new graduate..

[jaselun34]

Hey guys..I graduated in December and have YET to find a job!! I'm an RN in NJ...is anyone else having this same problem?? I went into nursing thinking that there was this huge nursing shortage and that finding a job would be as easy as pie! After studying soo hard in nursing school and passing my boards I STILL can't find a job! It's so discouraging. I've applied to all the hospitals in my area atleast 5 times, now I'm starting to apply to nursing homes. Many people are saying that they want experience, but how do I get experience if no one is giving me the opportunity to get the job?? Any advice for me??

[MarcieW]

HI, I hope you have better luck since your post! I live and work in nevada and have met several nurses from northern california coming over the border to work due to being unable to find a job.

[Susanprn]

Jaslen34, I hope you have some good luck coming your way. Have you talked to the hospital where you did your clinicals? Maybe if you talk with the nurses on the units where you did clinicals, they would put in a good word for you. Nursing homes are not the best experience, but if that will get your foot in the door, don't refuse it. Look at doctor's offices, too. You won't make as much, but you will get experience. Keep me posted on your search. Believe in yourself. You did the hard part, keep pushing.

[moy]

I graduated in May 2009 and passed my boards and Im having the same issue. I dont know how new grad RNs are expected to gain experience if no one hires them. It is very discouraging but Im still trying and I hope you will too.

[amknollman]

I am still in school here in cincinnati, but I know of several nursing grads having the same problem. I spoke to one of the HR people in the hospital we did a clinical at this summer and she was saying almost all of their hiring is being done in house. her advise for me was to get an aid job now while I am still in school, but I can;t even get hired for that without experience. it really is frustrating. hope you have had more luck!

[NurseEducator]

This situation comes in cycles. There are ups and downs in all markets even nursing. Part of the problem this time around includes the recession. The facilities do not have or will not use the funds to do as many internships or extended orientations, which is what the typical new grad needs. I would try to look at LTACHs before nursing homes as it is more typical of hospital experience so you can transition back easier if that is what you desire. Another, thought is rehab facilities. Also, try smaller institutions or those farther out or more rural. They may be more willing to train and spend the time with you and you may like it. Try and stay encouraged in the meantime.
Good luck!

[nursechicdianne]

Nowadays,there are lots of new graduates that don't have jobs. But some are happy to work first voluntarily in a community, or you can work as an assistant nurse in a clinic at least you will not have an idle time after you have graduated.

[jenthelen]

Hi. I graduated in april 2009 and it took me about 5 months to find a job post-graduation in the chicago area. I sent out more resumes than i can count. Hang in there. Unfortunately the opportunities for new nurses in many areas are limited due to a large population of seasoned nurses in the pool competing for jobs. My suggestion is to find connections with people you know, get a foot in the door where you can. Often times it is through networking that jobs may be found. Join groups, such as the SNA or, if graduated, the ANA. Network, network, network! It is tough. I won't deny it. I have friends who are STILL looking for jobs post graduation. Disturbing, but true. Try to stay positive. Volunteering can help you get a foot in the door, too. I wish you the best of luck! Keep at it! Perhaps by now you have even found a job. : )

[westcoast]

this is why lvn to rn bridge programs work better because the nurses already have their foot in the door and only need to elevate their credentials.

Qualified nurses, the ones who have ten years experience and are in good health and have good licensing status are hard to find. New grads who need supervision and have huge holes in their clinical practice etiquette are a dime a thousand.

have you ever seen a supervising nurse snap at the new nurse, because they are basically having to retrain them on everything plus perform accountable patient care minute by minute?

It's unpaid babysitting but people think because they did good on tests they know how to nurse.


The nursing "shortage" is now overfilled thanks to hundreds of schools vending degrees to people without retention or language skills who think a diploma is a free pass to a job.

You STILL have to speak and read English well. You have to be ethical. You have to know when physicians and patients are over the line.

Those nursing schools where people "guaranteed" you a job? They were pandering to your naivete.

[joblessme_rn]

I have the same situation. jobless and very frustrated. all i ever got was rejection letters. pls feel free to read my block about my being a jobless new grad. i dont understand why the government or any has proposed that if new grads cant get jobs then CAN we pay the hospitals to allow us to practice and use their facilities so we can get atleast some experience? sure, we wont get paid, we pay them which will increase their revenues but its just like investing and we gain "some experience" what do you guys think?

[nursgirl23]

Hello where are some good hospitals to work at in in Nevada?

[grey26]

Hello also i am newly grad. Hope i will find a good job

[guspunter]

Six months, 150 applications in 15 states. Zero offers. But there's a shortage, right?

[mariita12]

I graduated in may and am also applying. I found a nurse admin job but it just isn't what I want at the moment. I can't believe how tough it is right now to get hired! Anyone know of any good subacute facilities in the philly or NYC area?

[salmontown]

I also live in NJ and passed my boards a year ago and is having difficulty finding a full time position. The funny thing is that I work in a hospital but there is no opening. GOOD LUCK.