? Thank you.

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hi -

my biggest advice is to become a PCT, aide, tech, whatever they call it now - if i could do things all over again, i would have been a perinatal tech in school.

kat

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Specializes in Neuro, Cardiology, ICU, Med/Surg.

According to those who have been around a while, it is a cyclical thing. Excellent advice, to get in to work as an aide (PCA, tech, coworker, depending on the hospital) and show up on time with a can-do attitude and all that, and then just network shamelessly. Of course, the cycle could come around by the time you're done and you may not have as much trouble as the 2008 grads by the time you're done. Good luck! :up:

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Specializes in Family Medicine, Outpatient Pediatrics, IBCLC.

The best thing you can do is get a CNA position or internship at the particular hospital you're interested in working. I live on the Cape, so that wasn't really an option for me. And no, it's not a pipe dream! Once you get that first year of experience (so I've been told), its much easier to land a job.

I also have my BS in another field + ADN. I'm looking at moving to a place where I don't have to beg for a job, but like cityhawk said, this could all change in a year or two!!

Don't be scared! We just tend to vent alot on these forums, don't let it scare you away. I am so glad I went to nursing schooL!!!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Even getting an aide job or internship at any of the Boston hospitals is nearly impossible - I've been applying for the past two years and haven't even heard a thing.

Definitely scared to graduate and have to find a "real" job next year.. ahhh!

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Part of the current problem is that the nation's weak economy is causing nurses already on staff to work a few more shifts than they otherwise would have worked. For example, a person who might prefer to work only 4 shifts in a 2-week pay period may now work 5 shifts because of gas prices, mortgage woes, etc. Someone who only worked 1 shift per week is now working 2 shift. etc. etc. etc. Also, with the economy bad, even some full time employees are looking to pick up an ocassional extra shift

While that might not sound like a lot ... when you multiply that by the 50 nurses who work on a particular unit, those extra shifts end up being equal to a full position or more. That means fewer vacancies. Hospitals would much rather staff their units with experienced people who are already oriented to their units than hire a bunch of new people who will be expensive to orient -- and not giving those shifts to existing staff who need the money would be horrible for morale and retention.

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Specializes in Family Medicine, Outpatient Pediatrics, IBCLC.

Excellent point llg, that's something I hadn't thought of

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