No new grad jobs now what?

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Hi, Anyone have advice....I graduated with an ADN in December 2008, found a terrific New Grad position, and was told last week that the position was cut due to budget constraints. I am finding that it is far too late to find another New Grad slot in my area (Inland Empire). I have called every hospital within 100 miles...the recruiters that find the time (they must be very busy, I know!) to return my calls all tell me the same thing...nothing available to New Grads right now. I know money is tight everywhere, but what the heck are New Grads supposed to do? I actually graduated with the highest grades in my class (not bragging...just mentioning that to show that good grades mean nothing). I contacted my school, my advisors/teachers, and every nursing contact I have...What do I do now? I have NO IDEA WHAT TO DO. The next New Grad programs don't start until July...and I may not even get into one of them. I have checked into LTC, however, I find no openings there either. WHY WHY WHY WHY are nursing schools pumping out New Grads when NO ONE IS WILLING TO HIRE THEM?????? Thanks for listening.

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Specializes in Cardiac.
WHY WHY WHY WHY are nursing schools pumping out New Grads when NO ONE IS WILLING TO HIRE THEM?????? .

I'm sorry this is happening to you (and so many other new grads). It's happening all over this country, and not just to new grads. The job market is terrible right now!

However, It's not the responsibility of schools to monitor the job market. If you are willing to pay them for an education then they will take your money.

In addition, just over a year ago, this wasn't an issue. The market, economy, nursing 'shortage', etc wasn't what it is today. So even IF the schools had some responsibility to cut back on admissions then it wouldn't have happened in time to help you today.

Keep looking, and good luck.

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Specializes in critical care, PACU.

I still have a year to go, and am bummed too that I just happen to be graduating in the middle of a recession. When I started this quest, the world was my oyster, but now I am looking nationwide and building contacts now to find places to apply :(

This will change with time though :)

PS I think that was very messed up of that hospital to hang you out like that when you accepted their position and committed to them. It puts you in a crappy position. Im sorry

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LOL.....i thought I was the only one who can't get a job. I try to get busy taking by taking certificate courses...(at least, I can use my certificates as insulation to keep me warm during the winter months...:chuckle.).

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Ever consider government jobs in jails or prisons? I currently work at one in Illinois and trust me when I say, its not as bad as it sounds. It pays well and it is nothing like the movies make it out to be. I always feel safe at work. Its a nice population to work with to improve on your patient teaching skills. Most are not bad people but are just down on their luck. Give it a look.

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Specializes in critical care, PACU.

not so sure about prisons because my family lost someone to homicide, but I have been looking a lot more at the VA than I once was before

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Hi again from the Inland Empire New Grad. Thanks to all of you for your thoughts... I have no problem with prison nursing. I am searching for links, but CA govt budgets are being slashed and hiring freezes are everywhere in state, county, and city facilities. (Not to mention hiring freezes at hospitals) I thank jennyhyunh for her suggestion---I have already applied via the Internet at that facility. It seems like a terrific place to work for a new grad. I also called (politely, humbly, and not too frequently) and left messages with HR. I think the hospitals have just been innundated with applications from New Grads---they cannot possibly return every call. I realize they are also frustrated with their budget/hiring constraints, and I understand the financial costs of hiring/training a newbie. I also get the fact that many RNs are staying in the workplace longer or returning to the workplace...I am hoping things loosen up soon, but I am sooooo worried about my career being over before it starts. I don't even care what sort of salary I would make as a new nurse...pay me less until I have the experience (Yes, I know, unions would not allow that, but not all places are union). I just want to get out there!:banghead:

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

I live in the inland empire too

hemet valley medical center is hiring (not the best place to work, but it's a job) and a few hospitals if you're willing to just be trained, but not go through a new grad training program will hire you. Try san gorgonio memorial hospital too. I'm in a weird situation, because I graduate next week (top of my class like you) but, like you said, twice a year. Do you have any friends who have jobs? Sometimes knowing someone can get you in a facility.

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Hi. Thanks for those suggestions. I would absolutely agree to just "be trained" and don't need a defined new grad program. I will try stating that in my next round of cover letters---I am planning on re-applying every couple of weeks...I did apply with Valley Health on Jan. 12. I am hopeful, but I heard they are being slammed with applications right now. I am not picky about where I would work as a new grad. A lot of my friends put down a bunch of facilities, and consider themselves too good to work here or there. I have way more humility. I am a baby nurse, and I will gladly pay my dues and be happy with a lower pay scale. I was in the workplace a lot of years (nursing is my second career) and I know no job is perfect in every way. I would also have no problems committing to a facility. I am just so frustrated---I had those two job offers in early December...its not like I am not a good candidate. Its just too late in the game. (Repeat of my saga: Had two offers, chose one, sadly declined the other, the one I chose was cut last week due to hospital cutbacks, and the other place will not touch me now---I guess I understand why). It stinks to check hospital websites and find 50 open RN positions, all requiring 1 year experience. I guess it is more cost-effective to pay their current staff a lot of OT rather than hire new grads begging for jobs. Again, I know hospital HR folks can only do what they are told, and I know they are frustrated too, I am NOT criticizing them at all!! They are being hit from all sides with money problems, and they certainly do not owe me or any other new grad a job. It is just so sad that I cannot do my job as a nurse. I am dying to get started! Hey, I wish you luck with your job hunt!!! Take care.

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which school did you attend in the inland empire?

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Hi, I am from the Inland Empire, but I did not attend school in the Inland Empire...:typing

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I am in Southern California, I passed NCLEX last July, I had problems finding jobs as a New Grad in every single hospital that I applied. Always I wanted to work n L&D but I see that probability almost remote. Now I am working as a PHN, I like so far but I still trying to get a job in a hospital. While I was in the nursing school, always I hear the shortage of nurses, now I believe that the shortage is of experienced nurses because all of the new grads like me are out there not having the opportunity to get the experience. The nurse recruiters should be reading these forums to hear our voice.

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