9 months until graduation, EXTREMELY worried I won't find full time work.

Published

I'm a male BSN student at Westcoast University, paying $135k for my degree; I'm graduating in less than a year and the job market and starting salary "rumors" is really causing anxiety when I think about finishing the program. Many former students are saying that it's extremely difficult to find a position as a new grad, even more so if you don't have much experience or things you can put on your resume (I do not). I hear starting salaries of $21-$23 an hr, I think half of that would go towards my loans. It's really disturbing and I'm hoping to find a sense of inspiration towards everyone here that being an RN will be worth it. I enjoy psych and peds very much! I would like to work in one of those units one day.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You're right to worry that it will be hard to find a full time job. But it's not impossible, start networking now and start doing research to make a list of everywhere you want to apply when the time comes. Realize that you may not find the ideal job - it may be in an area of nursing that isn't your first choice or it may be part time instead of full time (but even the, you may have the opportunity to convert to FT later on or pick up extra shifts in the meantime).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CTICU.

Stay positive and you will find a job. I always tell people if you want to become a nurse for salary reasons don't do it. Make sure you enjoy helping people. Also, Nursing starting salaries surpasses most entry career salaries. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Step-Down.

Start networking now. I started really early and was able to start work right after passing the NCLEX. Contacting people personally, via phone and/or email is probably the most likely way to get a job. It's never to early to start, and it just shows that you are really interested and motivated. Have you considered pedi psych? I've heard that in general there is a shortage of nurses in that particular specialty. Good luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU, ICU, Hospice, Mgmt, DON.

Unfortunately, this is reality. The nation is saturated with nurses right now, both experienced and new grads. In my area, new grads are having a very hard time, I know several that graduated in December of 2010 and are still looking.

The starting salaries are dependent upon the location, here $22 is about right. So, you need to start networking right now. If at all possible start researching areas of the country where there are more job openings...that's also very dependent on location. Do a search on this board..there are numerous threads on this very topic...if you can not relocate, then try applying for a tech position in every hospital around or even LTCs to get your foot in the door. Network network network with every working nurse you know-or your family knows to see who might be hiring. And don't narrow your options..you may want to work psych or peds...BUT if anything opens anywhere...and you have a shot at it...grab it--if only for some experience...you need to start paying those outrageous school loans....in regard to that all I can say is wow...fortunately I went the CC route and had no debt...(already had a Bachelors and Masters degree)..so I guess I was lucky..

but good luck

also be creative with your resume...make it stand out...it's very hard right now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I personally didn't find it difficult to find a job but you may have to think outside the box. In other words, if you are only searching at the local hospital you may be limiting yourself. Since you enjoy psych that may open you to jobs that other nurses don't prefer: corrections, rehab, acute psych, etc.

That's alot of loans.............ouch.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

First things first. Worry about graduating and passing NCLEX first. Then when it is time to be concerned with job hunting, devote your time and energy to that endeavor. You will find a job the same way everyone else does, by being persistent. No sense in adding to your stress now, when there is little you can do about that. You can focus on graduating. Then you can focus on passing NCLEX. Those efforts are within your reach.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care. CVICU. Adult and Peds PACU..

You need to stand out now. Start volunteering at a hospital you have your eye on. I started volunteering at a hospital before I started nursing school. I volunteered 4 hours a week and it landed me a job as a new grad before I even graduated. Also, volunteer for other community projects that are similar to what kind of nurse you want to be - volunteer for NAMI events or school health screenings (helps with peds).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It may help to try to work as a MHT now at a Psych facility near you to help get your foot in the door. I am a Psych nurse and I know our facility just hired a nurse who just graduated this past Spring and he worked for us as a MHT. He was a hard worker and showed all his co-workers that he would be a great asset to our team. If Peds is your calling then maybe as an aide in that area. It can't always ensure a job but it can't hurt. It gives you healthcare experience. I worked as a nursing assistant for a different hospital in med surg and they didn't hire too many of us but then again I knew I wanted Psych and that hospital didn't have Psych so I didn't even apply.

On a financial note you may want to check out http://www.daveramsey.com. I am not making a judgement. I just want to help. Listening to some of his free podcasts from itunes or just reading his book might get you on the right track. With high student loan debt you want to make sure you don't bite of more than you can chew by making other large financial purchases until you get your student loan paid down. It may relieve some of your worries by knowing you are making out a financial plan now so you can enjoy all your future successes. Good luck to you and remember it is not worth it worrying because you are just wasting your energy. Get moving networking or mapping out your future plan goals. Write them down. Studies prove that by writing your goals down you have a better chance of attaining them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

$135k????? Oh my goodness I can't believe you have that much in student loan debt! Weren't there cheaper options? Seriously I think you got screwed in that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU, Med-Surg.

The job market is much better here in the South compared to the Northern states. I'm in Texas and jobs are not hard to come by in most areas here. So, if you would be willing to relocate......

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would be worried too. Good luck and I hope you are able to get a well paying position right away.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion