New RN's...do you have a job ?

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Jul 19, 2011

What's awful is that we were lead to believe there is a shortage of nurses when there actually isn't. My friends and family seem confused when they hear I don't have a job yet. Everyone says "there's a shortage- you should be able to find something easily". What a joke. I continue to apply and look every day, but I am quickly losing hope. I had a good job before, and sometimes feel dumb to have given up a sure thing.
I'm also sick of hearing of others who find a job so easily in other states. Good for you - but you don't have to brag!

It's not bragging. People shouldn't have to hide their excitement of finding a job because it might hurt the feelings of someone who hasn't. It's exciting to find your first nursing job and in this economy it's even more exciting. People can share their excitement without being put down.

Mrs Badcrumble, RN · Jul 19, 2011

I got my license (RN) exactly one year ago today and never dreamed I'd be sitting here, barefoot at my computer at home, with no job. I've put in hundreds of applications, and when I used to read that from other folks I used to think "really? come on!" Of course, most of those are multiple apps to the same place, but still. I've had several interviews and did quite well on all of them, however, a few of those are for jobs that are frozen so even though I'm on the hiring list, it ain't likely to happen any time soon. My resume's fine, I know because my girlfriend was once a college administrator and very tuned in to the whole HR-hiring-process thing. I've got years of work experience, though not anything specifically hospital related, (though I was an EMT for a short time) and I bring to the table a mature view of things as well as a fabulously dry and often very silly sense of humor. Hence my wanting to be in the ED! I no longer apply breathlessly to every big new grad program that opens up, it's just not worth it. I also try not to take it personally. I guess the hard part is that I'd just love to have more opportunities to get that interview! I'm one of those folks who just fits in, pretty much everywhere, and I know that unit cohesion is a very large part of what hiring managers are looking for. It must be difficult for them to figure out from a piece of paper which nurse would best fit into their unit. Anyhoo, apologies for the long post, but I finally felt like saying something. Well, really I'm just disappointed that I'm a year out and still nothing. But, I am feeling that I'm getting closer!

nursingsfun · Jul 19, 2011

I'm so sorry to hear your dilemma. I wish you luck and hope you find something soon. I think we are victims of a bad economy. We have to keep trying. :rolleyes:

Mrs Badcrumble, RN · Jul 19, 2011

Very kind of you, thanks! And best wishes to you, too! As Yoda said "there is no try, there is only do". And that's what I DO every day, continue to apply and let folks know that I'm here and I may very well be just what you're looking for!

Annachu512, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2011

I start my RN program in the Fall and this board is pretty depressing but eye opening. I planned on attending my first 2 years to get the RN then work as I gain my BSN..Looks like I'll have to make sure I do my homework. There are always tons of RN job ads in my area - which is Central PA - but to imagine I might not have any shot of them is pretty discouraging. :/

Mrs Badcrumble, RN · Jul 19, 2011

Try not to be discouraged, sweetie. You're gonna' have your hands full with school so focus on getting that done. Having said that, you now have a better idea of what you're in for when you graduate so I would suggest looking at all of the ads you see in the areas you want to work. Really look at them. Look for who screams NO NEW GRADS! and don't waste your time there. I wouldn't say don't apply for New Grad RN spots, but just know it's like $20 bills flying out of a speeding car, everyone runs to it, and it becomes a crazy traffic jam. Do apply to whatever interests you, whatever you think you'd tolerate, and maybe stuff you're not really sure about. At this point you probably won't really know what you like yet since you've not started school. I absolutely belong in someone's ER, I know it. But, I'm putting in for med/surg, ortho/neuro, etc. Not my favorite stuff, but I know I'd learn a lot and eventually can go on my way. Whenever you see "preferred", go for it. I'm not sure it's so, but I'm starting to think facilities are cool with new grads and just don't want to scream it to the universe so they hedge by saying "preferred". They may get an experienced nurse, they may get a new grad that's just their cup of tea. Finally, if you like any of the facilities you do your clinicals at, keep your eyes open and know who makes the decisions to hire whom. Just know at this time that you're in a great position and have a lot of time to learn where you want to work and how to get in so that when you get your license you'll be in a much stronger position. No guarantees, of course, but it's better to spend your time positively than worrying that there will be no jobs.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2011

Wow...exactly why you need to apply to RN residency programs. They actually state that they DO NOT want anyone with over 6 months of experience....Some times they want people with NO experience at all only. Good luck to you.

Definitely look in to the residency programs, but don't limit yourself to them either. They are often HIGHLY competitive (I applied to one that interviewed 25% of it's applicants and only hired a few of those interviewed) and there are hospitals that hire new grads and orient them well that don't have an advertised "new grad residency". I was hired at a hospital that did not have a residency program when I started, as were many of my classmates. Those who wound up in official residency programs are in the minority out of those of us who have jobs.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Jul 20, 2011

Definitely look in to the residency programs, but don't limit yourself to them either. They are often HIGHLY competitive (I applied to one that interviewed 25% of it's applicants and only hired a few of those interviewed) and there are hospitals that hire new grads and orient them well that don't have an advertised "new grad residency". I was hired at a hospital that did not have a residency program when I started, as were many of my classmates. Those who wound up in official residency programs are in the minority out of those of us who have jobs.

My job hired me for the unit and because I was a new grad I was enrolled into their New Grad residency program. (which is 5 classes and 1 simulation day over a 12 week period). That starts a few times a year. I like that it was done this way so it wasn't me having to go in and compete with 100's of people. I got my lic and boards done weeks before everyone and that gave me a jump start and I think played a roll in me getting a job when I did. Not sure I would have had the same chance had it been done through a regular residency program.

alphil · Jul 20, 2011

heyy guys i'm moving to north jersey from texas in the next 6 months and I was wondering if the hospitals are hiring at this time , been a lpn on medsurg floor for 2 1/2/ years and in october i've been in critical care stepdown unit for a year this coming october as a RN , do I have a good chance of getting hired up there by any of the hospitals ???? any bit of information would help this TEXAN )))))

nursejossy · Jul 21, 2011

Handout?? not so much!! :devil: If you are lucky to be in a place where they will actually hire you, be very greatful. In my area no experience=no job. There are alot of us , who network, and work hard every day to get a job. There are none. So wake up everyday and be glad you have a paycheck. But please don't be insulting to those who are having a very had time.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2011

Handout?? not so much!! If you are lucky to be in a place where they will actually hire you, be very greatful. In my area no experience=no job. There are alot of us , who network, and work hard every day to get a job. There are none. So wake up everyday and be glad you have a paycheck. But please don't be insulting to those who are having a very had time.

What? Who is being insulting to those who don't have a job??

nursejossy · Jul 21, 2011

it was from a few posts early in this thread....just got me really mad!!