Frustrating Job Market

2011RN · Apr 10, 2015

I graduated in 2011 and it took me 7 months to secure a nursing position.

katymom · Apr 10, 2015

2011RN, what a long time without a nursing position, thanks for sharing.

MissM.RN, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2015

OP, can you relocate? if so, send me a private message. i can give you a couple of leads. if not, best of luck to you. the job market for everyone has been horrible since the 2008 crash!

Stella_Blue · Apr 10, 2015

I had the same problem. I had my heart set on working ER, then it turned into maybe ICU, then it was just anything in the hospital market. I went on more that 2 dozen interviews at 5 different hospitals. I was beat down to say the least. They all told me the same thing, they hired someone with more experience. I had even been a LPN for 3 years, graduated with honors, and had worked at the same health care facility for over 6 years. So finally I was in the same situation as you, bills we stacking up and needed to be paid. I finally broke down and decices to go to LTC. Every single place I applied to offered me a job. I actually had my choice and negotiating power. Its not my first choice but it is a stepping stone. I have been working now for just under 2 months and have already learned so much. I plan on staying around a year or so and then trying hospitals again. I actually like my job for the most part. I am on the rehab unit 2nd shift. I have been told by many people I have the hardest job there, and some days I totally agree. I just look at it as that I am getting the experience I need to be more employable to the ER. Also the pay is much better than local hospitals, so that helps ease the sting a bit. Maybe open up your horizens and lower your expectations and you will find something. I really needed to check my ego, and I did. I am doing a line of work I said I would NEVER do. Its ok in the long run though I like it more than I thought I would.

katymom · Apr 10, 2015

MissM.RN, RN I can relocate but since I am a new member, I am not able to send private messages yet, you can email at [email protected] Thank you so much

katymom · Apr 10, 2015

Stella_Blue thank you, what a great point. Some nursing homes in my area unfortunately do not hire new grads.

lovinglife2015 · Apr 11, 2015

If you're not working, you don't have to pay back loans yet. You can easily get a forbearance until you're employed. Been there done that, all online.

katymom · Apr 16, 2015

Thank you lovinglife2015

katymom · Apr 16, 2015

Does anyone have any information about Providence Hospital such as the facility, environment, pay or other things?

Mindylane · Jun 9, 2015

To where are you applying? Was it a BSN or ADN program? I am pretty sure 100% of my class had jobs within 6 months of graduating, and several people had job offers before graduating. There's an abundance of new grad orientation programs in this area. I suggest extending your search to NoVA/MD.

sunrays1981 · Jun 10, 2015

I feel your pain. I was on here only a few short months ago saying the same thing. I luckily was offered a position in April after 6 months of searching, dozens of online apps, handful of interviews, 2nd interviews, shadows. Apply to everything that interests you no matter the experience level. There were a few people in my orientation hired onto units in positions that required experience and they were new grads. Apply at all hospitals. I really wanted to work somewhere I could take public transport or walk or bike. That didn't happen. I had to get a car with this job BUT I have a job that puts me on the road to gaining experience. There are new nurses at my hospital that commute 30-45+ minutes. It sucks Im sure but is better than being unemployed. I would rather commute than fill out applications all day Keep your head up. You will get a job, you don't suck as a person or a nurse, just stay patient and positive. Be willing to work "almost" anywhere on any unit on any shift. I took night shift, not my favorite, but its a job and experience under my belt. Remember, nothing is forever. You don't have to stay somewhere forever, once you gain some experience it opens the door to SO MANY opportunities! :)