What nursing shortage? (rant)

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Mar 13, 2004

I really believe that the shortage is pretty much phony. I know (for a fact) that some hospitals make a big show of recruiting just so that they are able to import a bunch of foreign nurses, on the pretext that they attempted to hire locally, but there were just no nurses to be found.

sjoe · Mar 14, 2004

I really believe that the shortage is pretty much phony. I know (for a fact) that some hospitals make a big show of recruiting just so that they are able to import a bunch of foreign nurses, on the pretext that they attempted to hire locally, but there were just no nurses to be found.

Right. Plus it gives admin an excuse to force nurses to work "short" ("we can't find good nurses to fill the open position"), thereby saving big bucks on labor costs and making the administrators look good--all on the backs of overworked nurses, of course.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Mar 14, 2004

Right. Plus it gives admin an excuse to force nurses to work "short" ("we can't find good nurses to fill the open position"), thereby saving big bucks on labor costs and making the administrators look good--all on the backs of overworked nurses, of course.

Of course.

Sheri257 · Mar 14, 2004

Speaking of logic ... You guys seem to be igoring the fact that this woman failed the NCLEX. Couldn't that raise doubts in an employer's mind? It might have nothing to do with the "shortage" versus "non-shortage" issue at all.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Mar 14, 2004

Yes, but she doesn't need to pass the NCLEX to get a job as a CNA. That's all she's trying for.

Sheri257 · Mar 14, 2004

Yes, but she doesn't need to pass the NCLEX to get a job as a CNA. That's all she's trying for.

If I'm reading the OP correctly, it also sounded like she's telling them, "I failed the NCLEX, hire me as a tech until I pass, then hire me as an RN." If that's the case, I could see why that might be a problem. Maybe they don't want to invest in training someone for the RN track, if they've already failed the NCLEX.

PMHNP10 · Mar 14, 2004

Maybe they don't want to invest in training someone for the RN track, if they've already failed the NCLEX.

I understand what you are saying about failing the NCLEX, but as an employer you can't downplay the significance of graduating as an ADN. She is looking for an auxillary staff position, not a job as an RN. They say they have needs for such staff, but certainly aren't in any hurry to hire. In my world, logic dictates to conduct an interview, then decide whether or not to pursue the candidate.

If I'm a NM, this is what I see...a candidate comes in with an ADN, and is planning to retest and become a RN. I first ask what happened the first time. I think any rational being can understand that making a huge move (away from home, a tight knit family, and friends) and trying to take the NCLEX might be a bit overwhelming for most people. Also, while they did fail 1 test on 1 day, they can't overlook that the candidate was successful over the 2+ yr period of school. Also, this person has 3 yrs experience (worked as a tech on an adolescent psych unit). Furthermore, anyone will tell you that when it comes to hospitals, $$$$$ is the bottom line--get someone into the system, teach them the basics at a low salary, then when they take the boards, go from there. If they pass, you have an RN you don't have to start from scratch with; if not, then you have an employee filling a need. It's a win win situation.

I have a feeling what hellllo nurse and sjoe are saying might be accurate.

BTW...when she filled out the apps 4 or so weeks ago, she didn't know she hadn't passed the NCLEX, so from day one she has been looking for an auxillary position because NURSYS wouldn't be updating their database of new grad RNs until 3/12. So that is what she presented when she went to fill out the apps. She has heard back from noone; not even a "So did you pass?"

suzanne4, RN · Mar 14, 2004

If she didn't hear back from anyone in the beginning, there may be a problem with something that she put on the application. Remember that nurses can no longer come over from foreign countries to take positions, like they used to. The only way that they can be brought over is with a green card that gives them permanent residency. They also must be fluent in English, listening and speaking skills included. Knowing that you are in California and with the shortage there, I will bet on something being in her application that there is a problem with.

And from the other side, if she had just completed her program as an RN, they may be unwilling to train her as "auxillary" staff, knowing that she could be gone at any time. Some hospitals do not like to hire people that were working as CNAs or techs at their facility. Unfortunately, that is the way that it is.

Hope that she finds something soon.................. :balloons:

Trauma Columnist · Mar 14, 2004

It sounds like your girlfriend has a lot on her plate. What about concentrating on reviewing for the NCLEX and taking any job that would give her a little money? Good luck...

Sheri257 · Mar 14, 2004

If she didn't hear back from anyone in the beginning, there may be a problem with something that she put on the application. Remember that nurses can no longer come over from foreign countries to take positions, like they used to. The only way that they can be brought over is with a green card that gives them permanent residency. They also must be fluent in English, listening and speaking skills included. Knowing that you are in California and with the shortage there, I will bet on something being in her application that there is a problem with.
And from the other side, if she had just completed her program as an RN, they may be unwilling to train her as "auxillary" staff, knowing that she could be gone at any time. Some hospitals do not like to hire people that were working as CNAs or techs at their facility. Unfortunately, that is the way that it is.
Hope that she finds something soon.................. :balloons:

I was wondering about that too. There's been some threads recently about people losing jobs because of credit checks and bad credit. And most employers won't tell you if that's the problem. I'm not saying that's happening here, but there could be any number of reasons, including the other factors you mentioned.

PMHNP10 · Mar 14, 2004

If she didn't hear back from anyone in the beginning, there may be a problem with something that she put on the application. Remember that nurses can no longer come over from foreign countries to take positions, like they used to. The only way that they can be brought over is with a green card that gives them permanent residency. They also must be fluent in English, listening and speaking skills included. Knowing that you are in California and with the shortage there, I will bet on something being in her application that there is a problem with.
And from the other side, if she had just completed her program as an RN, they may be unwilling to train her as "auxillary" staff, knowing that she could be gone at any time. Some hospitals do not like to hire people that were working as CNAs or techs at their facility.

LOL...We came from TX, and while TX is a nation in and of itself, I don't think a green card is the issue. As for not wanting to hire in fear of someone leaving...that may be, but it's equally as likely if she comes on staff as an RN. Difference being that it costs far less to train a auxillary staffperson than a RN. And as I've mentioned...money is always the bottom line when it comes to businesses. As for the last statement, I left in your quote...that is truly unfortunate and definitely different from TX hospitals. They love students, and see the financial benefit of promoting someone through the ranks. That's just common business sense--to promote from within.

It sounds like your girlfriend has a lot on her plate. What about concentrating on reviewing for the NCLEX and taking any job that would give her a little money? Good luck...

Indeed, that is where she is at right now, but it's a shame she can't be in a hospital...it would only benefit her when she makes her transition into the role of an RN.

I was wondering about that too. There's been some threads recently about people losing jobs because of credit checks and bad credit. And most employers won't tell you if that's the problem. I'm not saying that's happening here, but there could be any number of reasons, including the other factors you mentioned.

Credit is good--we got a credit check when we applied for our apt, and she came up fine other than not having a source of income. She has no student loans because she worked her way through school; only a car loan which she can't pay without a job.