New RN and unemployed

Jules A, MSN · Mar 13, 2015

It will happen, just keep applying and maybe consider jobs or shifts that aren't your first choice. So much of the opportunities we get in nursing is from word of mouth so stay in touch with teachers, classmates and any contacts you made while doing clinicals. Good luck.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Mar 13, 2015

Hello! This is my first post here. I'm a new nurse so I'll say in advance to the more seasoned nurses on here, don't eat me.

I'll resist the urge. :bored:

I graduated in December 2014 and received my license a month ago. I've been on several interviews but no job offer as of yet. I live near Buffalo, NY and I really thought the market would be better than it is. It seems like I was lied to. There aren't nursing shortages where I live. All the job postings are for experienced nurses. If things were really as bad as the media hyped it up to be, I'm sure employers would be less picky.
Lets keep it real, people with RN licenses are a dime a dozen. Too bad I figured that out after working my butt off in school for the past 5 years and signed up for student loans. It's a very frustrated feeling, folks!

Perhaps you ought to consider moving. It may not be realistic to stay where you are when there are no (or very few) job openings for new grads. Take a look at online job postings, and see where you can move to in order to get hired.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Mar 13, 2015

One month is hardly enough time to explore all the opportunities in your area and beyond.

sourapril · Mar 13, 2015

I don't know about the market situation in NY. I assume it's probably worse than CO. In CO, new grads spends 6-12 months before they find their first jobs. So be patient. :)

roser13, ASN, RN · Mar 14, 2015

Hello! This is my first post here. I'm a new nurse so I'll say in advance to the more seasoned nurses on here, don't eat me.
I graduated in December 2014 and received my license a month ago. I've been on several interviews but no job offer as of yet. I live near Buffalo, NY and I really thought the market would be better than it is. It seems like I was lied to. There aren't nursing shortages where I live. All the job postings are for experienced nurses. If things were really as bad as the media hyped it up to be, I'm sure employers would be less picky.
Lets keep it real, people with RN licenses are a dime a dozen. Too bad I figured that out after working my butt off in school for the past 5 years and signed up for student loans. It's a very frustrated feeling, folks!

Yes, the nursing shortage myth is as common as the "nurses eat their young" myth. Please unsubscribe your brain from both thought processes.

The most successful new grads are open to all jobs in all areas of the country. Relocation may be required. Accepting a position that is "less than" your ideal job may also be required.

Attitude adjustment, on the other hand, is mandatory.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 14, 2015

I graduated in December 2014 and received my license a month ago.

Welcome to Allnurses.com!

To be fair, you've only been licensed for approximately one month. Chill out...in many employment markets across the US, new nurses are not finding their first jobs until 6 to 12 months after initial licensure.

My suggestion is to keep pounding the pavement, start forming a network of friends who can put in a good word for you, and be willing to work nursing jobs outside the anointed acute care hospital (read: nursing homes, home health, hospice, state prisons, county jails, private duty, etc).

Good luck to you!

edmia, BSN, RN · Mar 14, 2015

I concur. One month is not long, especially if you've been to several interviews. Many new grads search for months without even landing an interview. So, the market in Buffalo might not be as tight as you think.

Keep going! Worst case, you move.

Good luck and welcome to AN.

Sent from my iPhone -- blame all errors on spellcheck

Nibbles1 · Mar 14, 2015

It took 6 months before i finally found a job and that was 5 years ago when the "nursing shortage" rumour was being passed around faster than fleas on a dog.