RN, PHN

This is your first response. No mention of you not being an RN in this email, and indicates in the post info that you have 1.5 years experience. My experience is in M/S, Telemetry, ICU, Peds, Post Partum, L&D and the OR: over 1000 hours. My grades have been and are excellent. As far as applying to positions, I'm "not qualified for" I haven't applied to any positions outside of these areas, unless indicated that the experience is considered for a position in another area; AND I only apply for positions indicating a minimum of 6 months acute care experience. The barriers I am coming up against in the current job market is not unlike the rest of my classmates.

The posted years of experience for you are 1.5 years. I did not mean to bash you - merely stating my impression. Perhaps you should reread your first response to me.

It seems you have misrepresented yourself. From this email it appears that this time you are not an RN, have not passed NCLEX and not completed your education as an RN. And I find it difficult to believe your employer is paying for your entire education - but if they are. . .congrats to you! Yes, your are right hospitals do like to invest in their own. My advice is don't get too arrogant with what seems to be a "I already have the job" attitude. Several hospitals can not offer RN positions to those employees who have now obtained their RN license - yes the NEW grad. I have been in health care for over 25 years (hospital and med group operational administration); nursing is a second career for me. I have seen cut backs a couple times before, in my management of staffing departments, and I have significant understanding about the decisions to open positions - and who gets selected. The orgainization I worked for has returned to not hiring new grads - they like to have other hospitals etc. do the initial training. The unit were I precepted (not at the organization I used to work for) wanted to hire me - but all new grad hiring was and is non existant (the slightly more experienced nurse gets the job). There are several residency programs outside of California - and at prestigious facilities. New grads should be taking advantage of these opportunities. Your advice of moving out of state - looks like a real possibility. I will finish the graduate protion of my education - and I do have my RN - and pursue those opportunities. I love nursing and have been recognized as delivering excellent patient care and having excellent communication with those that I work with speific and multidisciplinary.

Yes, the RN job market is very frustrating! Some things to think about: No California hospital wants to invest money for a new grad; but they'll pay up the nose for registry. . . kick backs anyone!?! Or they'll pay mega bucks for overtime - which can result in unsafe outcomes for the patients. Or, knowingly employ nurses with one or two other jobs - resulting in a 60-80 hour work weeks --> safety anyone??? Not cultivating new grads now - means VERY EXPENSIVE recruiting when the big swarm of nurses retire in a couple of years. Doesn't sound like a good way to drive down health costs. Recruiters are even suggesting new grads move out of state - I say, let's do it! For those living in California - don't think it's the ONLY state to live in - it's not! Let's move forward and not be victims to the California health care job market! Wake up California - hospital administrations and government are asleep at the wheel. Apologies in advance for any offense taken.