New Member! Question about new grads getting jobs!!

Bobbkat · Oct 6, 2009

Welcome! I graduate in December, and I am terrified that I won't get a job. I just try not to dwell on it, plow ahead, and do everything in my power to make myself an attractive candidate. You might be in a better position however, since you are just beginning your program. Every nurse that I've complained to (and it's been quite a few) about the job market has pointed out that this profession, like every other one for the most part, is cyclical, and sometimes it's up, sometimes it's down. Now, to be frank, I feel like punching the next person that says that to me:banghead:. I can't answer where new grads will be getting jobs when you graduate, because my fingers are crossed that by the time you are job hunting the market will have picked up and you will have more options. I know for a great deal of nurses looking right now, the motto is 'take what you can get'. Even if it's still not a great market when you graduate, get a job where you can, get some experience, and then move into your 'choice' area.

Some tips: be active in your program. If there is a student organization, join it. Get the best grades that you can (yes, some employers DO care, and if you want to go to grad school, it matters). Get experience working in or volunteering in an area that your are interested in practicing when you graduate. If there are any leadership positions to fill (class rep, club officers, etc) volunteer for them. Anything you can do to make yourself more attractive from the start will help.

Good luck in your education!

xnurse2bx · Oct 6, 2009

Gosh that would really suck to go through all of this and then not even be able to get a job that i enjoyed! I thought that was the point of going to college and getting a good education.. so that you wouldn't hate where you worked for the rest of the life and made very little money doing it at that! lol Oh well guess i'll just have to see!

healthcarestudent · Oct 7, 2009

Since you just got into nursing school, I wouldn't dwell on it much. I would encourage you to be active in your program (i'm trying to work on that myself). You may also join the student association. It is important to do some volunteering and showdowing to. That would expand your knowledge as well. Good luck to us all!!!

morningland · Oct 7, 2009

yeah, the idea that nursing will offer for sure jobs is a big myth. I am first semester as well and in my area, Detroit, it is very hard to get a job. I think you need to be very flexable to move around if you want to find a job right away. My plan is to work down on the Navajo reservation for a couple years then try and join a travel nurse agency. I want to move around alot and I don't have anything holding me anywhere so I am free to go wherever I want so I plan on moving wherever the work is and seeing the world in the process.

But there is no point worrying about it. If you really want to be a nurse, then just get through the program because it shouldn't matter how good or bad the job market is. I understand your concern but I think the most important thing is knowing for sure if nursing is what you want to do and if it is, just get through the program.