New grad frustration

TheBlackDogWaits · Apr 8, 2014

Unfair?

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2014

Lots of my classmates are in the same boat. It's been about sixty days for them and now they are starting to interview.

RetrieverGirl, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2014

Unfair?

Yeah, it's unfair. It's unfair that no one wants to take a chance on a new graduate. I'm not being unreasonable for expressing my feelings either.

RetrieverGirl, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2014

Lots of my classmates are in the same boat. It's been about sixty days for them and now they are starting to interview.

So far I've had 2 interviews. The first one was for a correctional facility. I should find out something soon. I also had an interview yesterday at a LTC facility and I have another one tomorrow for a LTC facility. I feel uneasy taking a job at a LTC facility because I know the orientation is too brief and they pile a lot of responsibility on a new graduate. It's just not safe in my opinion. I worked too hard for this license to screw it up. Hospitals actually take the time to orient new graduates and make sure they are at least comfortable in their own skin before turning them loose.

I feel like I am taking on a 3rd job looking for a job!!! I have applications out everywhere!!! I received a few emails from the VA that I met their qualifications and I would be hearing from them for a possible interview. I have my fingers crossed. Hoping these good opportunities are going to happen and that maybe everything is just slow moving right now.

OCNRN63, RN · Apr 13, 2014

Yeah, it's unfair. It's unfair that no one wants to take a chance on a new graduate. I'm not being unreasonable for expressing my feelings either.

Considering today's employment climate, I'd say two interviews and two more to come in the last month since you've graduated is pretty good.

You don't have the right to a nursing job. It would be nice if employers were more willing to take a chance on new grads, but many want nurses with 1-2 years exp., since in theory it takes less time to get them up and running. In addition, your peers may have something to do with this. Years ago, new nurses stayed at their jobs longer. Read the threads from new nurses today: the main theme is "How soon can I quite this job to take my DREEEAAAMMM job at my DREEEAAAMMM hospital?" If I were a manager, I'd get pretty sick of training new grads, only to have them cut and run because they think the grass is greener somewhere else.

Your job after graduating is finding a nursing job. I understand you're frustrated, but you sound like you feel entitled to having a nursing job without putting the work into it.

RetrieverGirl, BSN, RN · Apr 13, 2014

You don't have the right to a nursing job.

Your job after graduating is finding a nursing job. I understand you're frustrated, but you sound like you feel entitled to having a nursing job without putting the work into it.

I'm sorry, but I take great offense to these suggestions. Don't make claims against someone you know so very little. I am a VERY hard worker. I am the employee that ALWAYS picks up overtime or extra shifts, I volunteer to work on holidays because I could always use the extra money. I am a mature adult. I am responsible. I worked hard for my degree while working a full time job. I'm the employee that no one wants to leave because they actually value me.

Besides all the above, I have accepted 2 positions since Friday. One position is a part time private duty nurse in home care. A case manager that I have worked with in the past recommended my name to a client on her caseload. It is a very interesting case and I am excited to start the position in May.

The other position is a PRN nurse position at the mental health therapeutic facility I currently work at. My boss' supervisor approached me and asked if I would be interested in working PRN there as a nurse. They actually added a position for me and I've only worked for the company since July 2013. They are holding a meeting with me next week to discuss the position. Even though it is PRN I am delighted. I was hired as a PRN program facilitator and I have the opportunity to work as many hours as I want. I practically get dibs on the schedule if it's open.

Maybe I was being a little impatient, yes, however I've earned my place in the profession. Regardless of being a new graduate I also possess the same credentials and college education. I will close with that being said. I didn't ask for respect, I asked for a chance. :up:

klone, MSN, RN · Apr 13, 2014

I didn't ask for respect, I asked for a chance.

Yep, you and the thousands of other new grads out there. Do you realize that there are some new grads who search for a YEAR before finding employment? I would say that you're pretty damn lucky. I see nothing unfair with the situation you described. It seems fairly typical of the experience of all new grads right now.

RetrieverGirl, BSN, RN · Apr 13, 2014

Yep, you and the thousands of other new grads out there. Do you realize that there are some new grads who search for a YEAR before finding employment? I would say that you're pretty damn lucky. I see nothing unfair with the situation you described. It seems fairly typical of the experience of all new grads right now.

Yep it's true what they say "Nurses eat their young."

I was hoping for employment in a hospital, but I am very thankful for the opportunities that were recently presented. With that being said I will work on gaining more experience and then give it another try sometime later. Who knows, maybe I will love my job so much I won't want to leave. But for now I am certainly not job jumping. That's not my style.

ickc22 · Apr 13, 2014

Try going to the local nursing homes and picking up some prn work until you find a full time position.

klone, MSN, RN · Apr 13, 2014

Yep it's true what they say "Nurses eat their young."

Oh dear, did you really just go there?

RetrieverGirl, BSN, RN · Apr 13, 2014

Yes I did. I don't need tough love here.