Best States for Entry-Level Nursing Jobs

I've been finding that it's insulting that the thought out there is that there's this huge nursing shortage but there are so many nursing grads who can't find a job. I graduated with my BSN in May of 09, and have been EXTREMELY flexible, applying to any and every job, even jobs I really don't want. It's a hard time right now! I've been looking not only in my surrounding area, but all over the country. I'm pulling for all you! Good luck!

frustrating is not quite the word for it, I don't speak that way though. it took me almost a year just to find a RN job and it was not even close to what I expected. I worked 7 years for a hospital as an aide and they won't even consider hiring me until I have 1 year of experience. I feel the health care field has been hijacked by the new healthcare bill and the facilities are running on the least amount of staff to operate and the patients are paying the price with low care ratios and stressed nurses. I think they would be smart to hire the new grads because we are cheaper and we will get trained their way. But what do i know I'm just a new grad thats what I keep hearing. Oh well I figure it will turn soon hopefully this year. I live in the Twin City's in Minnesota and the newest hospital had 8,800 applications for 130 jobs.

Wow. I have just begun my clinicals and I don't think I have ever been more discouraged than I have been in the past few moments reading these posts. I would venture out to say that achievement comes from versatility, agility, and creativity. There may not be a shortage of nurses out there. That much may be true. Then again, maybe it's not. The fact is, none of us can know all the details of every geographical area. To those of you who are having such trouble finding a job, have you considered going civil service and lending your nursing skills to the state and/or federal government? I ask because I know for a fact that there are positions available. If the doors are slamming that hard, there are bound to be at least unlocked windows somewhere near by. I am going to continue to obtain my RN and then I will go to work in a hospital in my local area to start. Although, now, my heart is a little heavier and unfortunately, I have this forum to thank for that. I truly hope things get better for you guys much sooner than later.

There currently is not a shortage of nurses in the USA. In fact, when surveyed it is noted that there is an excess of licensed , experienced nurses. Many left the field to work in other professions/employment. If all the nurses that left decided to return to nursing there would be massive layoffs and great competition to retain employment. Currently there is a shortage of master prepared nursing instructors. This will impact health care and nurses in the future. Wake up, nurses are vital to this country's health. Repeatedly surveys have shown that working conditions are ranked higher than salaries as a reason for leaving. In 25 yrs. I have seen some changes but not enough to suck me back into the cesspool.

The comment below is in need of some research. That is a careless statement to make ("There is no nursing shortage") if you are only looking at your own experience and not the facts. It seems you may be discouraging people to follow their dreams of giving back and taking care of others based on something bad that's happened to you or those you know. Be sure to share ALL the facts and if you don't know them, do some research before you speak. That's a concern in our country, people think they know, but they don't have all the details....

The shortage of nurses is a prediction of what is to come when all of the 'Baby-Boomers' get older and require healthcare. I don't have all of the facts either, but I do know that I cannot educate others with their choices in life based on only MY experience. There's a big world out there and lots to learn. I encourage people to look into what's available in their areas and where they may want to live in the future... :)

I would check with the state's attorney in the state where some hospital said they only hire grads from schools they have "contracts" with. If that hospital receives any federal funding, and they nearly all do, I think it is against the law to do something like that. Or if that hospital receives any funding from a local taxing entity.

And jobs for new grads? Like a lot of us have posted elsewhere - go where it sucks! Portland/Vancouver? Seattle? San Diego? Gee. Experienced nurses are staying in the workforce due to this economy and even coming out of retirement.

Hit the rural areas and small towns.

Like everybody else, I agree that it is hard to get a job as a new grad. Some hospitals that I have gone to apply tell me that they have contracs with some shools, and that they only hired new grads from there. Also, if we do not get a job within soon after the hospitals that hire new grads do not want to consider you, because you have been out of school and with out a job for too long. Good luck to every one of us, we need it.