Prospects after graduation?

Raineylane · Aug 30, 2011

I'm wondering that myself, before I even attempt to go to school.

Music in My Heart · Aug 30, 2011

I see no evidence of a nursing shortage; quite the contrary, in fact.

There remains a projected shortage... somewhere between 5 and 20 years down the road, depending upon who's spouting the line.

lovesroses · Aug 30, 2011

Do you have a tech job anywhere? I've seen those students go on to get hired after graduation (either on their floor/unit or at another hospital). Others I've seen have to search and search and settle for something outside the hospital that they don't really want to do but its a job. I am worried as well but I just started school so that's a bit of a ways off for me.

a1975a · Aug 30, 2011

It is kinda scary. The hospital where I work is hiring but not new grads, which is what i have seen alot of lately. We also have RN's that have worked in DR. offices coming to work at the hospital for the pay increase.

willowita, ADN, RN · Aug 30, 2011

I've heard news stories, read forum testimonials, etc about how new grads can't find jobs. It definitely scares me. But at the same time my own father is a shining example to me of someone who knew very little about nursing and got a job. He graduated 15 years ago with his BSN but he stayed in computer systems since he said he hated nursing. He got laid off two years ago and decided to give nursing another shot. A new grad was light years ahead of him. He had forgotten all of his clinicals. Couldn't even draw blood. But he roughed it and relearned everything in the ER and now he's hanging in there like the rest of them. I don't know why they hired him, to tell you the truth. I'm sure there were better qualified people but I see him, and I think I might be okay.

AppalachianRNstudent · Aug 30, 2011

There is a scholarship program through a local hospital that will pay you a stipend while in school. They require 4 months of service for every semester that you get the scholarship.

I'm gonna try to get it because it's the hospital I wanted to work at anyway. It's a level 1 trauma center and I think it would be a great place to work.

Raineylane · Aug 31, 2011

After reading this, I checked out the employment page on several hospitals in my area, and it does show that they are hiring new grads.

Maybe it's a regional thing.

samirish · Aug 31, 2011

I do not think there is any shortage at the moment. Quite the opposite in fact. But that's not to say it will stay that way.

cccormier · Sep 1, 2011

Hey, I'm also a student nurse and I have to say that I feel the same way. Thinking about the future scares me sometimes!

What I tend to see in many area is that there is the illusion of a "shortage" because you see all kinds of ads and job postings for new grads or experienced, but nursing schools are now more competitive than ever, and there are more programs opening up and the student bodies are increasing - that being said, more new grads looking for jobs in their area = employers receive many resumes and applications to choose from, and hence lots of new nurses feel like there are "no jobs" or no one will hire them. You are left competing with 100s of other applicants, even some you may have graduated with.

The economy may be rough, but after constantly keeping an eye out and applying for jobs every day (even those that are not as appealing or farther away), eventually most people find something and a door opens up. We (as new future nurses) just need to put the effort in when the time comes. I'm willing to work hard, network and take some risks. I'm sure it will get me somewhere. :nurse:

mstacyi · Sep 1, 2011

I am a new grad and no job yet. Its been 1 month to be exact since I have gotten my RN. During nursing school I picked up a fulltime job as an CNA at one of my local hospital in the float team so I have been almost everywhere in my hospital and know most of floors and their nurses. But even with that it didnt help me land a job in any departments.

From what I have been told from many managers is that they are looking for a BSN, I have my ASN and am currently enrolled in my RN-BSN program this fall, but then they give me another excuse. All their positions is already filled with their graduating externs so there is no room for me :[

My recommendations for all of you who is still in the nursing program is to get a extern position with your local hospital and you'll have a better chance of getting a job right after graduation. I didnt look for an extern position because I wanna focus in school and only wanted to get my foot in the door at the end of my program so i settled for a CNA job.

As far as shortage goes.. there is a shortage, but without a budget its hard to open a position so they are not hiring as much which makes it seems like there isnt a shortage. But hospitals work short all the time.

NENE RN · Sep 1, 2011

I thought being at the hospital would have helped me too. I haven't even been offered an interview and I have been there for about 3.5 years. I almost left about a year into my employment and my old boss talked me into staying. She is gone and I have a new boss that said she can't hire me r/t new grads currently on the unit. I am just praying that I get a job shortly after I pass my boards (within the next 30 days) because I will not be able to work as a tech any longer. :eek:

Good luck to you in finding a job.