What shortage?

HM2VikingRN, RN · Jun 23, 2008

All I can suggest is to keep looking. I was running into similar roadblocks. Some of it was my age, some of it was not being willing to tolerate BS from recruiters. I also wanted ER but I have been unable to find a new grad program. I found a position with the MPLS VA in their BSN new grad program.

Have you considered a job with the VA? It is a huge system and you may have more choices to pick from.

Have you tried using your clinical instructors as references at their hospitals?

Have you contacted nursing managers from units where you did your clinicals?

HTH

RhodyGirl, RN · Jun 23, 2008

That's very discouraging. I really wish you luck in finding something.

Do you think it's the economy situation right now that is causing the lack of positions? Or is the number of new grads increasing = competition for jobs??

I already told my fiance that we may need to move after I graduate because new grads are having a tough time finding work :cry:

Please let us know what happens.

NurseJill · Jun 23, 2008

I graduated Dec '07 and I had a heck of a time as well. I started my job seach a month before graduation turned in applications every where, and only heard back from 2 hospital after multiple calls to all. I had one interview (did tons of research on the hospital and their commitment to excellence) and got the job!

Good luck to you, you're opportunity will come!

mianders, RN · Jun 23, 2008

There is a shortage of experienced nurse. Hospitals can only put so many new grads on a shift, or it can be very dangerous. I worked as a charge nurse in the ER for many years and the ENA has certain standards about working the trauma rooms and triage. There is a required # years of practice. When you are hired as a new grad there is an extensive orientation process you ahve to go through. In the last ER I worked in it was at least 3 months. I know in my part of the country there are many intern programs for new grad nurses. Part of the problem may be the part of the country you live in.

ProLogic · Jun 23, 2008

Doesn't make any sense to me.. You don't think there is a shortage because you can't find a job..?

mom and nurse · Jun 23, 2008

Actually - it appears to be related to the area you live in and the field you want to go into first.

I remember it may be hard to start of in the ER but it may be easier to get a job on the med/surg floor.

Perhaps try another specialty to start or just keep looking.... :specs:

LogCabinMom · Jun 23, 2008

Yes, I do agree that the nursing shortage is one of experienced nurses. And, I very much understand that hospitals cannot have a large number of new grads on the floors... but then why the push on getting people to go to nursing school if the jobs aren't going to be out there when we graduate? What are we here for? LTC? That's not why I went to nursing school.

I do think part of the problem I am having has got to be d/t the economy. When I am told by hospitals that they are really cutting back their new grad programs, that's got to be the economy talking.

I AM trying to get a job on the med/surg floor first, but am quite honest in telling hiring managers that my dream is to work in the ER. Is this a problem? Should I just lie and say, oh no, med/surg is where I want to be forever?

momofr&b · Jun 23, 2008

I agree that it is very frustrating looking for your first job. To be honest, I took a med surg job after swearing that I would never do med surg because that was what was available! And I did tell them that I had no other aspirations other than med surg- I wouldn't have gotten the job if I didn't! :banghead: Hang in there, and someone will hire you. After you have a year's experience, you will be so much more marketable. Trust me, I got a job on a trauma floor after a year in med surg! Good Luck!

MassED, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2008

Hi all -
I'm a new grad from this past May, and I am getting mighty discouraged. I've been on 4 interviews with area hospitals for new grad med/surg jobs, and been rejected from all of them. Hospitals tell me the competition for a new grad position is fierce, that in years past they would hire 40-50 but this year are only hiring 4-5. I'm so tired of hearing "Nursing shortage"!! The only grads who are getting these types of jobs from my class are those that "know someone" in a hospital. My goal is to become an ER nurse, possibly even flight nurse, so I do not want to go into LTC.
My questions are: is there anything I can do to make myself more marketable? I've been a nursing assistant for a year, thinking that might help me, but it was at a rehab facility.
What am I doing wrong?

what part of the country are you in? Where have you looked, meaning on what unit? I would suggest go to where they will hire you - tele, m/s, ortho... get the experience under your belt and then put in for a transfer to the ER. By then, you'll likely know someone. Make sure you sign up for ACLS and PALS before you knock on the ER director's door - that way you'll look like a serious go-getter.

LogCabinMom · Jun 23, 2008

thanks - it's just GETTING that first job that's going to kill me -

MassED, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2008

Yes, I do agree that the nursing shortage is one of experienced nurses. And, I very much understand that hospitals cannot have a large number of new grads on the floors... but then why the push on getting people to go to nursing school if the jobs aren't going to be out there when we graduate? What are we here for? LTC? That's not why I went to nursing school.
I do think part of the problem I am having has got to be d/t the economy. When I am told by hospitals that they are really cutting back their new grad programs, that's got to be the economy talking.
I AM trying to get a job on the med/surg floor first, but am quite honest in telling hiring managers that my dream is to work in the ER. Is this a problem? Should I just lie and say, oh no, med/surg is where I want to be forever?

don't tell them you want the ER later down the road - that's too much information, and quite honestly I would be turned off by that. These managers aren't telling you "well, really, I want to be director of nursing." I wouldn't provide too much personal information, especially because they're in the position to judge you and hire or not hire you!!!