RN's: If you can't get a hospital job then where do you envision your future?

waitingforthedream · Mar 19, 2009

What part of Jersey are you from???

longbow.shelly · Mar 19, 2009

There was just a report this morning on Fox news which said over 100K nursing jobs nation-wide are going unfilled due to the shortage of nurses. That sounds like potential potential potential. The problem, they said in the report, is that there are no TEACHERS to bring on new nurses, even as thousands apply throughout the year and are even on waiting lists to begin programs. It cited the ever-growing long-term care facilities with the exploding population of elderly (baby boomers) as a HUGE need for care providers. If that's not up your alley, I would seek teaching opportunities to bring on more nurses. This may require a bit more schooling? I am not sure how one becomes a nurse teacher if they have no on the job experience yet, but from the way the report sounded, those are the areas with high need. How to make it fit to our current situations, that's our challenge. Best of fortune to you as your new path unfolds! Cheers! Shelly

NEWGRADNURSE75 · Mar 19, 2009

I live close to Princeton, NJ

NEWGRADNURSE75 · Mar 19, 2009

Thanks for the advice Shelly. I have been thinking about teaching, but I have no idea what it would take to get into school. I will be looking into this!

makingmywayrn · Mar 19, 2009

Wow I'm a new grad too. I have never heard of anyone not being able to find a nursing job.

NEWGRADNURSE75 · Mar 19, 2009

makingmywayrn,

Where are you from? New grads positions are scarce in NJ.

Mollypita · Mar 19, 2009

Absolutely try LTC. There is no shame in it!! Even if it's not your niche, you will probably find many of the vulnerable elderly stealing your heart. I think LTC is a meaningful job and would consider going back to it sometime, I think the main problem is (like in hospitals often) clueless administration. But if you're lucky enough to find a good facility, you may even like it!

waitingforthedream · Mar 19, 2009

Are you near Barnabas Hospital in Jersey, their up North. I know they had posted recentely an externship for students who are graduating soon. A great opportunity for not only a future job, but experience. Check out their website. Not sure if that is close to you. Good luck

Lovely_RN, MSN · Mar 19, 2009

I've been an LPN in LTC for more than a year now so I guess it will be more of the same if I can't find anything else.

sunray12 · Mar 19, 2009

Just a general question: If you can't get a hospital job then where do you envision your future?
About me:
I am May RN BSN 2008 graduate from NJ
I waited to apply for jobs till this year, since I had a baby in October 2008
I can't seem to get a new RN graduate job. (Some hospitals in NJ won't even consider hiring you if your out of school more than 6 months and where does this leave me?)
If I am even lucky to get a job at one of these places after this economy eases up will I be able to work at a hospital?
Do you think recruiters will understand that nurses have to work other places in this dreadful economy?
Should I apply to surgery centers, long-term care or clinics?
Thanks to all for your advice in advance!

I think nurses are supposed to work other places. Health care is evolving and nursing is not just about working in a hospital anymore.

NEWGRADNURSE75 · Mar 20, 2009

Waiting for the dream,

Yes, thanks for that suggestion. I applied back in January and didn't get a response and I just reapplied this week. I am hoping to hear back, but who knows?