I know that it is frustrating trying to find a nursing job right now for new graduates. I've been looking for over a year now.
I graduated in 2007 with my BSN and passed the NCLEX. I had a few job offers before I graduated from school, but the effects of the economy eliminated those opportunities. I haven't been picky looking for opportunities. I have been applying for any and all positions (ward clerk, nurse aid, etc.) and in all avenues (home care, long-term care, doctor offices, hospital, etc). I have had a few interviews, but have learned that the jobs are going to experienced nurses.
I have had to deal with my frustration and depression over the fact that I left a great paying job to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse and now I cannot provide for my family (I have 2 young kids). It was tough going through nursing school full-time while caring for an infant, working in a part-time office job, and dealing with a spouse who was not supportive of me leaving a great paying job for nursing.
I have decided that I am going to change my attitude...I went into nursing because I want to help and care for others. I am sad that I am not able to use my nursing skills the way I would like to right now, but I decided that I will use this "down time" to focus on me and my family.
I am taking more classes in areas of nursing that I am interested (geriatrics and mental health). I am also going to take classes to learn a new language to improve my communication skills with potential patients. I am reading journal articles to keep up with new developments. I am also volunteering with Hospice - this is my therapy. By helping others I help myself. Working with Hospice I am learning how to appreciate life more as well as prepare myself for my future.
So this is how I am dealing with my struggle with finding work. Of course, I continue to apply for jobs when I learn of openings or opportunities. I know that someday someone will see that I can be a valuable member of a health team.
Until then I have to prepare myself so when the opportunity is there I will be ready for it. Good luck to all who are struggling to find work right now! Take care!
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April 2nd, 2009 at 8:23 pm
where do you live? b/c here in Texas my graduating class (we graduate in april) aren’t having any difficulties finding jobs. And most of us want specialties such as NICU, ER, ICU, etc…
Maybe you need to relocate.
April 3rd, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Seconding the above… I live in Michigan, which is the worst state for jobs at the moment and all of my classmates have found jobs right away (graduated in December). I found a hospital job 40 minutes away, and even though that’s kind of far, it’s a job and a good hospital.
April 3rd, 2009 at 6:26 pm
I feel your pain. I live in IL and there are massive hiring freezes, lay-offs, dissolution of New Grad programs, budget cuts, etc…. u can only get a job if u have ur BSN, at least 3-5 yrs experience, and/or know someone whom can get u in. And most places are not able to train new grads or those whom don’t possess as much experience b/c they don’t have the budget and staff available for preceptorship. They need all the staff they currently have and can’t afford to take any off the floor to use as preceptors.
Even school districts are laying off their certified school nurses. Elgin just laid-off 22.
I graduated valedictorian of my class and have been laid-off twice since I graduated in May 2008. It’s rough.. even firefighters are being laid-off. The jobs ARE out there….. but there isn’t the BUDGET to fulfill the need.
I’m praying that I find something soon!
April 3rd, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Here in D.C/MD/VA things have been awful… no one wants new grads anymore. I guess we are too expensive…
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:09 pm
I graduated in May 2008 and my class was able to get jobs in our chosen areas. They are saying the Milwaukee area is saturated but I am not seeing it.
April 7th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Here in Minnesota we’ve had this problem since Christmas of 2008, each hospital in turn has gone through a couple rounds of layoffs, followed by hiring freezes. Human Resources offices have recorded messages saying they’re not accepting applications. Basically, we have to wait for the laid off nurses to be recalled, the new grad programs reinstated, and then make a mad dash for the positions! Some of my classmates are relocating to southern states for jobs, but that is not an option for me. Things will turn around, they always do, I just hope it’s soon! Good luck to you and your search!
May 15th, 2009 at 7:14 am
That is so unfortunate for you. We all know how hard nursing school was and how many sacrifices had to be made.
I also graduated in 2007, from school in NJ. Most of my class had jobs solidified before graduation. Hospitals were offering so much in the way of scholarships and retention bonuses, and free specialty training to woo us over. All that has dried up now, in such a short time! But there still are per-diem jobs open everywhere, and the off-shifts in nursing homes. Have you tried looking there (esp. if you want to do geriatrics)?
Maybe you should invest in a career counselor for resume review and interviewing techniques. The jobs are out there… don’t give up!
May 26th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Things in Connecticut are tough, we have so many nursing school graduates this time of year and not enough new graduate openings. Only about 1/3 of our class has a job right now. But last year they had the same problem but I think everybody had a job by the end of the year. I am hoping that will be the case again. It is frustrating, I already took the NCLEX and passed so now I have nothing to do except keep applying.
June 1st, 2010 at 6:27 pm
look for a job in surrounding cities, be willing to relocate
June 10th, 2010 at 8:55 am
Nursing homes are always hiring!!!!