What if I don't go to work?

Published

I just graduated in a state where there are no jobs for new grads (relocating is not an option). What will happen to me if I don't get a job in the next year or two? Will I have to take a refresher course, etc? Thanks!

October - I feel your pain! I was just talking to a classmate today, saying that I don't think we're going to find work this year. It's amazing, I had absolutely no idea it would be like this. I graduated first in my class, too, kind of pointless now. I've thought of a NH license, but I'm not sure that will help. Wow, 340 applicants for 1 spot, scary.

Richard - I haven't seriously considered relocating. The places I would be interested in relocating to are even more expensive than MA. I know many relocate throughout their lives, but it's not something my family is used to! I'd rather live where I want to be and suffer with a less-than-perfect job. Hopefully in this case it won't be 'no' job. ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Quality Management.
My fiance's work is here and he has 16 years in with no college degree. He wouldn't be able to get equivalent pay/benefits somewhere else. His position is not easily transferrable to another market either and we couldn't pay our bills on just my salary so that's what is mainly holding me back from relocating.

Please forgive me for offering a possibly "poor" choice...

Would you consider postponing your nuptuals? Couldn't you work out of your area for a year or two and return an experienced M-S nurse, at which time you could get married?

Or could you get married and then do the same?

Think of the great weekends you'd have together, passion compressed by limited time together! Why, it gives me the vapors just thinking about it...

seriously, you're going to have to start thinking outside your comfort zone if you want to achieve a positive outcome.

best of luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Psychiatry, Home Health VNA.

Hi. We've thought of this option already but I could not live off my income and pay rent, credit cards, car, insurance, student loan debt, plus day-to-day expenses on my own just starting out. It's unfortunate but it's the reality.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Quality Management.
Hi. We've thought of this option already but I could not live off my income and pay rent, credit cards, car, insurance, student loan debt, plus day-to-day expenses on my own just starting out. It's unfortunate but it's the reality.

Ah, I see your problem. I'm in a similar fix here in the Bay Area. I've charged up my cards, bought a nice car, all at Bay Area prices. Now I can't afford to move to Wisconsin or Michigan because I can't pay Bay Area bills on mid-West wages. :banghead: The only way out I can foresee is a contract with a facility that would pay off my student loans.

Since you're getting financial aid, perhaps you might consider going straight into a Master's program? I don't know how that works, but one of my instructors worked as an RN counsellor in a public health program instead of Med-Surg while she got her Masters and her PhD in nursing. :nurse: She only has a couple of years of actual nursing experience but she's a new instructor at my school. (I might not have gotten that whole chronology right...my memory is full of Nursing History, just now.)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Practice, Primary Care.

I don't know what you guys are talking about. I've called several Boston hospitals and they are hiring new grads right now...a recruiter at Children's told me you can apply for any Staff Nurse I position and be hired as a new grad.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

jbeau - that's funny, I just heard from a Children's nurse the other day that they are on a hiring freeze. Have you been able to get some interviews?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Psychiatry, Home Health VNA.

JBeau, I find that very difficult to believe. I've NEVER been able to get a recruiter on the phone in the 7 1/2 months I've been calling. If you look on their website all their positions are staff nurse II or require previous experience, or are internal positions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Psychiatry, Home Health VNA.

You're right, Sea. They are on a hiring freeze.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Practice, Primary Care.

Thanks for calling me a liar, OB. However, they are NOT on a hiring freeze. I spoke to HR last week. On their website are postings for staff nurse I positions...I just checked this morning.

And it isn't my fault you haven't been able to speak to someone in recruiting. I called and said "Hi, my name is jbeau and I am in an Accelerated BSN program and interested in working at Children's when I graduate." The HR lady then put me through to the nurse recruiter and she gave me some tips on how to get a job there when I graduate next August and said they are always hiring. I am sorry your experience has been different, but yours IS NOT applicable to everyone's, and it is very offensive to call someone a liar when they, well, AREN'T.

Maybe your attitude that you have towards me is conveyed on the phone. Maybe they don't want ASN grads right now. I don't know. I have always been able to get through to the nurse recruiters at every hospital I've called. Sorry you can't.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Psychiatry, Home Health VNA.

JBeau, I'm a BSN grad. Who did you speak to in HR?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Psychiatry, Home Health VNA.

Hi Jbeau, I just spoke to Childrens and they are on a hiring freeze. They are only hiring internally at this point.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.
Thanks for calling me a liar, OB. However, they are NOT on a hiring freeze. I spoke to HR last week. On their website are postings for staff nurse I positions...I just checked this morning.

And it isn't my fault you haven't been able to speak to someone in recruiting. I called and said "Hi, my name is jbeau and I am in an accelerated BSN program and interested in working at Children's when I graduate." The HR lady then put me through to the nurse recruiter and she gave me some tips on how to get a job there when I graduate next August and said they are always hiring. I am sorry your experience has been different, but yours IS NOT applicable to everyone's, and it is very offensive to call someone a liar when they, well, AREN'T.

Maybe your attitude that you have towards me is conveyed on the phone. Maybe they don't want ASN grads right now. I don't know. I have always been able to get through to the nurse recruiters at every hospital I've called. Sorry you can't.

As and 'outsider' and reading the entire thread, I must respectfully say that you are the one that seems to have the attitude. Please re-read the posts as NO ONE has called you a liar.

Everyone is entitled to share their experiences (so are you) but the tone of your post speaks volumes.

Hope you have a great day and LOTS of luck finding a job next August when you graduate.

Nite,

:yawn:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion