New grad questions

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · May 26, 2013

After graduating and receiving an ADN, how easy/hard is it to get a job? How long did it take you?

***its relative. If you are working in a facility as a CNA or other support role you may have an easier time than someone who didn't as facilities often prefer to hire from within. Those in major metropolitan areas such as CA or NY are having a much mire difficult time especially with an AS as there are many new and experienced nurses looking for with. Most hospitals prefer BSN. There is a high unemployment rate in these areas. Some have spent 6-9-12-18 months or more seeking their first job.

I found my first job as an LPN in about 3 months post graduation but I was only actively looking for a few weeks for personal reasons. My current employers will promote me when I complete my ASN & pass the NCLEX.

Even during recession, will nurses always be in high demand, making it easier to secure a job? What if you have no experience? Nursing is not recession proof. That is an urban legend. There are many new and experienced nurses seeking first or full time jobs with benefits. There are some area where there are more jobs than applicants like rural areas or border jobs (think Mexican border) but there is a reason local residents are not applying. There are facilities that would rather run short staffed and post 'ghost jobs'(jobs to look like openings but will never be filled for cost/budget or unknown administrative reasons). So while the staff is overworked and works short, management for whatever reason won't hire help.

There are facilities that promote education and offer externships and fellowships to new grads. Some are highly competitive in nature and some require a minimum of BSN. Others give preference to current employees even if their job as a student was in dietary or housekeeping or CNA. Sometimes a stellar CNA who has a good rapport with the nurse manager may be offered the normally BSN internship with an ASN if they agree to work towards a BSN within 5 years. (Key here is networking while still a student )

Also, is it accurate that you may have lots of time off (like working only 3 days out of a week) due to working many overnight shifts? Whats your schedule like? Depends in the facility/work setting. I work agency and give my availability. I'm able to take off a week to go to camp with my child. I'm also being paid to go to camp with one of my patients /clients this year. Some of my colleagues work FT nights 8hrs 11p-7a 5 days a week. Others work 12hr shifts. I work a combination. Sometimes I work 2x14hr shift and 2x6 hr shifts. Other weeks I work 3x13hr and everything in between. Since I do pediatric home care/private duty I am required to have more flexibility than some jobs. When I worked ER I worked 4x 10hr days (8am-6p or 10a-8p) or 3x12hr nights (7p-7a).

When I work with infant /toddler/preschool clients I work mostly days. School aged is usually evenings and weekends unless a client requires a 1:1 nurse at school.

Those who work nursing homes generally work 7-3:30, 3-11:30p, or 11p-7:30a

The more flexibility in your availability the better chances of finding a job.

RN&mom · May 26, 2013

I didn't start looking for a job until I passed my NCLEX but I literally had a job offer less than 30 days after passing. Now I do not live in a city, but I also applied for jobs stating 1 yr experience. I was told by a friend to do so and it worked because I was not currently working as a CNA and had never worked for this company but their ad did day 1 yr experience needed... I have my ASN in case you're wondering... Apply for everything, after 6 months to a yr you can get a job where you want. Good luck!

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 26, 2013

It is going to depend on where you live.....check out the career forum Nursing Career Advice

Contrary to popular belief there is no longer a nursing shortage.......check out these threads.

No Nursing Shortage At The Present Time

No nursing shortage: roll call!

Is there a nursing shortage or not?

Unemployed & inexperienced New RNs. Vent it out!

I'm Losing hope in finding a Job

Areas of the country have as high as a 47% unemployment rate especially of new grads.

Where is the nursing shortage?

No Jobs for 43% of Newly Licensed Nurses Responding to Statewide Survey, According to Report by California Institute for Nursing.

You might have nor days off during the week but you will find 3 12 hour night shifts exhausting. You will also have to work weekends at least every other one and holidays as well.