Where are newer nurses still having difficulty finding a job?

bec16, BSN, RN · May 23, 2018

i don't know about Denver, but after reading online, I expected to have a difficult time finding a job as a new nurse. However, I was pleasantly surprised that wasn't the case. I got my job on my unit choice immediately post graduation. I live in coastal Georgia

Orion81RN · May 23, 2018

Chicagoland. I can't even begin to count how many nursing programs there are around here, spitting out nurses every semester. There is always an exception, but without a BSN AND a few years of experience AND an "in," it's pretty difficult to get a hospital job. It's even becoming challenging to get an LTC position at a place that is not a complete disaster.

I royally screwed myself over when 2 months before graduation, I walked off duty at the start of shift in a huff. I was a patient care tech there for 3 years, and I'm sure I would have obtained employment as an RN there. I don't know of any PCT and fellow classmates that didn't.

(I've worked hard on hormonal and subsequent behavioral issues I have.) Definitely kicking myself now.

SmilingBluEyes · May 24, 2018

Go to an area where the need is greater, and perhaps, the cost of living is cheaper if you can.

Or stay and keep trying. Apply for all and anything. It will happen some day.

Hang in there; you're not alone

SmilingBluEyes · May 24, 2018

Many/most major cities are competitive because of the numerous nursing programs putting new grads out there.

Rural communities have great need; so do Native American reservations. In some cases, if you sign on, you get school loan forgiveness, assistance/paid housing and much more. You work, get experience and then can move back where competition is high, but your chances of getting a job greater, because experience counts. That has always been true in nursing. If you can get experience, the doors will open.

Good luck.

Sour Lemon · May 24, 2018

From what I hear and read on these boards, Southern California is still pretty saturated and tough for new grads. After a minimal amount of experience, it's smooth sailing though.

labordude, BSN, RN · May 25, 2018

In the major Texas cities, we are saturated with new grads. If people venture a little further out to suburbs and smaller facilities, they can gain the experience that will get them into the "big city" hospitals if that is what they want. I'm happy that I can choose from 75 people for 2 spots, I get to pick the best people and not the leftovers. Definitely an employers market in many areas right now and as long as new grads do some research and understand where the needs are, they can hired much easier.

Babyboomer123 · May 25, 2018

I'm 55 and just finished my BSN. I have had a couple of job offers but where I'd like to go, none. I have a feeling it's my age. Do you think that employers want to get as much time/duration out of a nurse as they can? Or, is it bad to be the "hospital" with older nurses? Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts or input.

Eberry13 · May 28, 2018

to my understanding, new grad nurses in Denver are finding jobs, but many have to go outside of the metro. Also, the pay for new grad nurses in Denver is lower due to saturation!

Brwnidbeauty, BSN · May 28, 2018

I actually thinks its easier for new Nurses to get hired VS Experienced nurses due to Nursing Schools having congrats with the Hospitals. Plus, experience nurses usually want to be pain more.

Serhilda, ADN, RN · Jun 16, 2018

As a previous poster mentioned, bigger cities in Texas may be somewhat difficult, especially for ADN nurses. Not impossible though. My nursing program was about 30 minutes outside of Houston and over half of my ADN class had jobs lined up before graduating, albeit at hospitals outside of Houston.