NursingLink

I am an RN,BSN.  I graduated in December 2008.  I received my RN license in January '09 and have yet to find a job.  I have applied for numerous positions at numerous places (internships, hospitals, clinics, dr. offices etc.)  and have found nothing!  Every response I get is "we're looking for experienced nurses, we cant afford to hire new nurses right now, more qualified people have applied, we have a hiring freeze etc."  I've even applied for LPN and CNA positions, and still nothing! I am at wits end.  Getting a nursing job was supposed to be easy since there is such a "huge" nursing shortage, but I have found that this is NOT the case.  Within the past two months, there have been NO job postings for nurses in my area (and when I say area I mean in a 70 mile radius).  NONE!!  I've been volunteering at a free clinic for about 2 months now, but I need a job!  I need money!  I have bills I need to pay!  Is this a common problem going on across the nation?  Is there really a nursing shortage or was this all a lie????

I know many hospitals in my area have hiring freezes right now. That could be part of the problem.

Anonymous says ...

Go to where they ARE hiring. Texas for one. San Antonio has a lot of openings. You don't say where you are.

Hello?! Nursing shortage, huh?! But you have the need to leave your place and transfer to where it is hiring?! What the heck, you call it a nursing shortage?!

I have talked to so many friends who have been looking for jobs for a couple of months now, worst some are even years, they are from  different states. Where have you been living all this time?!

Try to resign from your job and look for a new one, then you can say...

Im sorry, but it really pisses me off, what's happening right now is totally different from what my nursing school would always tells us...that we nurses would be so indemand upon passing our exams, where the hell are they now?!

I totally agree with the above post, geez, can't you think first before suggestiing something that's quite unrealistic?!

Easy for you to say people when you have your job and all, how about us whose still jobless up to now...why do you think were just being so stagnant and doing nothing but complain?!

If you only knew....

The area where I live there are 5 schools putting out RN's and 3 schools putting out LPN"s. They have KILLED the market here and now it shows in terms of wage freezes and hiring freezes cuz all the jobs are filled. Five years ago when you got into this field they were practically throwing gold bars at the RN's to come work for them ( the hospitals). Now you are lucky to get a call back or find ANYTHING even per diem.  Its an emplloyers market plain and simple and they know it......................it sucks 

It's pretty unrealistic to think because you finished school and are now an nurse that you will snag a job just like that.  Most places have hiring freezes, the economy is still in the toilet and it is going to take time for things to return back to their original state.  Like another posted said look in other cities, other areas besides hospitals, and keep pounding the pavement. 

And the poster who is all pissed off, you are not alone, there are many people without jobs.  It's up to you to change your situation, so if that means sucking it up and doing "shit" work,  then do it, or if it means looking to move to secure a job, suck it up and do it.  Stop making excuses and do what you need to do to get to where you want to be!

 I am in Indiana and considering getting a nursing degree.  I have been laid off from my employer of 25 years and not finding any jobs that match my profile of management and customer service.  All I see are nursing jobs posted.

Kaduh. I said Texas.

Somebody said above "there are X number of schools" putting out RN grads. Well kaduh again - get the hell out of there.

Another poster said to take a "shit" job. AGREE! At 60 I have a hard time feeling anything but a little empathetic for those starting out. I started in 1980 in the middle of a "Tah Dah" RECESSION! My first RN job paid $6.05 an hour and I had to change with the handymen! I was a male nurse so "the doctors" (jerks all) objected to me changing in THEIR lounge.

I worked EVERY stinking holidayand that includes the days before and the days after. Seasoned nurses asked me to cover shifts for them so they could do something special. But I had frineds visit unexpectedly who wanted to go skiing and guess what? Not a single tramp would pay me back (lesson new grads: screw whoever asks to "trade" shifts unless it really benefits you right them because they WON'T remember and pay you back I PROMISE!!!!!!)

Bottom line: go where the work is and be damned glad you even got it!

Anonymous says ...

OP here.  I can't really afford to just up and move to another state or another area when I don't have the means to do so.  It's probably a little easier for me to do since I am single and do not have kids BUT I know that it takes more than just up and moving to another area.  First, where do  I find out whose hiring??  Just because a place has a lot of openings doesn't mean they are hiring a lot of new graduates.  I would then have to travel to that area (which costs), check out different hospitals (probably rent a hotel for a few days in order to do that), and put in various applications.  If I were lucky enough to get an offer, then I would have to find a decent place to stay, pay moving fees etc.  And also,  if I'm going to work in another state, then I would have to obtain a license for that state (WHICH TAKES TIME AND MONEY). I have noticed that A LOT of people say "move somewhere where they are hiring" but it's NOT that simple. 

 People don't seem to understand how hard it is now for new graduates.  It's not like it was a few years ago, even a year ago.  Thousands of nursing students are graduating each semester, yet less and less jobs are open for them.  As one nurse recruiter told me, "Despite them being in need of nurses, hospitals/facilities are just not willing to shell out the money it takes to hire and train new graduates right now, which is frustrating because you have so many new nurses that want to work but are just not being given that chance.

I don't buy this, not one little bit.  To say you can't move, especially since you have no kids and are single, is either bogus, lazy, or you are just not thinking.

Pick up and move is exactly what I did in 2000.  I moved from North Dakota to California.  I had a job to go to, and found my own place to stay before hitting the road.  I interviewed over the phone.  I had less than $300 in my pocket.  I drove 1800 miles by myself, with all my worldly possessions in a 5x8 trailer.  I didn't stay in hotels.  I stayed at truckstop motels ($20/night as opposed to $79 on average), and ate at truckstop diners (cheap food, but usually pretty good).

Have a massive yard sale and sell everything you can't take with you.  You can make several hundred bucks doing this.  If you haven't used an item in a year, then you don't need it.

Borrow money from friends or relatives if you have to.  Ask your employer to give you an advance (they might say no, might not).  Just be prepared to pay money back with the first paycheck.

Hunt for a job on the internet.  Apply online.  Interview on the phone.  A place that wants a personal interview will pay to fly you out there, and reasonable hotel costs.  Don't worry about finding the perfect job.  At this stage you just want a job.  You can look for something better in one year if you are unhappy with what you get--and you might find that the job is great and you don't want to change.

Live in a short stay hotel.  You get a kitchenette and some basic amenities for cooking:  range, microwave, fridge, pots/pans, plates, silverware, cups.  Some even offer dishwashers.  You get a tv and basic cable.  They are quite cozy and safe.  I've used them when working as a travel nurse.

If you have a license where you are, is your state a compact state?  If so, move to another compact state.  You don't have to apply for a local license until you declare yourself a permanent resident--most states give you a few months to do so. 

Don't just sit there and whine about how unfair life is.  Take a risk and do something about it!  That's the American way--this country was founded by people who risked everything to build a better life somewhere new.  Yes, it is scary to move alone to someplace where you don't know anyone, don't know what life there is like.  No risk, no reward.

Anonymous says ...

I don't buy this, not one little bit.  To say you can't move, especially since you have no kids and are single, is either bogus, lazy, or you are just not thinking.

Pick up and move is exactly what I did in 2000.  I moved from North Dakota to California.  I had a job to go to, and found my own place to stay before hitting the road.  I interviewed over the phone.  I had less than $300 in my pocket.  I drove 1800 miles by myself, with all my worldly possessions in a 5x8 trailer.  I didn't stay in hotels.  I stayed at truckstop motels ($20/night as opposed to $79 on average), and ate at truckstop diners (cheap food, but usually pretty good).

Have a massive yard sale and sell everything you can't take with you.  You can make several hundred bucks doing this.  If you haven't used an item in a year, then you don't need it.

Borrow money from friends or relatives if you have to.  Ask your employer to give you an advance (they might say no, might not).  Just be prepared to pay money back with the first paycheck.

Hunt for a job on the internet.  Apply online.  Interview on the phone.  A place that wants a personal interview will pay to fly you out there, and reasonable hotel costs.  Don't worry about finding the perfect job.  At this stage you just want a job.  You can look for something better in one year if you are unhappy with what you get--and you might find that the job is great and you don't want to change.

Live in a short stay hotel.  You get a kitchenette and some basic amenities for cooking:  range, microwave, fridge, pots/pans, plates, silverware, cups.  Some even offer dishwashers.  You get a tv and basic cable.  They are quite cozy and safe.  I've used them when working as a travel nurse.

If you have a license where you are, is your state a compact state?  If so, move to another compact state.  You don't have to apply for a local license until you declare yourself a permanent resident--most states give you a few months to do so. 

Don't just sit there and whine about how unfair life is.  Take a risk and do something about it!  That's the American way--this country was founded by people who risked everything to build a better life somewhere new.  Yes, it is scary to move alone to someplace where you don't know anyone, don't know what life there is like.  No risk, no reward.

FIRST OF ALL, you do not know my financial situation, so don't make the assumption that I can just up and move or beg my family and friends for money.  What worked for you doesn't work for everyone and don't you think if I were able to move I would have done so by now?!?!?!  Secondly,  if you had  taken the time out to read my original post you would have seen that I have applied for numerous positions in different areas be it nursing homes, hospitals, schools, clinics etc.  I have NEVER said that I was looking for the "perfect job". I know this is unrealistic.  I never expected to get my dream job right off the bat.  I'm willing to work the shit jobs.  I've applied for the shit jobs!!!  TO all the experienced nurses out there who say that have no empathy for new nurses: DON'T FORGET YOU WERE A NEW NURSE  ONCE TOO!  I did  not make my original post to be attacked by others.  I was venting my frustrations and asking a legitimate question.  I am not lazy, I am not just sitting around the house whining about not having a job!  I pound the pavement daily. I even volunteer at a free clinic several times a week trying to network and gain experience, so don't sit here and judge me by saying I'm whiny, lazy or bogus.  Instead of being judgemental and rude, why not offer HELPFUL advice to new nurses, who will be taking care of you someday!

Then stay there and cry around about your situation. I hope I never have to work with you. You're one heckuva problem solver arne't you? Oh yeah - and keep looking here at what to do. Nurses are known as one of the most mobile workforces in the WORLD!

Look up dork in the dictionary. See if your picture is the definition.

I don't buy it one bit. If your private life has "restrictions" on you, kwitcherbithin and go to work at Wally World. Otherwise grow up and move your tail or stop crying - one of the 3.

Like everybody here has it made? Whiiiiiiine! Cryyyyyyyyyyyyyy! Boo hoo poor you.

Welcome to nursing and the world of adult reality

Okay. If you can't be mature about it then stop replying.  I will agree to disagree and move on and do what I know I am able.  I'm not going hurl insults back and forth, especially not over the internet.  If you feel the need to do so, then so be it.  My question was directed towards new graduates in similar situations anyway.  Don't worry, we probably will never work together because we are not even located close to each other.  I hope you are not this rude to your coworkers.  It's a shame that you have to resort to name calling and insults, especially when I haven't insulted you or called you any names.

Wow, you are an incredibly rude person.  You don't know if I would or would not pass an HR interview because you don't know me as a person.  I don't know why you feel compelled to insult me based on me asking a question.  You made an assumption about me and I disagreed and now you are hurling insults left and right.  Yes I said I can't find a job, yes I said I am not able to move right now but I never said whoa as me, feel sorry for me. What in that statement gives you the right to act the way you are?  Don't confuse me with the previous angry posts made by other users.  I clearly stated  "OP here", so if that's what you basing your anger on then get your facts straight.