I graduate in May of 2010 with my Associate's. I am already working on my Bacherlor's as well.
I am looking to move to the NYC area, but I'm VERY nervous that I won't be able to find a job as a new grad without my BSN.
My question is (for anyone with any insight) if I will even be able to find a DECENT job (like ER, Med/Surg, OR) considering I will be a new nurse who does not have my BSN but is actively working on it. I have literally been stressing about this for months and ANY help would be greatly appreciated.
I'm graduating in May and I agree that persistence really does help. Send your resume anywhere and everywhere and then follow up with a phone call or an email. Don't be too pushy but let them know how interested in their hospital you are and that you are looking forward to hearing back, etc. I had three interviews (NYP, MSK, NYU) and aside from some specific floors many of them are looking to hire over the summer more so than now. Five years ago Nursing Seniors had six offers in March but that is just not how today's market it. A hospital is not going to want you until you can actually be of value to them. Therefore they are less likely to offer you a position until after you have passed the NCLEX. Some also have certain new grad orientation days. I believe it's NYP that has one in July and one in August. So don't panic! Keep applying and calling and doing whatever else you have to do. Get an interview and wow them with your charisma and natural intelligence :)
As for everyone other than new grads, I'm sorry to hear you're having such trouble. I agree that it's unfair to hire fresh new grads with BSNs over experienced LPNs but you know what, go back and get that BSN! You have the benefit of all that experience and knowledge I bet you'd all sail right though!
*Sigh*, such a shame "graduate nurses" aren't hired any longer for the most part. However can see a hospital's point of view. Taking on a new nurse is expensive enough, if she doesn't pass the boards what are they going to do with her?
ARE THERE ANY BAD JOBS OUT THERE WITHIN THE 5 BUROUGHS?
Im from Chicago and for various reason really want to move out there. im currently an LPN with Home Health and Nursing Home experience.
Here in Chicago its pretty much the same story you all are telling, hiring freezes at most major hospitals, you need a BSN or experience or plugs, essentially no hospital jobs for NGs or peri-NGs.
But, the all spanish speaking public aid/Medicare funded nursing home in the Barrio can NEVER ever keep staff... along with other terribly disorganized with ridiculous patient ratios. And there is usually home health available for those that want to do it.
Could I find a job doing home health or passing out methadone in the South Bronx or whatever, just to survive while I figure out my next plan?
DoGoodThenGo
4,133 Posts
*Sigh*, such a shame "graduate nurses" aren't hired any longer for the most part. However can see a hospital's point of view. Taking on a new nurse is expensive enough, if she doesn't pass the boards what are they going to do with her?