New Grad RN-->No Jobs, Then what?

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I have been reading through these threads and haven't seen an answer to this question. I know that it is tough to get a new grad RN position and some say they are still looking after a year post graduation. So what happens to those who get no experience and in effect are now "old grads with no experience" when the job market begins to open up again? What do those in the know recommend for those who may not be able to get a job within a year or two of graduation? Do you get more certifications, i.e. ACLS, PALS, etc while waiting for the market to open? Do you volunteer in a hospital? If volunteering, do hospitals allow clinical practice as a licensed RN volunteer? (Of course, there may be union issues with that). Essentially, will a licensed RN with no experience become obsolete since many will graduate and be "newer" when the job market opens again?

Specializes in LTC.
I graduated May '08. Worked about three years in SNF/LTC. Am looking for a job and no one will hire me. I am so so discouraged. I am 42 and wondering if that's why I can't get hired??? I can't give up, but part of me wants too...tired of feeling rejected.

Penelope,

I doubt it but I suppose it may depend on the area you are in. Some are more youth-oriented. My facility hires people of all ages even if they are new grads. Shortly after I was hired they hired a 56 yo new grad.

I don't think you're an evil foreigner and I don't have anything against foreigners. I understand where you are coming from.

My main idea is: Our economy is in absolute shambles. We should take care of our citizens first. We *should* favor U.S. graduates over foreign graduates. No more exporting and importing....too many people are jobless and it's silly.

Couldn't agree with you more, it is not right and it should stop.

Nurses we are not hiring

Some humor to help us make it through

Haha, should I laugh or cry at this point? :p Great post, thank you that!

Regarding the comment that "the VA hospitals are always hiring" I have to say is untrue. I am an RN with my AA degree in nursing and am also a veteran from the US Navy (having worked as a medical tech), have applied at tons of VA jobs all around the country with no luck whatsoever. Unfortunately the whole "having no experience" under my belt is stopping anyone from hiring me as well and having an AA degree.

Trust me I understand that employers look at a BSN over an ADN but seriously If I EVER knew that it would be this difficult to find a job as an RN after all the hard work, money, and tears I would have NEVER wasted my time getting my AA in the first place. I am just so confused as to why 2 year nursing programs are even allowed to be in existence if the job market for us graduates is so poor? I was promised so many times that once I was an official RN that I would have no problem getting a job due to the overwhelming nursing shortage but after having looked for a job in all facets of the industry for over a year and still nothing I am more than discouraged and angry at the current situation.

Of course I would love to go back and get my BSN in nursing but at this time I don't have the luxury of affording it and frankly how is my situation going to improve in getting hired even after that if in the meantime no one will hire me without experience???????? This is not at all the way I had ever envisioned things would be. I will not give up as I have spent too many years of my life on this so far but seriously this is ridiculous

I see that other people are in the same boat. But, you have great suggestions. Thank you. I wish everyone out there Good Luck.

i agree! im still out there looking for jobs and still no luck but not giving up..i just got my license a little over a month and so far, no call backs at of it..i applied for the residency programs but they dont have a definite date for it..so im hoping and praying ill get called soon..

You guys seriously need to get on google maps, drive about 1-3 hours outside civilization, walk into those SNFs and say you are ready to work and you can move immediately, your stuff is packed. If you have to live in a motel 6 and get a Netflix subscription, then do so. Even if you spend your first 6 months salary on a motel, you can do it. I bought a Volkswagon Westfalia and parked it behind the SNF and slept in a sleeping bag whenever I had shifts close together and traffic was too bad to go home. My commute was awful 2 hours each way, but it was only for a few months. I got books on tape from the library and itunes, I also used the wifi from the SNF to watch netflix movies and surf internet from inside my van. (thanks maintenance guy for getting me the wifi password, one of my residents also had wifi and she let me tap in ;]). After 3 months I got a job closer to LA, then I finally moved closer again right inside LA. Thank god before summer arrives- the van was ok in winter but I don't want to be sleeping in a hot van in summer.

Those who become road warriors get their first jobs and then move in. Those that won't budge from home may never find a job and stagnate.

On another note, I understand that many people simply can't uproot... I would get into a flexible RN-BSN program right now, one with short classes like 5wk classes that you can pop in and out of (take a class for 5 weeks while job hunting, then if you get hired tell them you are available now part time and later for full time. Ohio University is a great online BSN completion program, on the quarter system (5 weeks per class). You can knock out at least part of your BSN before getting hired. Or, you might finish your BSN in a year or so. Either way, you are smiling 18 months from now. Don't let too much time go buy, and remember- computer systems do not hire people. People hire people. Drive out there and push your way in the door.

I just spoke to an HR dept at a local magnet hospital who said they will not hire RNs to work as anything else because it is "out of their scope of practice". Sooooo. Basically, I'm not able to work anywhere in the hospital at all. Also, as of January 1, 2012, they will no longer hire new grads without a BSN degree, period. All this hard work and I'm just so frustrated! I've signed up for the PALS, the ACLS, and to renew my BLS to keep it as current as possible and I'm enrolled and attending for my BSN and still can't even get a phone call to interview. Sheesh!

How can i get preceptorship as a new grad RN. A lot hospital have new grad rn residency program. I did apply so many hospital and dont even get a phone call for interview. any suggestions. Thanks

Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.
Regarding the comment that "the VA hospitals are always hiring" I have to say is untrue. I am an RN with my AA degree in nursing and am also a veteran from the US Navy (having worked as a medical tech), have applied at tons of VA jobs all around the country with no luck whatsoever. Unfortunately the whole "having no experience" under my belt is stopping anyone from hiring me as well and having an AA degree.

For two of my friends that ended up getting hired on at the VA the hiring process took over a year. I think one got the first interview call after 11 months. So fingers crossed for you that they'll call you :)

What kind of non-clinical jobs RN new grads are getting?

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