Jobs Anywhere?

jemb · Oct 8, 2002

At this moment, you probably could write your own ticket, but who knows how it will be in in another year. While it is hard to imagine that the shortage will ease much by then, I do remember what happened twenty years ago. I was a student during a severe nursing shortage, also. Massive overseas recruiting by hospitals during that time changed the situation drastically. By the time I graduated, the only job I could find was weekends only night shift in a county hospital -- and that was after applying all over L.A. county for six months. By the time I graduated, no one was hiring "new grads" --you had to have license in hand before they would even give you the time of day. Theoretically, the aging baby boomers (of which I am one) are going to make this shortage different from the others.

askater11 · Oct 8, 2002

There's lots of jobs out there...it takes work finding one though.

Certain positions I think are easier to attain than others.

I went to a job fair almost a month ago. There were 3 hospitals I filled applications to. And two hospitals that weren't at the job fair...that day I went and dropped off application/resumes'.

As of last week, I had one phone call/interview. (out of the 5 hospitals)

Today I had another phone call regarding an interview...I think that's because I went directly through the supervisor to apply. And also the position I'm applying to, didn't list an opening for the shift I want...but I'm inquiring so I can get to know the supervisor. (the positions for midnights...I'm inquiring for afternoon's)

After 7 years nursing experience and being ACLS certified I thought it would be easier to find a job.

My hint to you, there are jobs out there....lots of jobs. Go directly to the supervisor to the unit you wish to work....it works a lot faster then waiting for H.R.

Good luck!!

sjoe · Oct 8, 2002

Tim--You are right to be sceptical.

Look through some want ads in papers from various cities (you can find them in your local library). What you find is open jobs for people who are already trained and experienced in ER, OR, ICU, CCU, etc. specialties and very few open jobs for new grads. Until last year or so, hospitals seemed to have completely dropped "new grad" programs, but now a few have picked them back up.

You'll be, of course, at the bottom of the pecking order when you graduate, but if you take some time looking around, and are willing to relocate, you should be able to find a new grad program where you can get some good training and a full time job. Of course, you might wind up working night shifts, weekends, on less-than-pleasant wards, etc. and doing the stuff that nurses with more seniority don't want to do. But it won't' hurt you to do it for a year or so.

Good luck, and maintain your scepticism. It will serve you well in this field.

vettech · Oct 8, 2002

Originally posted by askater11
There's lots of jobs out there...it takes work finding one though.

Certain positions I think are easier to attain than others.

I went to a job fair almost a month ago. There were 3 hospitals I filled applications to. And two hospitals that weren't at the job fair...that day I went and dropped off application/resumes'.

As of last week, I had one phone call/interview. (out of the 5 hospitals)

Today I had another phone call regarding an interview...I think that's because I went directly through the supervisor to apply. And also the position I'm applying to, didn't list an opening for the shift I want...but I'm inquiring so I can get to know the supervisor. (the positions for midnights...I'm inquiring for afternoon's)

After 7 years nursing experience and being ACLS certified I thought it would be easier to find a job.

My hint to you, there are jobs out there....lots of jobs. Go directly to the supervisor to the unit you wish to work....it works a lot faster then waiting for H.R.

Good luck!!

What is the best route for someone like "Arkansas" (and myself) who wants to leave the state immediately after grad? I'm in TX and am hoping to head to the Albuquerque area as soon as I have NCLEX results in hand. However, I'm not crazy enough to pack up and move 1000 miles unless I have a job waiting for me. Should someone in our position go through a recruiter? Do many hospitals sent their folks 1000 miles to big job fairs? (i.e. if I attend a job fair in Houston, is it likely I will see recruiters from NM or other places across the country, not just local hosptals?)

renerian, BSN, RN · Oct 8, 2002

For right now that is true. I was interveiwing while I was in my last year. Way ahead of my graduation.I knew what floor Iwanted and already had a job waiting for me when I graduated.

You could attack it the same way. Contact where you want to work and see if they will talk to you. See if you can take your clincials on that floor. That is what I did. I spent my whole last semester on the floor I wanted to work on, and the floor I got a job on.

susan/renerian

whipping girl in 07, RN · Oct 8, 2002

For those of you looking to go out of state after graduation, I recommend you get to either the NSNA Mid-Year conference or National convention. There are hospitals from all over the country at these meeting and the networking you can do is just amazing. A girl I graduated with got a job in Tennessee from the networking she did at the NSNA National convention. Two other people I graduated with ended up in California and several more in Texas.

If you're interested in staying in your general region, you can attend your state SNA convention. I live in Louisiana, and we had recruiters at our state convention from Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and of course, Louisiana.

askater11 · Oct 8, 2002

Vettech...start your job search now.

Start looking on the Internet...at the various institutions around the area you plan on moving to.

I love hospital web sites...they tell you about the institutions, what they have to offer, and various job openings. (one hospital near me offers a new grad position)

OB/GYN NP · Oct 8, 2002

You can find jobs relatively easily all over the country, if you're willing to be flexible about the hours you work. My experience is that there are almost always positions available in Med-Surg. ICU is almost always looking for Nurses too, esp in the big hospitals, but as this can be a bit more stressful, you may want to get your feet wet in shallower water! Recruiters can be great resources, but many times recruiters work for staffing agencies that want to hire PRN or traveling nurses, and do not have permanent positions to offer. As your first position, I would recommend taking a position in one hospital. It's too hard to get lost without a mentor to get you started in nursing. This person usually comes in the form of your "orientor" in your first job. Good luck in your search, and in your "escape" from home!

KellieRN · Oct 8, 2002

If you want a good paying new grad position come to Houston Texas. The starting rate here in houston for new grads with an ADN or BSN is 21.00 in the medical center, that is the base pay, doesnt include sign on bonus, shift diff., etc... I have even seen some hospitals offering to pay new grads a 5,000 dollar sign on bonus. Houston may not be the best weater to live in but its well worth the abudant nursing opp's here! :kiss

sjoe · Oct 8, 2002

I did the same thing, nailed down a job 2 semesters before graduating. They paid for those 2 semesters, as well, in exchange for a 1 year commitment. (Thanks, VA).

globalRN · Oct 9, 2002

I found a job after graduation on the internet using Medhunters.

Medhunters is pretty good...

medhunters.com

You can also type in what you want using search engines

(ie nursing vacancies) and see what you find.

Or look up the websites of institutions/facilities you want to work in. Good luck!!