Jobless in California

jmCARing4u, BSN, MSN · Apr 7, 2009

I totally feel you... I graduated in March 2008, got my license in May and am STILL jobless. I think the vast majority of my classmates are working now and I feel like I may be the only person left in my cohort without one... which I really hope isn't the case, even tho I really am happy for those who were able to land one. *sigh* I tend to wonder myself if there's something wrong with me or how I'm going about trying to find a job, but I know it's the economy right now, so it's not YOU. I really sympathize with you a lot but we have to stay strong, even if we feel like giving up! Good luck on your job search and hopefully us new grads will find one SOON.

tinatyna · Apr 8, 2009

same here where have all the jobs gone??

BABO · Apr 8, 2009

Seriously, I would like to know that answer too, tackyT how long have you been searching?

RNLola035 · Apr 8, 2009

The next new grad programs start around summer or fall. The application process usually won't begin until May or June, some even later depending if the hospitals push their new grad programs back due to the economy. Good luck everyone!!

smile123 · Apr 8, 2009

Hi there,

Here's a little advice on finding a job as a new grad in California, especially the SF Bay Area. The new grad programs are only offered 2 or 3 times each year. You've got to apply EARLY, meaning, at least 6 months before the new grad class starts. If you haven't passed the NCLEX, do so immediately. They used to take new grad nurses with interim permits (IPs), but with the job market these days, they don't need to train someone and then have them not pass the test (you can not practice on the floor after that until you do pass).

Most new grad programs are online (UCSF, UCLA, Stanford, Lucille Packard, Kaiser, Palo Alto VA, Alta Bates, etc.) Fill out the online application and make a note of the date and confirmation number (they will sometimes give you that). Then followup with the HR personnel dept, or go out to the hospital and talk in person to the HR dept. Or if you feel comfortable, talk to the individual floor where you want to work.

Finding a job takes persistance. From the posts lately, I've noticed a glut of new grad nurses and not many new grad jobs (the hospital cuts down on their program slots). If you want a particular unit, like the NICU, or maternity, the number of slots for new grads are slim to none. Med/surg has more slots. The important thing is to get a job first, do at least a year so you won't be classified as a "new grad" and then you'll have more flexibility to change jobs.

As a new grad, you will probably work the "unpopular shifts" of evenings or nights with every other weekend. You do get more pay that way (they have evening and night differentials), but your body clock needs to adjust. It can be quieter during those shifts, so that's often a good way to assimilate into the rhythm of a hospital.

If you are flexible in terms of moving out of the area, there are more jobs outside of the metropolitan California cities. One of my friends wanted the NICU and applied to all the hospitals in the SF Bay Area, LA area and even up with Seattle. He finally got a job in Arizona. He'll work there, get some experience and then transfer back to the SF Bay Area.

I hope that helps. We are living in very unusual circumstances with this economy and it will take some time to recover.

Good luck!

Smile123

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 8, 2009

same here where have all the jobs gone??

Believe it or not, but many nursing jobs have been sucked away by the economy, especially in states such as California that have unemployment rates greater than 10 percent.

If many people are unemployed, they no longer have health insurance. Without health insurance, they can no longer afford to visit their doctor or undergo elective procedures at their favorite hospital. This leads to less money for doctors and hospitals, which results in less jobs for nurses.

While it is true that people will "always get sick," the unemployed people will avoid the hospital and suffer in misery at home until their health issues become really, really bad. When they do end up in somebody's ER for care, they won't be able to pay the bill, which reduces hospital revenues, which causes management to not hire nurses they cannot really afford.

Is working at a nursing home an option for you? Or relocating to a less desirable part of the state that is still hiring, such as the Central Valley? Good luck to you.

jwannab · Apr 15, 2009

I have been unemployed a year and a half. I worked in a different industry and have decided to go back to school to be a RN. You all's time is coming. It might not happen when we want it to but its always on time. You guys keep your heads up, and stay positive.

funnypharm · Apr 15, 2009

I believe many factors all put together have caused this. I see it as a recipe

1cup of 10% unemployment

1cup of many private LVN schools pumping out many LVNs lately

1cup of thousands of foreign LVN nurses competing for jobs

Not just one thing is the cause but I believe you add all this together you have problems. If you want a job you need to stay competitive because I can asure you that the nurses coming here from socialist countries are working hard to get the job and are serious players.

The day of entitlement is over. California is a world market. If you want a job you need to go that extra mile. Get those certs, learn a second language, show good attendance and keep a high GPA.

shodobe · Apr 15, 2009

smile 123 has the right idea, get the experience and you won't be applying as a "new grad". makes a difference. Always, always think outside of the box and sacrifice for what you want. Too many people out there are giving an impression they can't get a job. They just haven't got the "job" they want. Open your options anfd just suffer for awhile, it will only hurt for a bit!

caliotter3 · Apr 15, 2009

The more willing you are to relocate to a less desirable place to live, the more likely you are to get a job. Put yourself in the mindset that you will do what you have to to get started. Once you are working, continue to send out resumes and apply for jobs so that you are ready to take up an offer where you really want to live. Nothing says you have to plant yourself forever just because you got a job somewhere.

wjf00 · Apr 17, 2009

A big part of the problem from what I have seen is the sharp decline in 401K. In fact NO ONE I know of has retired in over a year, many have abruptly cancelled plans to retire or even come right back to work. Those nurses that can, are increasing their hours to make up for falling 401K, unemployed spouses and grown children suddenly living at home again. More nurses are going from Per Diem to full time than I ever remember.

So while the decline in the economy is not directly impacting nurses by mass lay-offs such as in other sectors of the economy, the need to keep working or increase hours is decreasing the demand for new or replacement nurses.

New Grads are in a tough spot. It may be little consolation, but once (if) 401k's rebound, there will be a pent-up rush of nurses who have been waiting to retire.

If a spouse is out of work, it is almost imperative to increase working hours. As other sectors of the economy rebound, the workload of the employed nurses should ease. This too will create openings for new grads.