Nursing shortage....really?

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Hello,

I'm a SN headed into my 4th semester. I'm doing a Summer-externship at one of our local hospitals on the telemetry floor and it's great. The problem is the future. We have heard since day one that there is a nursing shortage, but a lot of us feel like were getting the run around when it comes to translating a SN job to a full time position after graduation. Is everyone feeling this? It is just here in MS? I have been busting my butt to work hard while in the externship, come prepared, learn quickly, and help everyone I can. Still, were getting the run around as SN's when it comes to getting hired after we pass boards. Thank you for any and all input. Should I be looking to relocate after graduation? I was planning on hanging around and getting my BSN, but now I'm unsure, and a little uneasy about our future as SN's :uhoh21:...Gum

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I have been hearing about hiring freezes in MS. I will graduate in May 2010 and I am scared to death I won't be able to find a job. My family and I are counting on this for insurance and a supplemental income.

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I think it's everywhere. Recent grads. are having trouble landing a job. At present, I don't think there is a shortage. From what I can see, the hospitals want EXPERIENCED nurses like mad, but most are not willing to take on a new grad. I have heard that training a new grad. costs THOUSANDS of dollars and with the state of the economy, the hospitals just don't have it.

I have two degrees and graduated top in my RN class, and I cannot find a job. I have applied to all the hospitals in my area and have followed-up and I have probably filled out 40 some job applications on line. I got two call backs and those jobs are pending. I have a friend who is a CEO at a hospital 8 hours from me and he said he'd help get me a job at his hospital but I'd have to pack up and move.

It's tough and many hospitals want you to pass boards before they will consider you. Good luck!!

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If you are able to relocate I think you should look into it. Keep all options open to you on the table. Unfortunately, the relocation option is not open to everyone.

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My instuctor informed our class the first day that a few of their nurses, (that had graduated and passed the NCLEX) hadn't found jobs. That the recession does affect nursing- people are losing their jobs, which means, health insurance. People aren't receiving med care the way to once were because of it. Interesting I thought. I would also say it depends on what department you are applying for. It seems to me that EVERYONE wants to do OB as of right now-except me.

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Wow...I really do hope this situation changes asap. We all need a year under our belt to really get things going, but how are we supposed to get that minimal experience if no one will give us a chance. Anyways, good blessings to you all, and here's to hoping we all get on somewhere.

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Wow...I really do hope this situation changes asap. We all need a year under our belt to really get things going, but how are we supposed to get that minimal experience if no one will give us a chance. Anyways, good blessings to you all, and here's to hoping we all get on somewhere.

Well, I will say this, I think we are still doing better than some of the other professions out there.

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Specializes in Float pool.

You could try to get a job in one of your local hospitals as a caregiver during your 4th semester of school, which will get your foot in the door. When hospitals hire they almost always hire from within first, so getting established is almost always a good thing. I'm a CNA in the float pool and starting nursing school this September and my managers have already said they would move me right into an RN position once I am licenced!

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Specializes in LTC.

I not worried at all about finding a job as a new grad. Pinning ceremony is in 3 weeks, I plan to take nclex as soon as they let me, and I plan to start my job hunting after nursing school. Everyone is so stressed about finding a job but i'm a firm believer that the right job will come at the right time. Its called patience ! I may or may not get a job right away but am I worried... no I'm not. I refuse to worry about things that are out of my control. I can't hire my self. The only thing I can do is put my self out there and try my best and leave the rest to God. What God has for me it is for me... no matter what the circumstances may be. Good luck and I'll keep you all posted on my job hunting.

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I graduate in December, but I am plagued by anxiety (dr.- 0.25mg alprazolam please!!!). I live in cental Florida and hiring freezes are in full swing- even with a new hospital being built and another one adding on. Go figure. My biggest problem is I have no healthcare experience...I sling drinks for a living, b/c that's what pays the bills.

I'm worried that after school and with the influx of graduates, I will struggle finding a job. I will hold on to my bartending job though. I also plan to go right back into school to get another degree.

I don't think I feel comfortable leaving my job search in the hands of a "higher power". It all rests on me...just like the money for rent, utilities bill, groceries, gas, etc. all rests on me.

Good luck to all those current grads on a job hunt!!!

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Specializes in Neuro.

They are hiring here (Idaho) but it's mostly for skilled/experienced nurses. I haven't even been able to get a CAP/CNA job yet and I will have my RN in December. It's just hard to get considered for a job when you've only had one job for 7 years and its not in the medical field.

I am planning on relocating to a resort town up north that tends to have problems hiring because the cost of living is so high (and I already have somewhere to stay). I think in the current economy, relocation is key.

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I not worried at all about finding a job as a new grad. Pinning ceremony is in 3 weeks, I plan to take nclex as soon as they let me, and I plan to start my job hunting after nursing school. Everyone is so stressed about finding a job but i'm a firm believer that the right job will come at the right time. Its called patience ! I may or may not get a job right away but am I worried... no I'm not. I refuse to worry about things that are out of my control. I can't hire my self. The only thing I can do is put my self out there and try my best and leave the rest to God. What God has for me it is for me... no matter what the circumstances may be. Good luck and I'll keep you all posted on my job hunting.

I have to disagree, part of it is in your control - such as by you applying right now! It will take a minimum of a month from application date to hire date, and its likely to be a lot longer than that. Have you seen the unemployment numbers? It is a rough market right now and you are only shooting yourself in the foot by not aggressively job seeking right now. You can't sit around and wait for a job to fall into your lap. Take control and put yourself out there immediately, don't wait. Also, take control of your finances right now if you haven't already, just in case you aren't able to get that job you are hoping for in the time frame you are hoping for. Have a backup plan too because you never know what will happen. I think it is beneficial to have a bit of anxiety as it will be a motivator to work hard in these tough times.

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