Why is it so hard to get a nursing job?

TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP · Jun 28, 2011

I don't know about the rest of the state, but in the Chicago market Cicero had it wrong, since silence="no".

Are you looking for/finding RN positions for which you have experience, or are you hopping specialties?

How well-written is your resume, and how badly mangled does it get when you upload it into online applications? (I had a specific version of my resume which was formatted to be machine readable. It therefore was longer than a page because I couldn't do fancy formatting, but that's what HR people get for using technology to make their lives easier.)

How awesome are your recommendations?

Are you looking at hospitals' own job websites? Jobs tend to get posted there first before they cast a wider net.

ddunnrn · Jun 28, 2011

You don't say where "here" is, but if you are anywhere near a prison/jail, try applying there. Correctional nursing is not that different from other kinds of nursing, and actually is somewhat safer since you always have security officers around, and most prisoners know you are there to help. There are also drug and alcohol rehabs, and mental health clinics, but their pay rates are usually somewhat below average, depending on their funding.

Trauma Columnist · Jun 29, 2011

I think Chicago is a tight market at the moment.

Where are you located in IL?

lifein08 · Jun 30, 2011

You don't say where "here" is, but if you are anywhere near a prison/jail, try applying there. Correctional nursing is not that different from other kinds of nursing, and actually is somewhat safer since you always have security officers around, and most prisoners know you are there to help. There are also drug and alcohol rehabs, and mental health clinics, but their pay rates are usually somewhat below average, depending on their funding.

Thank you :)

lifein08 · Jun 30, 2011

I don't know about the rest of the state, but in the Chicago market Cicero had it wrong, since silence="no".
Are you looking for/finding RN positions for which you have experience, or are you hopping specialties?
How well-written is your resume, and how badly mangled does it get when you upload it into online applications? (I had a specific version of my resume which was formatted to be machine readable. It therefore was longer than a page because I couldn't do fancy formatting, but that's what HR people get for using technology to make their lives easier.)
How awesome are your recommendations?
Are you looking at hospitals' own job websites? Jobs tend to get posted there first before they cast a wider net.

Thanks for replying. Lets see I do have experience in Oncology, Long term care and education. I haven't applied directly at the hospital site but I will do from now on. I am not sure at all about the format of my resume. I think it is well written. Would you be willing to look at it? I would really appreciate it.

I don't have my recommendations on the resume. I am not sure if they are awesome. I provide my recommendations when the employer asks for them.

Thanks for your help.

lifein08 · Jun 30, 2011

I think Chicago is a tight market at the moment.
Where are you located in IL?

i will be living in the Chicago area (Downtown or close to Downtown).

Thank you:)