What Nursing shortage? New grad....

Sensoria17 · Mar 1, 2009

Where are you located?

Jules A, MSN · Mar 1, 2009

Where are you located?

It does largely depend on where you live. The places that will hire you not offering the hours you need isn't exactly the lack of jobs for new grads though.

nurseontheway · Mar 1, 2009

I am in Cincinnati, Ohio. I have two small children and don't have childcare for nights/2nd shift. The one agency only offers nights and weekends (or overnight.) The other agency only called once with a shift of 10pm-6am. If I didn't have kids I would be thrilled to work on any day at any time. It does really put a damper on things but they are the reason that I went to school for in the 1st place! Something will work out eventually God willing.

nurseontheway · Mar 1, 2009

Also, the Nursing homes that do have 7am-7pm available don't hire new grads. That is what is the most frustrating. We have some hospitals that hire LPNs but I have applied with no response. It is much easier getting in as a RN.

Jules A, MSN · Mar 1, 2009

It is much easier getting in as a RN.

Absolutely but don't give up there is a LPN position out there for you. I'm still at mine now with my RN.

Tarz · Mar 2, 2009

As with so many things in life it's location, location, location. My wife and I relocated to another state because in the area where she graduated as a LPN there were almost as many schools in a 30 mile radius as are in all of this state.(Oregon)

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 2, 2009

When the media refers to a "nursing shortage," they are always referring to a shortage of RNs. LPNs/LVNs normally do not fit into their equation. In addition, there's a shortage of nurses who want to work "off-shifts" such as evenings and nights. There's absolutely NO shortage of day shift nurses.

The original poster has seemingly been able to find jobs, but is turning them down because they are not preferred shifts. Many new grads fail to realize that day shift is coveted and desired by many, and that most of us had to start our careers working the "off-shifts" of evenings and nights before getting hired into a daytime job.

While most of my newish coworkers did not particularly like working the dreaded evening 2-10pm or 3-11pm shifts due to being away from their spouses and children, they made it work until a day position became available. In many cases, you must attain experience in less desirable circumstances.

kat7ap · Mar 2, 2009

I agree with Commuter. The reality is even as a new RN you might have difficulty finding a day shift position particularly it is a desirable position. I wish you the best and just keep on looking. I would be very careful working agency if you are a new grad with no experience. I worked agency for a short period and it was very tough. I could not imagine being prepared to do it as a new grad. Where I live the reputable agencies require at least 1 year experience for good reason.

springding · Mar 3, 2009

I am having the same problem and am looking for a good school to go back for my RN at anyone have any good ideas?

countrylifeRN · Mar 3, 2009

There is a huge nursing shortage and once you're working as an RN you'll not only feel it but see it. The restrictions in your schedule certainly play a part in finding work. Hospitals that never used LPN/LVN's are now posting positions for them. We have LPN's on a cardiac surgical unit which never happened just two years ago. It's not just long term care for LPN's anymore.

waitingforthedream · Mar 3, 2009

It is not just LPN's having a hard time finding a new grad position. I graduated in December as an RN, passed NCLEX, can take any shift offered to me and have yet, after 100's of applications to get a call back. I wish you luck in your pursuit and good luck in school. :scrying: