New RN can't find job.. til now

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · May 17, 2010

I finally found a job after being an unemployed RN for months. Unfortunately it's not in nursing. It's a retail job paying minimum wage. I really think becoming a nurse was the worst mistake of my life. I had to go on welfare since becoming an RN because there are just no jobs. :crying2:
The media won't report this jobless trend for new grads, so employers aren't aware. If they were they would probably be sympathetic and hire us.

My regrets that you are unable to find a nursing job. I am truly sympathetic.

But do not mistake that employers "are not aware". They are very aware of the large number of unemployed nurses... and this makes absolutely no difference in whether they hire more nurses. They do not hire more nurses because either do not need more nurses, or they do not wish to pay for additional nurses.

The decision to hire nurses has nothing to do with sympathy... and hospitals/clinics/facilities are businesses, not individuals with feelings. They cannot hire with there being a need and the resources allotted to pay. And they are frequently lacking in one or both of those.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

my_purpose · May 17, 2010

I'm still just hoping to get in to nursing school, but what happened to the nursing shortage?

Blackheartednurse · May 17, 2010

I finally found a job after being an unemployed RN for months. Unfortunately it's not in nursing. It's a retail job paying minimum wage. I really think becoming a nurse was the worst mistake of my life. I had to go on welfare since becoming an RN because there are just no jobs. :crying2:
The media won't report this jobless trend for new grads, so employers aren't aware. If they were they would probably be sympathetic and hire us.
I truly see this retail job as a blessing.:redpinkhe I'm so glad I can finally work and have a bit of money coming in each month. I never told the manager I'm a nurse. I knew if I did she wouldn't hire me for being overqualified.

Have you considered moving? There a plenty of jobs in other states like Texas,Luisiana,Oklahoma,Kansas.

RNcpac · May 17, 2010

My regrets that you are unable to find a nursing job. I am truly sympathetic.
But do not mistake that employers "are not aware". They are very aware of the large number of unemployed nurses... and this makes absolutely no difference in whether they hire more nurses. They do not hire more nurses because either do not need more nurses, or they do not wish to pay for additional nurses.
The decision to hire nurses has nothing to do with sympathy... and hospitals/clinics/facilities are businesses, not individuals with feelings. They cannot hire with there being a need and the resources allotted to pay. And they are frequently lacking in one or both of those.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for all of your replies.

I've tried to apply for smaller businesses, where they aren't as stuck to corporate budgets and rules. The employers there seem more human and flexible, so I think some could be influenced to hire new grads if they knew there was a problem. I had one interview and the employer asked, "where are you working now?" And I told him I'm not, I'm looking for my first job ( and made this into a positive point - that I could start right away with his company and am available all hours). He didn't make any mention of knowing that it's a problem and he didn't hire me. I don't think he really knows how big of a trend that is.

I can't move, I have no money at all. The welfare is supplied as a plastic card for buying food. That's all I qualify for since I'm able-bodied, no kids, and supposedly should be able to get a job.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · May 17, 2010

Thank you for all of your replies.
I've tried to apply for smaller businesses, where they aren't as stuck to corporate budgets and rules. The employers there seem more human and flexible, so I think some could be influenced to hire new grads if they knew there was a problem. I had one interview and the employer asked, "where are you working now?" And I told him I'm not, I'm looking for my first job ( and made this into a positive point - that I could start right away with his company and am available all hours). He didn't make any mention of knowing that it's a problem and he didn't hire me. I don't think he really knows how big of a trend that is.
I can't move, I have no money at all. The welfare is supplied as a plastic card for buying food. That's all I qualify for since I'm able-bodied, no kids, and supposedly should be able to get a job.

Start applying for nursing jobs in other cities. You say "you can't afford to move" but save up money from your retail job, do what you have too if you get an offer. Some employers will even pay moving expenses. I'm so sorry to hear you are going through this.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · May 18, 2010

Thank you for all of your replies.
I've tried to apply for smaller businesses, where they aren't as stuck to corporate budgets and rules. The employers there seem more human and flexible, so I think some could be influenced to hire new grads if they knew there was a problem. I had one interview and the employer asked, "where are you working now?" And I told him I'm not, I'm looking for my first job ( and made this into a positive point - that I could start right away with his company and am available all hours). He didn't make any mention of knowing that it's a problem and he didn't hire me. I don't think he really knows how big of a trend that is.
.

The interviewer may not have mentioned it, but virtually all educated employers of nurses are well aware that it is an employer's market out there.

The other thing, is smaller employers are MORE affected budgetary constraints, not less. There are few to no 'rules" involved, purely budget. And addition of an extra staff member on a "small" budget is a much bigger expense/sacrifice than on a large budget. An additional staffer is a more careful investment in a smaller office than a larger one.