LokiRav13

The demand for nurses really isn't what you think it is. . . . and unfortunately it is only going to get worse with higher case loads, longer hours, and less pay. Many of the experienced nurses are not retiring and that leaves fewer openings for the rest. I was lucky to find employment before I graduated 3 years ago, but it was not the coveted "acute care hospital". The ones in my area will really only hire BSNs and being an ADN that leaves me high and dry even with several certifications under my belt now. And no, I am not considering a BSN since I need another bachelors like a hole in the head (I'm still paying off this last round of schooling). I am lucky to be agency now and work the gambit from assisted living to PACU. My weekly dance card is fairly full because I will work anywhere at anytime. I still will work holidays and alternate weekends. Don't hold the hospitals in such regard, there are plenty of specialties out there to try. Continue your education with certifications like ACLS, study basic wound care classes, get IV certified . . . . anything that distinguishes you from the crowd. Be flexible with your schedule and stress that if/when you get and interview that you are open to any available shifts. The prized shifts/schedules come with the paying of dues. I spent a long time on nights until an agency would take me and I paid for a lot of my certifications out of my own pocket to prove I was willing to learn. Don't give up and just keep trying. Call your classmates see if they have an in to a facility. It may not be what you think you want, but you find yourself enjoying another type of nursing.