Where are all the jobs??

Published

When I first decided to go into nursing school, everyone told me how fantastic that is because there is a "HUGE SHORTAGE!" Due to my financial situation, I decided to become an LPN first, then work while I am in school for RN. I graduated and was a license practical nurse shortly after in 2009. I was so excited to get on the computer and have hospitals and nursing homes fighting over me as i applied to them! I dreamed of having all these opportunities to pick and choose from......so you could imagine my surprise when, application after application I was getting no response. Luckily, after several months of searching I was able to secure a position in a private office. Where it was nice to have a job, I felt that the skills that I learned and all my training were being wasted. So I decided to to bit the bullet and take on the financial burden of continuing my education to become a RN. Unfortunately, with this decision also came the reality that I would not be able to work at a private office. So at 29 years old, I packed up all my belongings and moved back in with my mother and father to minimize all expenses that i would have to incur during this 3 year program. Since I have started the program one year ago, I spend at least one hour every day, sending my resume places or filling out online applications....however I always get the same response, "We are really looking for someone with at least one year hospital/nursing home experience." To which I then reply, "Well how am i supposed to get that one year experience, if no one is willing to take a shot on a self motivated, quick learning, team player such as myself?" To which they let out an uneasy laugh and wish me luck on my search. I dont want to sound like I am complaining, because I know what the job market is like and it is hard out there for everyone!! I am just very frustrated! I was vice president of my class and graduated top of my class and yet I find myself in this perpetual cycle of rejection! If there is anyone out there that knows of any jobs in the rockland county NY area or Northern NJ area (yes I am licensed in both states) OR if there are certain websites that I am over looking that are helpful in finding jobs in the medical field I would GREATLY appreciate it:) I am even willing to work as a CNA in order to obtain the "minimum of 1 year experience" I keep hearing about.

Thank you!!!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

There are some jobs available, but it might take time and patience to find one. Just look online at hospital websites and apply for a lot of positions. Make sure you have a good resume and cover letter. Don't be afraid to look at skilled facilities, long term care, doctor's offices.

The 1 year of experience applies to RN experience only, not CNA experience, sorry.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Try indeed.com and post your resume on Monster.com. There are recruiters who can help you find a job and it doesn't cost anything. Just your time. Good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Stroke.

If you are currently in RN school or are soon to graduate, you could try applying for an internship program. I know they are competitive but with your good grades and an enthusiastic attitude, you may land one. Just Google nursing internships in New York or nursing internships in New Jersey and see what the hospitals have to offer. One website that comes up is "2011 U.S. SUMMER EXTERNSHIP & OPPORTUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE", updated May 10, 2011 www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/nursing/externships.pdf A lot of us new graduates are facing the same predicament. Don't lose heart! Hang in there. :)]

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The extra money saved from cutting jobs went to the executives increasing the amounts of hookers and blow to use.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hopefully ICU one of these days..
The extra money saved from cutting jobs went to the executives increasing the amounts of hookers and blow to use.

HAHAHAHAHA, literally made me laugh out loud.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Be flexible in where you apply. Try long-term care, long-term acute care, etc. ---BUT--also be choosy about what you accept. Make sure you will have a reasonable amount of training and support when you hit the floor. Be careful about home health assignments this early. Some agencies might take a new-grad, but those that do (in my eyes) are rather shady.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care/Coronary Care Unit,.

I have to agree with one of the previous posters about looking for nursing internships. You'll get training and the job experience you need if you do one. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Try the small clinics like patient care. or first one. Try the VA. They love RN's

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Corrections & Developmental Disabilities.

There are several LPN and RN jobs in skilled nursing/sub acute care/rehabilitation/transitional care/long term care. These facilities are identified as SNF(skilled nursing facilities), ICF(intermediate care facilities), TCU(transitional care units), LTC/LTAC(long term and acute care) Nursing Care and Rehabilitation Centers. Contrary to rumor, these settings are great learning grounds, teach organization & time management, utilize "real" nursing skills, offer good salary, flexible schedule options and build a foundation for work in hospitals and other practice settings.

Search "Nursing Care Facilities in NY/NJ/other state/specific city..." and you will have a list and starting point.

Apply in person(online applications are often overlooked).

Many facilities don't advertise openings and will interview on the spot.

There are jobs in the NY area in MR/DD(mental retardation & developmental disabilities) services(search OMRDD & OPWDD in New York).

South of you, in the Philadelphia area, there is a shortage of nurses and many jobs for both LPNs and RNs.

I hope this helps and I wish you the best in your search: )

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, Travel Nursing, Pulmonary.
Be flexible in where you apply. Try long-term care, long-term acute care, etc. ---BUT--also be choosy about what you accept. Make sure you will have a reasonable amount of training and support when you hit the floor. Be careful about home health assignments this early. Some agencies might take a new-grad, but those that do (in my eyes) are rather shady.

I agree. When I talk to new nurses hired at my facility, all of them had to decide what was most important to them. No one these days is getting the ideal M-F daylight job that is a 15min. drive from home. They just don't exist.

One girl I talked to took nights at our facility over days at another because my hospital was much closer and offered a position on a tele unit. She decided doing tele and the shorter drive trumped getting days.

Another aid who just started working drives almost 45 min., but they gave him the exact schedule he wanted (No Sundays) and paid a tiny bit more.

I find, in my area, if you are willing to do nights, you are surely going to find work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment