Unemployed Old Grads?

[gentlegiver, ASN, LPN, RN]

Over the last few months I have seen alot of threads by New Grads who have yet to be hired. The latest is one stating she graduated 2 years ago and still can't find work. So, my question is... Won't going so long without working prevent you from finding a position? Being so far past graduation and never using thier skills? I really am worried that we are losing some Nurses who could turn out to be great if given the chance.

[chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

I believe that the answer to your question is "yes". My feeling is that new grads who are jobless for an extended period are likely to remain in that state. This seems logical to me because because theses old-new grads are now competing both with others from their cohort and with a growing population of truly new nursing grads. I suspect that employers are likely to prefer these new-new grads, who are fresh from clinicals and the NCLEX for any open position rather than the old-new grad who's skills will tend to be perceived as diminished.

My prediction for the next hot item in nursing education is the RN Refresher Program . . .

[caliotter3]

Employers would likely use the fact that one has been unemployed for such a long period of time as a reason not to hire. After all, the saying goes something like, the best time to get a job is when you have a job.

[Flo., BSN, RN]

It will be extremely difficult for them to find a job. I have noticed that the job postings that are open to new grads now specify must have graduated within 6 months. It would seem that once you get past that 6 month mark it will just get exponentially harder to land the first job.

[hkrntobe]

So what is a new grad to do to prevent falling into this situation? I have tried applying EVERYWHERE. even paid for ACLS on my own to help give me an edge over others but that seems to have been a failed investment. I am looking for advise on how I can get my foot in the door and prevent becoming another unemployed 6 mo + new grad casuallty

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I believe that the answer to your question is "yes". My feeling is that new grads who are jobless for an extended period are likely to remain in that state. This seems logical to me because because theses old-new grads are now competing both with others from their cohort and with a growing population of truly new nursing grads. I suspect that employers are likely to prefer these new-new grads, who are fresh from clinicals and the NCLEX for any open position rather than the old-new grad who's skills will tend to be perceived as diminished.

My prediction for the next hot item in nursing education is the RN Refresher Program . . .

Necessity is the Mother of invention!!!!!!:lol2: Any one want to start a web based refresher????

[elprup, BSN, RN]

This was me. My first job experience lasted 4 months and I was let go for not getting the big picture. So I moved again and applied to a new grad program. I got to second interview and then disqualified because "I had experience". So basically I was not able to apply at RN jobs because I did not have enough experience, And I was not considered a new grad because I had experience. Oh and I couldn't start a MSN because I needed a year of experience!!! Stupid all the way around.

[beatrice1]

So please tell us, what are us "old Grads" suppose to do.

I feel like I am going to become one of these "old Grads" I graduated in December, I have my resume on every hospital website. and I have not gotten one call. I really really want to work before I start forgeting all my skills. I am a private home care CNA, but that doesn't seem to count as experience.

Can all you older employed RN's out there give me some advice. what is the next step I should take. Go straight to the human resource offices? call? I am willing to take any job.

any ideas? advice? HELP

Bea

[Zaphod, BSN, RN]

@Beatrice. I would look for a home care position where you could function as an RN. Get in to wound care-take as many classes and eventually many doors will open to you.

[DarkBluePhoenix]

Employers would likely use the fact that one has been unemployed for such a long period of time as a reason not to hire. After all, the saying goes something like, the best time to get a job is when you have a job.

I totally agree with you caliotter!

I am not in nursing (yet) but I was out of work for many months! I couldn't find anything. I got a few interviews which led to, of course, nothing.

BUT when I had a job, I was able to get temporary second jobs so easily! Like I worked as a clerk and during the semesters I would tutor and during breaks I would do a few hours working at Starbucks! (yum coffee!)

SO SO SO much easier to get a job if you already have one!

I believe statistics say, after 6 months of nothing, employers tend to "blacklist" you.

They figure you haven't been hired yet because no one wants you.

It is very sad but true.

btw: I got my current job (waitressing) from my fiancee. He is a supervisor at a hotel with a restaurant. The director needed on call servers and that is how I got hired...

I think networking is also a big advantage when it comes to a job.

[elprup, BSN, RN]

I started volunteering at places that would give me exposure to jobs I wanted. Seek out non profits in your area. Then drop off/email your resume and cover letter. 2 months of volunteering landed me a job (a low paying job, but good experience). And take any classes you can.

[amzyRN]

Take a refresher course, get into an unpaid residency program. I'm an "old" new grad, had to take 1.5 years off after graduation to help family. Took boards 2 years after graduating and now in residency program, hoping that will help me, since my experience will be current.