New Grads in NY & Job market

[Wsmith16, ADN, BSN]

Since the job market is not ideal right now is it better to just take a position at any hospital that may not be paying you as much to just get the experience. Or do you think it's best to wait for the money & job that you may be looking for.

I believe most new grads are having problem finding employment but when I tell someone outside of nursing this they look at me like I'm crazy. Just wondering what's really going on & what would you do if you had to choose. I was offered a position & the pay isn't great the commute inlcudes tolls. Is it best to wait or should we just take what we can get at this point?

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

I was offered a position & the pay isn't great the commute includes tolls. Is it best to wait or should we just take what we can get at this point?

I put the key phrase you stated in bold; in these economic times one would be foolish to wait around for the perfect opportunity. I'm not in nursing yet, but I'm no stranger to the "new grad" experience in a tough market. If I were you, I would take the job to get the experience under your belt provided it is in an area that will give you valued hands-on and boatloads of learning for your ideal specialty. Is it med/surg? Definitely take it. Same for oncology. I hear that positions in skilled nursing/critical care in a LTC facility are also untapped gold mines for good experience.

We're living in days where being too selective is just not a good thing. Get the job, live under the rock and cultivate your strong points and when the storm is over you will come out shining with great experience.

Is there a way around the tolls? Just curious. I've made sacrifices like this before and they pay off in the end.

[Wsmith16, ADN, BSN]

Thank you Paco. I'm feeling along the same lines that you do--the money was a few thousand less but as a new grad I guess I need the experience.

Thanks, for sharing your thoughts.

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

Thank you Paco. I'm feeling along the same lines that you do--the money was a few thousand less but as a new grad I guess I need the experience.

Thanks, for sharing your thoughts.

A few thousand less in my book is worth it in the long run, especially if experience on your resume will make all the difference in the world. One year in the trenches will qualify you as experienced, so you can always make that lost income up later. Plus, you will have income while you look for something better. Nothing worse than looking for a job while you're unemployed. Good luck!!