Why can't I get a job?! No seriously, why?

[avaloncar, BSN, RN]

I have been a registered nurse for a year and 3 months. I worked as a RN for 8 months in another state and had to cut it short because I had to move back home. So I am starting over in a "new" state, which is good ole' NYC. I have over 10 years of working as a nurses aide to boot.

And with all that said, I STILL cannot get a job!!!!

I know for sure my one down fall is not having that coveted *one years worth of experience* that hospitals are looking for. I would think that my experience working in hospitals, even though it was as a NA, would help in some sort of way. Wishful thinking.

So I am stuck in the middle, so to speak. Because I am neither a new graduate or an experienced nurse.

My job search started from November 2012 when I moved back. It is now May and I still don't have a solid lead. I interviewed at one hospital but there was some confusion on the position. (It is a long story, where the nurse director/manager likes me and thinks I am a great candidate but there isn't anything for me. It is confusing. But I am still crossing my fingers for it.) Other than that I really haven't had anything tangible. Only one call back.

So I have applied to nearly every hospital in every NYC. Or at least to the positions I am qualified for or to those hospitals who are hiring at all. I have applied for those positions that say 1 year experience "preferred" instead of required, that may not say anything about experience at all, and I have applied at New Graduate positions. I have even applied to the old hospital I worked at years ago and no luck there either. It has been a discouraging process.

I have went to one job fair. And not much leads there either. Just long lines or recruiters saying "I will take your resume but we do not have any positions at this time". I plan on going to two more job fairs in the upcoming weeks. These are generic job fairs but according to their exhibitor list, some hospitals are attending. Might as well, right?

So what have a learned during this job search? A lot of positions and none of them are actually hiring us. Some hospitals have a pre-screener that asks for your qualifications such as, years experience or if you have your BSN. I have already gotten the prerecorded message saying I do not meet the minimum requirements. Well of course not. No one would hire me so how do you expect me to get the experience you so need? 8 months do not cut it.

And being picky is being thrown out the window, right now I am about ready to take nearly anything. Nearly-No psych for me.

Anyways, this was more of a rant and just sharing my frustrations that all other new grads or "stuck in the middle" people like me are facing these days. All I can say is just stay persistent.

Good luck to all of us!

[pkt00]

I am not an expert I am just suggesting something's give hospitals a break for now try Assited livings, Homecare, Correctional Facilities, LTC's, School Nurse positions. Sometimes we are tunnel visioned and/or afraid to step out and try something new. Pls don't bite my head off just sharing some ideas lol. Wish you the best of luck

[avaloncar, BSN, RN]

No I won't bite your head off!! lol You are just giving suggestions. As I said in the post I am really starting to not be picky at this point. There are some positions I won't put myself in but I am starting to look outside the box.

Thanks!

[thekidisback]

We are on the same boat. I'm almost desperate to find a job in the city. I don't know if you are a BSN or ADN, but I have my ADN. I'm blessed to have my med-surg hospital job now here in Jersey, but I'm looking to pursue my dreams of being a nurse & living in NYC! It's so sad sometimes I just wanna give up, but I just won't! I'm very determined. I've been looking since I graduated in 2011. I was able to get a phone interview with NYP, but unfortunately they didn't select me for the actual interview with the unit manager. I think the only way I have a better chance is if I obtain my BSN. I have a year left. But I just can't wait anymore!

[avaloncar, BSN, RN]

I have my BSN. It's good you have job now and getting that experience. But good luck!

[estrellaCR, BSN, RN]

It's so hard in NYC area because a lot of schools graduate many BSN grads a year and there are not enough jobs to absorb them all. In addition, hospitals are closing so the experienced RNs from those hospitals where staff is being cut are being hired by all other hospitals. I also have coworkers who pick up extra shifts so that cuts down on positions. Our Director of NUrsing would like to hire more staff as we are often short however it all depends on Hospital Administration approving the budget to hire more RNs for the floor. I heard it is easier upstate near Albany, Schenectady, Rochester, etc. Im very grateful to have found a job in an NYC hospital. It took 10 months but it eventually happened. In the meantime, get certifications (ACLS, IV, PALS, NRP (if you are interested in OB), etc.) and volunteer or work in nursing function in community health or clinic. Any job is better than none.

[Erikadawn RN]

What about dialysis? My first RN job

[avaloncar, BSN, RN]

Exactly. It's sad but it is what it is. Thank you for the tips!

[avaloncar, BSN, RN]

I have applied for two dialysis positions. And I was rejected . Thanks though!