New Grads having trouble finding a job in Chicago?

prinsessa · Sep 22, 2009

Me too. I have been looking since April. It is starting to get depressing

JayWoz · Sep 22, 2009

I've been looking since the end of August. I'm frustrated too but don't get upset over it, just take one day at a time that's what I'm doing. You never know what the new fiscal year will bring, hopefully more open positions! Right now I'm looking into a suburb hospitals like St Alexian brothers, it's about a forty five minute drive from the city with traffic. I suggest you do the same if you're not already, just get your resume out to as many possible hospitals as you can. When I google Chicago hospitals, clinics, doctor offices it always gives me an endless amount of results so just get your resume out there.

Hope everything starts to look up for all of us wandering grads.

RNillini14 · Sep 22, 2009

I feel all you. Been on the lookout since May. Have applied to dozens of jobs and received dozens of rejections. And all have the same general reason "You do not fit our clinical requirements for this job" i.e. we want some with experience or "We have found someone that better suits our job requirements" i.e. we found someone with experience. Well great, GIVE ME THE EXPERIENCE and I promise you won't regret it!!

It's very frustrating. I've started looking at PCT/CNA jobs just because I see so many of those out there, but I have a feeling they wouldn't want to hire me just because they'd be afraid I'd leave as soon as I get a nursing job. But I don't know what else to do to get my foot in the door!

ChocoCakeRN · Oct 1, 2009

Thanks guys! Good luck to you all too. I have pulled out the phonebook tonight too look at the LTC facilities and hospitals. Hopefully I won't come up empty handed.. :crying2:

dj4kids · Oct 1, 2009

Hello Everyone!
For my sanity, tell me that I am not the only one struggling to find a nursing job in Chicago?? It's frustrating, and sad. I want to cry, but I wake up everyday telling myself that there is something out there!!
Thank you..

Hi, you are not the only one, I live in the western burbs and there is not much going on out here. keep your chin up, apply at the places you want and the shift you want you may get lucky, then apply where you don't want for shifts you don't want, just try to get in the door somewhere. I'm a new RN grad(former LPN) and took a job working third shift i dont like nites but it's a job. WE ALL want the dream job coming out of school but it doesnt all work out. I have a fellow classmate waitressing at red lobster. dont give up you will find something. :up:

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Oct 3, 2009

You folks might consider moving a bit south in the state where there are jobs open and facilities in need of RN's. I think my hospital just hired half of the local colleges graduating class.

prinsessa · Oct 5, 2009

Unfortunately I can't move because I have kids and a husband (who has a stable job in Chicago). I would move in a second if I was single.

stinatiny · Oct 10, 2009

Meownsmile, What hospital do you work at in southern IL?

romie · Mar 29, 2012

A lot of hosptials are using the BS line about the economy and the shortage of nurses to justify not hiring (don't get me started). Instead of applying for traditional full time positions new grads should be applying for resource or agency nursing positions. It's a new fad among some hospitals because then they can hire new grads without having to pay for benefits to see if they work out or not. Plus they don't have to guarantee hours if they don't like you.

romie · Mar 30, 2012

I know as a former agency nurse that this is controversial because real good agency nurses are far and few. To be an actual traveler or agency nurse you have to be quick on your feet like nobody's business. Your patient is about to code and you can't get a PIXIS code so you have to be really creative or gracious.

I don't think this new practice is desireable because it leaves new grads with uncertainty and discontinuity in their preceptorship, which is essential to nursing practice, but it is a sad reality and a way that some hospitals are saving money.

When I was hired as a resource RN, the hospital said to me: We do not hire people for full time positions. We hire people through our resource nurse program and after your probationary period you can apply for a full time position. Unlike my first nursing job where I my benefits and PTO kicked on starting on day one.

Very very sad. but that is where the money is.