No jobs for nurses: now what???

[frolick16]

I am finishing nursing school in a semester and the job market in my area is flooded. With the economy it seems that EVERYONE who has decided to go back to school has majored in nursing. I too thought this was an area were there would always be jobs. Remember the nursing shortage that loomed before us? Now the instructors are saying basically if you can move anywhere for a job you will PROBABLY be able to get one, but in general new grads are not finding work. I know that this seems to be a recurring theme in many areas. My question: what do you do in the meantime? Should I continue with school working toward my crnp or cnm, getting deeper in debt? Or should I use that time to work in the health care field in any capacity hoping for an opening? When I started nursing school, Pa was offering tuition reimbursements, sign on bonuses were everywhere, that is all gone now...I am so nervous.

[kittykat2481]

Originally Posted by frolick16

I am finishing nursing school in a semester and the job market in my area is flooded. With the economy it seems that EVERYONE who has decided to go back to school has majored in nursing. I too thought this was an area were there would always be jobs. Remember the nursing shortage that loomed before us? Now the instructors are saying basically if you can move anywhere for a job you will PROBABLY be able to get one, but in general new grads are not finding work. I know that this seems to be a recurring theme in many areas. My question: what do you do in the meantime? Should I continue with school working toward my crnp or cnm, getting deeper in debt? Or should I use that time to work in the health care field in any capacity hoping for an opening? When I started nursing school, Pa was offering tuition reimbursements, sign on bonuses were everywhere, that is all gone now...I am so nervous.

Are you in an RN program? The market for new grads is competitive, but once you have some experience, your options will definitely open up. I'd focus on getting your RN and getting some experience under your belt. You can always continue your education in a year or two, and your hospital will likely help you pay for it.

[geekgolightly]

Originally Posted by kittykat2481

Are you in an RN program? The market for new grads is competitive, but once you have some experience, your options will definitely open up. I'd focus on getting your RN and getting some experience under your belt. You can always continue your education in a year or two, and your hospital will likely help you pay for it.

Don't be afraid to move for your job.

Even in PA (where I am currently) there are lots of jobs, but maybe not the perfect job. In my unit alone, we hired five new grads. Are you working as a tech somewhere? If not, get a job asap, despite it being difficult to work and attend school, this will get your foot in the door. Be willing to do anything, show your reliability and you'll get a job in that hospital. Managers don't want to lose good workers and they pick from their own people first.

I have almost 8 years experience and it's tough for me, too, because I am moving to a new city and need to scramble. I am used to getting my unit of choice and my hours and shifts of choice, but it's not working that way anymore. I am exercising my ability to be flexible!

[Spirit Dancer]

Come to Canada, lol.
There is a dire need for more nurses across the entire country!

[Bitter Green]

Haha SpiritDancer - I was just going to say that!
They can't train them fast enough here and from what I hear immigration is really easy when you're a nurse.

[muttmom92]

My sister is a nurse. It is crazy how different things are from a few years ago. They used to have huge signing bonuses and now my sister says the new grads are having a hard time finding open positions.

I think the job market in general is so competative right now-believe me, I know-that any field is going to be hard to get into. I still think nursing is one of the best bets to find a job. Be flexible. Don't turn down a tech job. Just get your foot in the door any way you can. Then it will be easier to move to the department you want.

[cileag]

Have you looked at nursing homes and transitional care places? Here in MN, hospital nursing jobs for new grads are pretty hard to find, but there are lots of other jobs---look at summer camps for example--they don't usually pay a lot, but are good to get on your resume. Also, didn't PA just have a strike? Give it a few months to get back to normal and maybe things will open up again.

[Peony]

If moving for a job is an option than certainly look into it. Once you have experience than it is easier but with some markets flooded with experienced RNs, many hospitals are not hiring new grads. I know some new grads that have been looking for months as well, and I will second the advice to maybe look at other places other then just hospitals.

[BetsyS]

I graduated in 1997. Everyone in my class got a job, but perhaps not their dream job. In 1995 and 1996, everyone did not get a job right away.

People took jobs in places they didn't really want to work (nursing homes and psych hospitals, mostly), and then, they just worked hard and changed jobs when the opportunity presented itself.

All that to say....there have always been ups and downs in the job market, but it'll turn around again.

[One_Girl]

This is the same thing that has happened with teaching in my state. With all the cut backs it has been hard to find a job and I am willing to work. I am taking a job with a daycare in town that works with our state enrichment system to offer scholarships to people who want to go back to college after they have worked there a year. If you won't be making much money then you might consider an Americorps job in a public health area. It will pay very little but looks good on a resume and offers about $5000 for more school or to pay back student loans once you are done with the company. It may be your foot in the door if you aren't willing to move quite yet.

[frolick16]

I am in an RN program and moving would be difficult, I have custody considerations that would/should not be altered. I am a CNA, have been for 9 years, and am willing to do any job. Even the techs and aides are getting reduced in the hospitals as the units try to deal with budget cuts. I currently work for two agencies, one where its all last minute fill in and one where I have scheduled hours. Due to the independent nature of agency work most do not hire grads, they need experienced caregivers. I will keep an open mind. Its just amazing how quickly a job market can change, especially one where the predictions painted a scene in which hospitals would not be able to open floors due to no nurses. I will plod on and keep my fingers crossed.

Does anyone know, can you work below your license if necessary? Would I be able to still be an aide?

[angelcollector1]

I'm a nurse recruiter who does direct placement. I'm not here to offer my services-- I'm here to tell you that PA is a very hard place to find a job right now. There are many experienced nurses who have been out of work for months thinking they'd find something right away because they're a nurse. Are you getting your associates or bachelors? I will say that a bsn will get you a further look at than your assoc. due to some of the hospitals- especially in the Pitts and Philly area - looking to obtain Magnet status - they require a certain % to achieve that.
Also as others have said, look at any opportunity. The hospital might be your first choice, but apply everywhere- long term care nursing homes, home health, doctor's offices. Don't stop with just emailing your resume or applying online. Call and ask to speak with their recruiter. Reapply if it's allowed on their website as often as possible. Some websites only look at the position you've applied for; some don't connect your application to anything unless you apply for a specific job and goes into the internet netherworld.
If you're interested in a specific specialty in a hospital setting, don't be afraid to call into the hospital and ask for the unit manager for that specialty. Talk to them and see if they foresee any openings, if they're hiring new grads, ask for their email address to send them your resume (believe me, this might seem awkward to do, but I do it all day, everyday... they get used to it, and they're happier to do it for a nurse than for a recruiter who wants thousands of $ to place a nurse with them).. This will give you the chance to develop a relationship with them - Also, they may not be hiring but know the unit manager for other hospitals or specialties who are looking and can pass your information along and give you an idea of where might be the best place to look. If you've sent your resume, send it at least every two weeks - the HR/Recruitment dept. is getting flooded with resumes - if you sent it 2 weeks ago and haven't heard from them, sending it again puts your name on the top of the pile again.
Also, even if they don't have a job posted online or in the paper, it doesn't mean they aren't hiring. Most places have stopped spending those exhorbitant fees to advertise due to the economy and # of people looking. Apply even if you don't see a job opening listed for places.
If you get an interview, always ask for their direct phone # or extension and email address -always send them a thank you note - either email or snail mail. Also check in with them if a week goes by and you haven't heard back from them.
Best of luck in your search. If you've got any other questions, please don't hesitate to pm me. I will be happy offer you any other suggestions I have or answer your questions. I promise not to promote my services to you.
As far as agency work goes - they won't be able to help you find a job because their contracts with facilities require that they only submit nurses with a minimum of 1-2 years experience in that particular specialty/setting for work, whether it be per diem, contract or permanent.
As far as working under your degree, you would need to check with your state's nursing board to find that out. Some states allow you to work under your degree, some do not and if you're licensed as a cna or lpn and then receive your rn license they cancel your other licenses.
Best of luck in your search... it isn't easy but it isn't impossible, it just requires persistence and a positive attitude as you keep trying.

[frolick16]

Thank you so much for your reply, I will be graduating with an ADN but my college (Lancaster General College) has been approved to offer an accelerated BSN program which I can automatically be enrolled in upon completion. My next question, I always thought grades mattered and have maintained Dean's List status since beginning my academic career, along with my cna experience what other things do employers look at? Our school requires a portfolio project that includes volunteering, essay's etc...how do I "catch their eye"?

[angelcollector1]

If you're a member of any nursing organizations, you should list those. If you do any volunteer work be sure to list it. List where your clinicals are and what specialty. List your certifications that you've obtained - acls, bls, etc.
If you received any awards be sure to list those as well. If you can obtain letters of recommendations from your instructors you should have those as references available and be sure to inquire with the nurse managers on the units you've done your clinicals about your interest in working there.
Be open to any shift, any unit, any type of facility at this point to get a position while you look for exactly what you're looking for. By all means, go for the BSN.. it will get your further.
Congratulations again on your great achievement.

[Drummer's Wife]

Just wanted to say good luck with the job search. This is something I worry about in a few years when I am done with nursing school. I'm just hoping by then there are jobs for new grads.

[mbtmom2000]

I graduated last Aug(2009) with a BSN and it took me about 2 months to find a job. I graduated from a university that is well known for their nursing school with a class of 100 and most if not all had jobs within 3-4 months after graduating. We graduated with hiring freezes in our city and a local hospital closed down leaving over 3000 exp RN without jobs. Basically, no huge shortage that we thought existed. So even with that difficulty, we were able to find jobs. I will say that for me and most of my cohorts, we did not get our first choice of job. However, I am glad I have a job. It may take some time to get a job, but apply, apply, apply and be open to areas you may not think you would like. I work on a busy med/surg floor with emphasis on older adults. I never would have chosen this floor to work on. But, I am getting much needed experience and love taking care of the patients.

[PiesandAbrosmama]

Just reading and taking in. I am starting nursing school this fall and this is an interesting thread. I really hope everything works out for you

[Rosehip]

I am a new grad RN. I just found out that I passed the NCLEX yesterday. The market is very competitive, even more so because I am really targeting critical care which is even tougher for new grads. I graduated a little less than a month ago, and have been interviewing @ 3 places. I got turned down for the first job, am waiting to hear from a second place and will have a first interview with the third place on Tuesday. Since I don't have a job yet, all I can tell you is what helped me get interviews.

I got the interview at one place because I have a cousin who works at the hospital who talked to the nurse recruiter and asked her to give me a look. So, utilize any connections you have.

At the other two places, my resume/grades got me the interviews. I was a named scholar, and am in the honor society and every person who has interviewed me has commended me on that and been impressed. I definitely think your good grades will be a great asset. I would highlight your academic accomplishments in your cover letters.

Everyone loves that I say I would prefer nights, and you absolutely have to be delighted to work weekends. Even though it's tedious as hell, I make my cover letters as tailored as possible. I look up the hospital's mission statement, and say I think I would like to join the team to work toward the mission. If a hospital has Planetree or Magnet status, etc., note that as a reason you'd really like to work there. They like to know that you've done your research and to feel that people have noticed their accomplishments.

[Dandelionkid]

Saskatchewan! A friend was just offered a 10000 signing bonus there! Alberta not so good but Saskatchewan will also have the highest paid nurses pretty soon.

[Rosehip]

Hi all, I just wanted to follow up and offer a ray of hope! I'm a new grad nurse (see previous post) and just got a job offer this evening! I have another interview tomorrow morning...So there is some hope!