The economy bit me

[EMSnut45, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

So, here I am, 59 days till graduation, somehow managed to snag a job in my first choice hospital and unit (most hospitals in my area aren't even taking new grads), and life is great... until yesterday.

I've been an ER Tech for the past three years at a community hospital. I have bent over backwards to accomodate the hospital's needs (last time I'll do that-- they don't reciprocate). Slowly over the past several scheduling periods, I have been lacking hours until this most recent one, I really don't have any hours. Then us techs get called to a staff meeting with HR, our director, and manager. They have eliminated 3 full-time tech positions, so they are asking for volunteers to relocate to the floors, and still need others to voluntarily cut their FTE's. This means that the full and part-timers aren't getting their hours and need to pick up the extra shifts that I usually do. I looked at my director and asked her if this meant that I was out of a job... her response was "well, think of it this way, you have 59 days until you graduate." I just felt warm and tingly after she said that one!

So, now I'm scrambling to find another job... for 3 months until I start my new grad position. I mean, really, who is gonna hire someone knowing that they're gonna leave in 3 months!?!

I can't devote any time to orientation since I'm a full-time student, so that pretty much eliminates going to another hospital. I do have my EMT to fall back on, but that isn't as much $$ as I'm used to (like a $5/hr difference, but hey, it's still more than $0).

Has anyone else had a similar situation? Any advice?

[caliotter3]

Your director is such a gem!

[EMSnut45, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Your director is such a gem!

And she wonders why I was looking elsewhere for a new grad position...

[oramar]

How about an agency? Someday they are going to regret treating you so poorly. Nothing like trying to get on the good side of a perspective nurse.

[lpnflorida]

I only have empathy for your situation, nothing of much help beyond that. I get so upset for our economy it is affecting so many people I know. My thoughts are with you.

[OnMyWay2MSN]

You don't get unemployment? I dont know about where you live, but here in CA pays $450 a week if you get the max, not too shabby

[wonderbee, BSN, RN]

It doesn't sound like they've actually laid the OP off. No hours for a particular schedule doesn't equate to unemployment technically speaking but tell that to your empty wallet and bill collectors. I work casual. As long as I a offered one shift a month, I can't collect unemployment.

This economy is hard on new grads. It's tough on working nurses too. No techs means brutal working conditions for nurses who are already over worked. This is happening all over.

[StNeotser, ASN, RN]

Perhaps applying for the EMT positions might work or you could always apply for an additional student loan to tide you over for two months or so.

Sorry this happened at such a bad time - although I don't think there is ever a good time to lose a job.

[swimincatz]

Not sure where you are located... completely unrelated to the health care field but throughout school I worked catering jobs and did banquets for a country club (those rich folks still keep spending through this economy). It's long hours but usually nights and weekends (while your not in class) and the pay was pretty good for the job. Good luck!