Question About the Current Job Market

[MaleRNin2010]

Hello all,

I have a question about the current job market in NY (in regards to RNs). Every hospital position and most LTC/Rehab RN positions are REQUIRING experience. Are there really enough experienced RNs out of work to fill the demand??? Its obvious we have an abundance of new grad nurses who cannot gain the experience due to the strict requirements. At some point wont agencies have to start investing in the future generation of nurses?

Personally I have over 6 years experience in Emergency Services, specifically as a professional Firefighter/EMT. I went back to school while working to gain my Associates Degree. I am now a licensed RN with technically no experience. Like many, I have applied to all hospitals and agencies within an hour and a half radius of me. I have not even been lucky enough to have one interview.

I cannot leave the area, due to my other career and family who is rooted here.

The situation NY is in cannot go on forever, can it?

[aye125RN]

Hi MaleRNin2010,

I must say as well the current economic situation cannot go on, like this, forever. There is an overflow of new grad RN's with limited positions at hospital facilities. I would hope that by the summer and throughout the ending of the year, the economy will get better in the nursing industry. We have worked too hard to obtain an RN license to not be getting any type of job. I hope that something will come through for all of us who cannot even get out foot in the door. Also being that you have previous Emergency Service experience, you should apply with the ER departments; I don't see why they would not scoop you up for a positions. Good luck.

aye125RN

[herowneulogy, BSN, RN]

There are many ED positions open at various nyc hospitals, and hiring managers usually hire former EMTs into those positions anyway. South Nassau Communities has a real need for ED RNs, but they want experience. However, I would contact the nurse recruiter and explain to her your current situation.

[MaleRNin2010]

It is really horrible that many of us are in this position.

In my situation it seems as if I can't get past the HR people. When I was doing clinicals on units, the managers seemed to be interested in me. I am in my 30s and even with my background, it seems as most of the young HR "recruiters" just toss me aside. It is frustrating, but I am glad I have my other career. I can only imagine the people in my situation with an exorbitant amount of loans to pay back with no job.

People often tell me, get your BSN, apply for jobs in LTC, etc etc.

I do plan on obtaining, a BSN in the future. However, having a mortgage, family and another career, I cannot take on any more loans, and I do not qualify for much if any financial Aide. I have applied to every LTC/skilled nursing facility in the area as well.

Thank for letting me vent, best of luck to everyone else in the job hunt.