So how hard is it for new grads to get a job?

JustEnuff2BDangerous, BSN, RN · Aug 25, 2009

The ease at which you will be able to get a job depends on very many variables, such as where you live, what hospital you are seeking, and what specialty you are seeking. Geographically things may be bleak for you depending on how hard The Economy has hit your city. Many hospitals have hiring freezes and/or are only hiring the new grads who have accepted money from the hospital as scholarship money (i.e., the hospital gave the new grad money to pay for nursing school, so the new grad owes the hospital a year or two of work; obviously the hospital is going to get their one or two years so they hire those people first). Also, depending on the hospital, certain specialties within the hospital may not accept new grads.. This is typically true with places that provide more acute specialized care such as ICUs and ERs, where they prefer you have at least one year's general (oftentimes med-surg) nursing experience before they will consider you.

The 12-hour shifts are not too bad when you consider that you only work three of them a week (usually) and get four days off. :) I work on a busy, 38-bed med-surg floor and my 12 hour shifts FLY by before I even have time to realize I'm tired. I work 7a-7p and many days I don't get to sit down and eat lunch until 3pm. When I get home I'm pretty tired, but while I'm at work I am used to running running running. During nursing school I worked full time and went to school full time, so I am more than used to 12, 14, 16, 18 hour days of work. I still work part time at my previously full time job just because I'm so used to working 5 or 6 days a week. There are, however, many nursing jobs that you can seek out that work less hours. :)

ereagle · Aug 25, 2009

Wow, quite honestly it's been depressing. I never imagined when i started the process of becoming an RN six years ago that it would be this hard to find work...any work.

The jobs available require at least a year experience.

I'm in the Sacramento, CA area- it might be more hopefull in other cities (not able to relocate with my young son).

I'm sure it will get better eventually and this will all be forgotten- right?

Neelum RN · Aug 25, 2009

Though we have a hiring freeze, in time of dire when we needed to replace a few nurses; 3 new grads were hired last month.

Though economy is not well, i guess nursing is still the best profession with great potential for growth.

JakeyWakey · Aug 25, 2009

I'm looking for a job right now, and I've found it is ALL about "networking". Who do you know, who have you reached out to, what kind of relationship do you have with local hospitals, and where did you do your preceptorship/senior practicum.

I'm in Sacramento, and many of my class mates have found new grad positions at UCD Medical Center.

michelle_d · Aug 26, 2009

AH NETWORKING. LOL that's ALL i heard about after coming from graphic design. (I have an associate's in it, but I'm having trouble finding a job) One of the reasons i'm thinking about nursing was job security or being able to actually find a job.

Neelum RN · Aug 27, 2009

With persistence and some God sent endurance, you will find the right job.

Sometimes you have to take a different route. One of our PCT who graduated this May is starting as a school nurse.

She wanted an entirely different field. I am so proud of her; she was sensible and took the job. When life gives you lemons; make lemonade.

Good Luck to all the new grads!:redbeathe