New RN and NO job!!!

melissakp · Nov 7, 2009

In the same boat as you in Oregon. RN on 9/25 and nothing yet. Melissa

katerina8282 · Nov 7, 2009

I am graduating in December and the teaching staff has already told us that it is not likely to get a job unless you are a PCT, which I am not, which means I will be having a really hard time finding one. I am really dreading this. I was thinking about NY too...I am in FL now. No jobs available whatsoever!!!

NYCRN16 · Nov 7, 2009

There are no jobs in NY either. At least not in NYC, Long Island or Westchester. Most city hospitals are on a hiring freeze and the ones that are hiring want 2+ years of experience. Good luck with your job search, but don't come and move to the most expensive city in the country without a job first.

Lilnurse0803, RN · Nov 7, 2009

Hello All,

I live in NYC and can tell you that the situation here is grim, especially for new graduates. I have friends who graduated after me in early 2008 and they still have no jobs. This in addition to all the new graduates that schools put out every semester who are also unemployed. If you read other posts on this site, there are experienced nurses who still cannot find jobs either. It's sad across the board unless you are willing to think outside the box.

The job market for new graduates is not at all favorable, especially here in the city; competition is very stiff since hospitals are not spending money on orienting new grads. Hospitals are either on a hiring freeze or seek nurses with a minimum of 1-2 years experience and a BSN degree.

Keep doing your research on other areas since most big cities are in the same rut. Good luck and keep us posted.

Riseupandnurse · Nov 7, 2009

Try Barnes Jewish in St. Louis. They are interested in quality new grads.

Angeljho, MSN, NP · Nov 7, 2009

I'm located in NYC and TRUST ME, hospitals are not hiring here.

Jljkhorton · Nov 7, 2009

This is true for any job, anywhere. Unfortunately. Everyone is on a hiring freeze, etc. Just hang in there and it'll come. If you're as willing as you say to move, you'll find something soon enough!

Bug Out, BSN · Nov 7, 2009

LTCs, SNFs, Nursing homes.

Look in your phone book and drive around and find them. Many of them do not have websites.

Da_Milk_of_Amnesia, MSN · Nov 7, 2009

Don't Come to NY as other people stated, there isn't anything over here.

Wahooo for a great economy !!!! NOTTTTTT....

fitRNpic · Nov 7, 2009

There are jobs all over the country, you just have to be willing to relocate and really search. There is a website I use to look up positions at multiple hospitals in different states. It will list all hospitals in that state and then you can search if they have positions you are looking for. The website is: http://www.theagapecenter.com/Hospitals/[state name].htm. Just put in the name of the state you want to search (without the brackets!). It will list all hospitals within that state in alphabetical order and also tell you what city and county it is in. If you click on a hospital you want to look at, it redirects you to that hospitals page. It is really a great way to look for jobs. I check the hospitals I am interested in at least once a week. Now am trying to broaden my search because there is nothing here in IL and not a whole hell of a lot in WI either (for the past 9 mos!!!). Neither of these states have new grad programs right now and haven't had any for probably over a year now.

I am not a new grad nurse, but have not gotten enough experience in the area I am interested in to get a job in that area. However, I have come to realize that I am not going to settle for just any job! Really take time and decide what you want to do. Most new grad nurses have some idea of the area they want to specialize in after going through clinicals. Go for that job! I tried to go for my dream job and still did not have one by the time I graduated (May 2007). So at the time, I settled for a job at the hospital I already worked at. Then I got what was supposed to be my DREAM job, only to be let go at the end of the orientation period. I have had to jump around to many different jobs just to support my family (I was a non-traditional student). I am still having a hard time getting a job where I WANT to work, and I have been applying to these positions since Jan. 2008!!

Just don't settle for something if you know that it is not what you want to be doing!

itsmejuli · Nov 7, 2009

I'm an LPN and if accepted will start the RN transition program in May.

I have my resume posted online and was contacted by a recruiter to do flu shots in my county for the next 3 -4 months or longer. I accepted the position and will start Monday.

When I was speaking to her about the lack of new grad RN jobs she said there are jobs out there for new grads but you have to be willing to relocate to take them.

Start networking, get your resume in with as many staffing agencies as you can, follow up with phone calls. Get to know your recruiter personally so they recognize your voice on the phone when you call.