Won't get a job in 2 years? - ADN student in South Carolina

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I am a black male. 18 years old and I'm enrolled in college.

I plan to become an RN when I am 20.

However, I've been told that the nursing field is becoming difficult to get a job with no experience.

This is highly discouraging, to be honest, and much different than the whole "nurses are so in demand; especially males" pitch that I was fed.

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

Even healthcare has been affected by the recent recession, the worst since the Great Depression. Things are better than 2years ago, and will gradually improve as more nurses retire.But you need to be competitive. Try to get a job as a CNA, tech, whatever to get an edge

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Even healthcare has been affected by the recent recession, the worst since the Great Depression. Things are better than 2years ago, and will gradually improve as more nurses retire.But you need to be competitive. Try to get a job as a CNA, tech, whatever to get an edge
Why will getting a job as a CNA give me an edge in landing an RN job?
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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Why will getting a job as a CNA give me an edge in landing an RN job?
It has given some people an advantage because they automatically became internal applicants, and therefore, were able to secure RN positions upon graduation at the same facilities where they had been working as CNAs.

Working as a CNA also enables you to make connections with people who do the hiring. Sometimes it's less about what you know and more about who you know. Good luck to you.

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I am currently in a BSN program here in Florida and the University of South Florida and I have heard the same thing from nurses. BUT I also know that every person that I know that just graduated from our program last semester has received job offers. There are many hospitals in my area that will only hire RN's that have a BSN. Our professors tell us that our interviews start the first day of clinicals. The staff at the hospitals take notice of the students that are willing to work hard and are eager to learn. As far as you being a male RN, having men on the floor is great! I see that it cuts down on the cattiness. Hospitals do look favorably at having male nurses so it just may be a plus.

Another way to ensure that you have a great job after graduation is to look into going into the military. Every service has programs that will help you pay for school or give you bonuses. With a BSN, you enter the military as an officer. I am currently in the process of getting my application package ready to re-enter the Navy. Military healthcare will be great! Just deal with taking care of patients because you don't have to deal with insurance.

Just the thoughts of a fellow student!

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Specializes in MS, Tele, CM, Informatics.

Don'tcount yourself out before you even get started. Many nurses are going to be retiring by 2014 the Baby Boomer Era(not all but a fair percentage). Also it doesn't hurt to obtain a job related to medical field. There are many things that are contributing to the nursing shortage such as not have enough faculty members to teach. Then also not having adequate staff on units to train new grads. Budgets of hospitals and clinics and how their money is managed effects staffing. You will be just fine. So stop questioning yourself and push forward. Remember to have balance. Also volunteering even if you just do that twice a month at hospital or clinical for4-5 hours. It will help give your career a jump and get your name out there as a student. Also a lot of times nurses right out of school are trying for specialty units, which most have limited positions. Apply to as many positions and at some point do a lateral move inhospitals within six months to a year. So continue on with your goals keep your eyes on the prize. In nursing school, there is a lot of negative energy more less frustration, keep positive. Also find out the requirements ofyour program such if there is a exit exam such as a hesi or some other thatmust be passed before graduating. Find out as much info about your program within limits. Look at your professors many have connections at hospitals. Another thing get 3 letters of recommendation from your various professors within your final six months of your program. There are also fellowships/nurse residency programs that you can do after graduation/Nclex. I do know there are ones in SC.

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How long does it take on average for a new ADN grad to find a job?

And what are the best markets, currently?

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And thanks for all the info , guys !

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Specializes in MS, Tele, CM, Informatics.

that various, apply to as many places.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Telemetry, Med-Surg.
How long does it take on average for a new ADN grad to find a job?

And what are the best markets, currently?

Hi Joe. As a recent ASN grad, I was also worried about finding a job, since most places prefer a BSN over a ASN. I didn't have an issue finding a job, nor did my classmates. Most of them were employed before they even passed boards. I had several job offers, and am currently working on a tele unit. Job availaility has a lot to do with where you live. In larger cities, it's more competitive. Hospitals with MAGNET status aim to hire nurses with a BSN, but that doesn't mean they won't hire a ASN. Just keep your chin up and study hard!

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Around here most of the ADN grads haven't had a problem finding a job. A few even got jobs at magnet facilities. The bigger cities have more competition so you're probably better off applying at smaller community hospitals first, but I know ADN new grads who were hired at well known facilities too. I don't know what area of SC you're in, but I saw a post a few days ago where an ADN new grad from SC was saying most of her hospital is ADN nurses and in her region they don't have a problem finding jobs.

A CNA job, or any job in healthcare, will help you because it gives you some sort of healthcare experience, you make connections, and hospitals will usually interview internal applicants first before outsiders. I have seen job postings that have said "2 years of RN experience required. However, new grads with CNA, ED tech, LPN, or student nurse intern experience welcome to apply" With so many people going for their BSN, having a healthcare job as an ADN may give you an advantage.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

What college are you going to? Is it a community college or profit college? Be careful with the profit colleges that are always advertising on the TV. Make sure you take only the minimum student loans and make sure they are govt loans. Stay away from private loans. You have to fill out the fafsa to get govt student loans.

Good luck!

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