Where are all the nurses?

Specialties Geriatric

Published

Can someone please tell me where all the nurses who are looking for jobs are?

I have at least 4 full time and 2 part time openings and I haven't had one good candidate apply. I've had people who lie on their application, people who will only work first shift and are amazed that they'll have to work on every other weekend...where are all the nurses? We pay better than the other facilities around and just had a perfect survey.

What's up out there?

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Nola...I designed the orientation myself. I think it's part of my job to assure my new nurses, especially the new grads, have a positive experience. We don't give 3 days and send them off on their own. Most of the new grads have orientations that last at least 6 weeks. They learn the med pass first, then we add on the treatments...they are never alone while they are learning. They then spend time with the desk nurse so they learn the procedures for writing orders, ordering labs...and that is never done on the busy sub-acute unit even if they are eventually going to work there. It's too frantic an environment for someone new to long term care to try to absorb everything.

They then get an orientation on the shift they'll be working. Either the SDC, the ADON, or I check in with them almost daily to make sure they are getting what they need. So yes, I'm SURE the orientation is good.

I've called around to other facilities...our pay is more than most are offering. Our benefit package is better, and we are better staffed.

THIS is how the LTC is ran at my employer...the GOOD ones are always like THIS.

I hooe you find nurses who are the right fit and/or are willing to take advantage of beung in a VERY conductive environment!

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My work is severely lacking nurses too. But it's not the best facility lol!

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

Capecodmermaid- I tried to sent you a PM, don't know if you got it. I'm in CT and I'd be happy to post info about your facility on the Facebook page for my local alumni site. Might help, especially with the May grads coming out soon. Good luck, sounds like you've got an excellent facility there, those will be some lucky nurses.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

Blame the competition. There's a reason so many nurses refuse to work in SNFs.

I'm sure the OP's SNF is exceptionally well-run, but many, many others aren't. In the last few years, many nurses have ended up working in awful SNFs. Once you've been burned enough times, you don't go back, even if it means working retail.

Personally, I will sell my body on the street before I work in another SNF.

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

CT would be a long commute. I'd really like to maintain my anonymity on here which is why I can't post the name or location of my facility. There are 3 nursing schools near by...they are all graduating in late May or early June and the local hospitals aren't hiring new grads..one is laying people off, so I remain optimistic.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I so wish I wasn't in TX. I have never had an orientation that long. People are lucky to have you as a DON. :)

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Specializes in retired LTC.

CCM - I'm getting envious again.

I bet you have a good staff longevity record too.

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Nola...I designed the orientation myself. I think it's part of my job to assure my new nurses, especially the new grads, have a positive experience. We don't give 3 days and send them off on their own. Most of the new grads have orientations that last at least 6 weeks. They learn the med pass first, then we add on the treatments...they are never alone while they are learning. They then spend time with the desk nurse so they learn the procedures for writing orders, ordering labs...and that is never done on the busy sub-acute unit even if they are eventually going to work there. It's too frantic an environment for someone new to long term care to try to absorb everything.

They then get an orientation on the shift they'll be working. Either the SDC, the ADON, or I check in with them almost daily to make sure they are getting what they need. So yes, I'm SURE the orientation is good.

I've called around to other facilities...our pay is more than most are offering. Our benefit package is better, and we are better staffed.

Well, then you can sign me up!!!:inlove:

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I only wish I lived closer to The MA border! I have a friend who lives in northern CT who was just hired in Massachusetts. A friend interviewed for and accepted a position in LTC in town, and was given a 3 day orientation. Perhaps I'm naive, but how can that possibly be safe for a brand new grad? I don't feel comfortable with it, which has made me somewhat concerned about applying to LTC.

I only got 3 days of really crappy, crazy "orientation". Im still ****** about it!

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Are you in a compact state? If so, I'd love to come work for you!

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

I'm in Massachusetts.....too stubborn I think in this state to be a compact state, although I hear it's being worked on.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Bummer! I have sent multiple LTC facilities applications and not so much as a call back. I'm a new RN, but no scary background or anything like that.. just a previous life in customer service! I'm thinking I am going to pound the pavement to all the facilities in a 10 mile radius! Maybe one will bite!

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