No Jobs?

Chrislynn2003 · Oct 28, 2003

There are jobs out there; some people have their ideal job set in their mind and don't want to do anything else. I was lucky that I dont have to do nights for now until I start on call next year ( I just started in OR) . But I also know a lot of other people that just graduated that are working on the floor and some are there just to get some experience even if it's not their top choice for where they want to work. Not everyone starts out working where they want. Some people do start where they want and decide that this isn't really what they wanted to do. Nurses are needed!

llg, PhD, RN · Oct 28, 2003

Of course, there are always exceptions in the fact that an individual city or hospital may not have many openings.

However, in general ... there are plenty of nursing jobs out there. However, as one of your friends told you, hospital inpatients do not go home at night, on the weekends, or for the holidays. If you want a job as a staff nurse in a hospital, you should be realistic and understand that most hospital jobs require some "off-shifts." It's amazing how many new grads I have talked with over the past year or two that don't seem to realize this.

There are a few jobs out there that don't require at least few nights, weekends, or holidays. However, if those jobs are very attractive (with good pay, pleasant working conditions, etc.) there will probably be a lot of competition for them -- and the employer will probably have many nurse applicants to choose from. In other words, the position may go to a person with more experience than you will have as a new grad.

If your expectations are realistic and you are prepared to work "hospital hours," you will probably have little trouble finding a job -- assuming you are a reasonably good student. However, it might not be EXACTLY what you want, in the specialty you want, the exact hours you want, etc. If that doesn't come right away, it will come after you have have "proven yourself" and gotten some experience.

Good luck,

llg

KristinWW · Oct 29, 2003

Okay, these answers are reassuring. I just wanted to be sure something will be available; I'm not choosy.

NYCRN16 · Oct 29, 2003

Be reassured, there are plenty of jobs out there. It seems that these people are not finding anything because they think they want to walk into a job that requires no weekends, nights or they want a particular specialty. I know that you dont share thier attitude, and that is wonderful, you will find something that you love. I dont know where you live right now, but here in NY with the huge nursing shortage and the opportunites are endless, I have learned some things in my search for jobs as a new grad (both from my experience and the experiences of my classmates):

1) You will most likely be working nights. Face it. Its nearly impossible to get into a job on days. (Only 2 people in my class of 45 got day positions, and neither one of them are loving it).

2) You will have to work weekends. (Most hospitals have some kind of weekend policy like every other or every 3rd weekend, so it possible that you wont be working EVERY weekend)

3) Dont make too many plans for the holidays, you will probably be working at least one. When you gain seniority there, you will let the newbies work thier holidays for you.

4) Yes, many hospitals will hire a new grad in a specialty, but not always. Just because there are no openings for new grads in a specialty you want, doesnt mean that there are "no jobs".

5)On the topic of specialty: I have found that the hardest areas to get into are L+D/Maternity, ER and OR, and often times Peds Med/Surg. This does not mean that its impossible to get into these areas, but these from my experience with my classmates tended to be the hardest areas. Myself and 2 others got into ER, but only 1 person got into L+D and thats because she did 2 summer externships there.

Good luck, and stay reassured you will find a job! Attend any nursing job fairs in your area (either at school or through many of the free nursing magazines) and you will learn of the endless opportunites.

LeesieBug · Oct 29, 2003

At our school, employers actually hover in the halls and STALK the seniors in the spring...:chuckle

USA987, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 30, 2003

Hi there,

I graduated in June. Went on 6 interviews and had 5 offers to choose from! While I am a day person, I was very open to any shift...just to get my foot in the door.

Best wishes!

KristinWW · Oct 30, 2003

Originally posted by LeesieBug
At our school, employers actually hover in the halls and STALK the seniors in the spring...:chuckle

Leesie, can I switch to your school? :idea:

Rena RN 2003, RN · Oct 31, 2003

Originally posted by LeesieBug
At our school, employers actually hover in the halls and STALK the seniors in the spring...:chuckle

:chuckle same at the school i went to. we had all the area hospitals catering lunches to the senior students in our last quarter.

nekhismom · Nov 3, 2003

Originally posted by KristinWW
Leesie, can I switch to your school?

Yeah, me too! We had 2 employers come to our school to talk with my class as a group, but other than that, nothing.

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2003

We had recruiters come to our school and give us lunch as well. Heck, we even had recruiters at our pinning ceremony.

LeesieBug · Nov 4, 2003

Leesie, can I switch to your school?

Heck yeah! The more the merrier! I just can't wait to be done! Too bad I have such a LOONG way to go!

The other day they had a career fair with potential employers lining the halls of all three floors of the school.