Lack of new graduate jobs

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Specializes in Cardiac/Telemetry/Covid19.

I have heard and read (nursing staff, admin., nursing managers, CNN & US news report) that new graduates (entry level RN) are having a very hard time finding jobs. Is this true?

I know most jobs require 2 years experience, but are new nursing graduates really finding it tough after passing the NCLEX in the job market? I will be applying to Broward College in mid-December. It's strange because all you hear is that there is a 'shortage', so I was wondering if any of you have any stories you could share please. Thanks.

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Specializes in PACU.

There is NO nursing shortage whatsoever.

You just have to look at the job prospects in your area and decide if you want to continue on to nursing with the potential for taking longer than expected to find a job. Some have taken years (I think one poster on here didn't find one for 3 years) while others have one lined up before they graduate.

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I live in South Florida as well and the hospital I work at is always in need of nurses (yes they hire new grads). Right now we have a huge amount of Agency nurses because we are so short. I think it is all in where you live.

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Specializes in ICU.

It honestly depends on where you

live. It's not hard for new grads to find jobs where I live. New hospitals and medical pavillions are popping up everywhere. Research your job market.

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Southern California is saturated with new grads

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All depends on where you live and/or if your willing to relocate

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I have heard and read (nursing staff, admin., nursing managers, CNN & US news report) that new graduates (entry level RN) are having a very hard time finding jobs.

It's strange because all you hear is that there is a 'shortage'

These two statements from your post are diametrically at odds with each other.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Like others have said, it's all about demographics and where you live. If you're willing to move, you can find work, or you may be lucky and live in an area that's new grad-friendly. From what I understand, some parts of FL are more amenable to new grads than others. It would be good to do your research. Also be aware that markets change quickly, and that you may find the market improved by the time you graduate. Who knows.

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I live in South Florida as well and the hospital I work at is always in need of nurses (yes they hire new grads). Right now we have a huge amount of Agency nurses because we are so short. I think it is all in where you live.

True. It also factors in that some areas of the country are lower paying than others; Florida is one of the lowest-paying States for nurses in the US. Maybe the lowest paying, not sure. Pattern there seems to be chewing up nurses, spitting them out and replacing them with fresh blood as there are lots to choose from. But once the pay scale registers and a few minutes of experience is gained....poof. They move on.

Just passing on what I've gleaned over the years from both friends who decided they wanted to "get paid in sunshine" and on this site.

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Specializes in Cardiac/Telemetry/Covid19.

Thank you. Wow 3 years huh! There are lots of jobs available in the local South Florida hospitals, but I guess it makes me nervous to see 'no new grads' in the advert. I will certainly take my chances. Thanks again for responding :)

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Specializes in Cardiac/Telemetry/Covid19.

That is AWESOME news- thank you!

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Specializes in Cardiac/Telemetry/Covid19.

Thank you for your insight. Although I am currently in Florida, I don't intend to stay here necessarily, so hopefully I can find the right fit with better pay. Now all I have to do is pass the HESI, get into the nursing program, pass the NCLEX and voila!

You're right about fresh blood though, the school I'm attending takes over 200 students 3x a year. I know they all don't become RNs, but still that's a pretty big number.

Thank you for your advice :)

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