The state of the economy is factoring in. For me working agency, pool, casual relief, etc. I'm finding that staff nurses are working as much overtime as they can (to keep up with bills, mortgages, etc). It's not leaving many hours to go around.
Melanie (my wife) has been seeing the same thing in the hospital ICU, etc. Can't blame people for working to pay their bills.
Have been hearing new graduates complain loudly that they can't find jobs, or need to work nights, off shifts, etc.
Nursing school graduates face uncertain job future"Like any new degree-holder, the nurses are worried about jobs. "Because of the economy, there aren't a lot of places that are hiring," Medina said. Even though the state has a nursing shortage, some employers have a limited number of slots for entry-level nurses because they cost more to train, Medina added. The economic downturn is also taking a toll on the school."
http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2008/12/18/20081218phx-nursing1219.html
Working temporary, I've always followed the work, travelled farther, changed shifts.
Can see how others might be disappointed that they need to also.
Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.nursefriendly.comIndeed.
Where I work I have seen my unit decrease in staff due to decrease in patients. Cut backs and double job duties. Hear others talk about friends or family who are out of a job.
Sad, but, true.
People losing jobs = no insurance, going to hospital when deathly ill....
cougarnurse wrote:People losing jobs = no insurance, going to hospital when deathly ill....
Very true, which increases medical costs, which increases insurance costs, whihc causes more people to have less insurance. It's a vicious cycle.
:nurse-soapbox:
nursinghumor wrote:The state of the economy is factoring in. For me working agency, pool, casual relief, etc. I'm finding that staff nurses are working as much overtime as they can (to keep up with bills, mortgages, etc). It's not leaving many hours to go around.
Melanie (my wife) has been seeing the same thing in the hospital ICU, etc. Can't blame people for working to pay their bills.
Have been hearing new graduates complain loudly that they can't find jobs, or need to work nights, off shifts, etc.
Nursing school graduates face uncertain job future"Like any new degree-holder, the nurses are worried about jobs. "Because of the economy, there aren't a lot of places that are hiring," Medina said. Even though the state has a nursing shortage, some employers have a limited number of slots for entry-level nurses because they cost more to train, Medina added. The economic downturn is also taking a toll on the school."
Nursing school graduates face uncertain job future
Working temporary, I've always followed the work, travelled farther, changed shifts.
Can see how others might be disappointed that they need to also.
Andrew Lopez, RN
Nursefriendly.com, A National Nursing & Consumer Health Directory
My wife an I are already talking about leaving where we are and moving once I'm done with my RN this summer. I'm looking to get a job with the VA once I'm done so I have job security and only have 15 yrs to retire since I already did 5 yrs in the Navy.
I can see where it would be challenging to find a job with new grads. It is hard. They have to be given the chance to be trained and oriented, which is hard because the patients and clients are sickers and more complicated than they used to be. So it is natural for the places to hire more seasoned nurses who can deal with that level of care. Orienting new grads can be hard because the regular staff is already overwhelmed, and doesn't really have the time to have someone following them around. It isn't fair by any means, but it is reality. I have done agency work, temp work and full time in many different capacities, which enables me to adjust fairly quickly to a new environment. But I can see where it is difficult to bring inexperienced nurses in to try to fill the staffing needs and having to train them as well. Let's hope this improves at some point.
Ruby, your points are valid and well taken, however, if the new graduates are kept away because of this, some bigger issues arise.
Even with a decent amount of orientation, you have those who will leave within a year or so. Some preceptors should not be precepting not because of not being compentent, but are not teachers.
What do you suppose be done?
Thanks for your reply in advance.
New nurses need to be given a chance. If no one is willing to hire a new nurse, then there will eventually be no nurses in the future.
As a relatively new nurse myself, I searched and searched and searched for a position. No one was willing to give me a chance. They all said "You don't have experience". I relocated to a different area and got a position, but they were dishonest, disorganized, and not concerned about the patients. Besides that, they scheduled me 3 double shifts back to back. That is setting me up for trouble. I am glad to
I am hearing that quite often too. However, we just hired a few New Grad's in, it's a good mixture of seasoned Nurses and New Grads. Just not everybody wants to move to Lawton :)
hi tclema, i am going to enroll in lpn this sep 09 and hopefully graduate the following year. i hope you still hire new grads during that time :-)
oh yeah and im in lawton :-)
Oh funny. Just send me a pm and we can talk if you like. It's best to get in while you are still in school, especially when you are in Lawton anyways. Then you have your best shot at the New Grad job. :)
It's not just new nurses. Due to low patient census, I was unable to get three 12's a week at my work, and was running out of comp time to supplement forced flex days. I finally had to quit, and take a night shift position at a county facility. The pay is lower, and work is alot harder... but at least it is steady. I don't know anyone getting overtime.... those days are simply gone!
I just got work for the first time in several months and am doubtful that those glory days of overtime are anywhere nearby. For the most part, it was only ever one employer who was good about letting me work overtime anyway. Come to think of it, they cut back on my overtime every time they found another nurse who could take the hours, so I just thought that I had it good. We like to remember the good things and tend to want to forget the bad.
I am a new nurse graduate I have been hearing that most places are looking for nurses that have experience so hear is my question. I have 4 years of patient care experience working as a respiratory therapist. Will my previous experience be counted as experience when applying for a nursing position? Does that neccesarily put me ahead then new grads that doesn't have any patient care experience?
jchris wrote:I am a new nurse graduate I have been hearing that most places are looking for nurses that have experience so hear is my question. I have 4 years of patient care experience working as a respiratory therapist. Will my previous experience be counted as experience when applying for a nursing position? Does that neccesarily put me ahead then new grads that doesn't have any patient care experience?
Hey Chris,
Welcome to the field. You and I have something in common, we both were respiratory therapists before becoming nurses. I can tell you that the first nursing job is usually the hardest to get regardless of prior related experience but in my case, my R.T. background very much counted. Keep us posted on how things are working out.
Good luck,
R
jchris wrote:I am a new nurse graduate I have been hearing that most places are looking for nurses that have experience so hear is my question. I have 4 years of patient care experience working as a respiratory therapist. Will my previous experience be counted as experience when applying for a nursing position? Does that neccesarily put me ahead then new grads that doesn't have any patient care experience?
It definitely counts, any type of experience you have working with patients plays a part. From a Recruiter's perspective, if I can choose between a New Grad that has experience, as a RT, LPN, Scrub Tech etc and one that doesn't have any experience, you can probably imagine what the choice will be.
I just found out that I pass my NCLEX. Thank you God! Now I am searching for a position as a nurse. What are key facts that nurse recruiter look for when reviewing potential candidates resume's? What can nursing candidates write to stand out on his/her resume?
I just found out that I passed my NCLEX exam. Thank you God! Now I am looking for a position an entry level nurse. What are some key factors nurse recruiters look out for in a potential candidate resume? What should candidates put on their resume so that they will stand out from the rest?
Hey Chris,
Congratulations! Getting a nursing job won't be very different from getting a respiratory therapy job, really, so take a second to savor your success and catch your breath.
Once upon a time, I was in management and had the responsibility of hiring so I can share a bit of insight from the other side of the desk particularly, on the subjects of resume writing and interviewing.
The best resumes I've seen are brief, focused and grammatically excellent. A resume need not be more than one or two pages. If you cruise the internet looking for different templates, you will find something that fits your style. Regardless of how you choose to arrange your information, do the next few things and you will be successful.
Use plain white paper and simple text like Tahoma or New Times Roman, DO NOT embellish with borders, pictures or colors, be careful not to over-exaggerate your qualities and never, ever lie. Once your resume is done, take the time to write a business style cover letter addressed to the nursing recruiter, by name. This letter is like a synopsis of your resume with a few words about why you feel you would be a good fit at their facility. Briefly detail your interests and work history. This is where you can feature your respiratory care experience. Be sure to express interest in the facility and specifically, the target area. As with your resume, take the time to write this letter well and be absolutely sure about grammar and spelling. About a week after you mail off the resume and letter, follow up with a phone call. If they don't offer you an interview, ask to come in for one.
The next area I'd like to cover is the interview itself. Show up a few minutes early and have a binder with you in which to take notes. Write down names, titles and any other details. Be sure to have several copies of your resume with you and offer them to anyone who attends your meeting. When the introductions happen, stand up, give a firm handshake(not dishrag or knuckle crusher), make eye contact and smile. When seated, have good posture and lean foreward slightly because it shows interest. When it's your turn to speak, don't be afraid to pause momentarily to form your thoughts and then, enunciate well. If you're self conscious, practice standing and speaking in front of a mirror. It will help you become aware of nervous habits and facial expressions that you aren't aware of.
Since you're accustomed to healthcare institutions, these statements will be "no brainers" but others may read this post and not know these things so, indulge me. Go neatly dressed in business casual attire. Women should wear office professional clothing, not evening wear, not revealing, conservative shoes and pantihose or stockings. Men can skip the tie if it will kill them but dress pants and a button down shirt are necessary. No slogan tee shirts that can be seen under the dress shirt. Make up, jewelry, tattoos and fragrance are next. Regardless of what the institutional policy is on these things, appear conservatively at your interview(s). That means no bold studs and rings in visible piercings. If you prefer to wear something, it should be conservative and limited to two; one in each ear. If you have a tongue ring that doesn't impede your speech and you aren't inclined to play with it, leave it in. Otherwise, take it out for your interview. Multiple-multiple rings, bracelets and neclaces are not appropriate for the healthcare workplace and should not be worn. Hair should be clean and conservatively groomed. Tattoos should be covered. Make up, if you wear it, should be minimal and fragrance should be avoided.
Finally, after the interview, follow up with a thank you note.
This may sound like a lot but believe me, these things are what will make you stand out- in a positive way. Keep us posted on your progress.
Good luck,
R
Thank You RICU,
I will keep all these things in mind. I will keep you posted on my success.
MICU-RN wrote:Indeed.
Where I work I have seen my unit decrease in staff due to decrease in patients. Cut backs and double job duties. Hear others talk about friends or family who are out of a job.
Sad, but, true.
Have to figure, who can afford to take three months off from work for a knee or hip replacement, and go without a paycheck for that same amount of time.
Most beds in a hospital are elective surgeries. If people are holding off them them, makes for a lot of empty beds.
When there are bills to pay, I tell my patients each day, I'm happy to be here and working. Know lots of people who'd love to be at work and able to pay their bills.
Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.nursefriendly.comRicu,
Thanks for the post. I too am a new graduate, have passed my NCLEX and am looking for a job. I'm finding that I am filling out lots of online applications and getting confirmation e-mails saying "don't call us, we'll call you". Just to give some info I've been looking since mid July and have found nothing so far and I have an associates degree.
Any suggestions about following up on these, or is it just a waiting game.
Thank you in advance
DNight wrote:Ricu,
Thanks for the post. I too am a new graduate, have passed my NCLEX and am looking for a job. I'm finding that I am filling out lots of online applications and getting confirmation e-mails saying "don't call us, we'll call you". Just to give some info I've been looking since mid July and have found nothing so far and I have an associates degree.
When I graduated back in 1997, we were in the middle of a nursing "glut" and looked for a good nine months before I could find a job. Granted, I was working and being selective. Didn't want to work nights and wanted a hospital job.
There are lots of other options out there. I would hit the pavement and start in the yellow pages. If you've applied to all the hospitals in your area, look into clinics, nursing/rehab centers, doctors offices.
It boils down to what you're willing to settle for till things pick back up again. If you wait long enough, you'll likely get what you want. If you want to start working now, get that first year of experience under your belt, you might need to take what is out there.
Decide what your long range goals are, then decide which job while get you there.
Hope that helps,
Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.nursefriendly.comDNight wrote:Ricu,
Thanks for the post. I too am a new graduate, have passed my NCLEX and am looking for a job. I'm finding that I am filling out lots of online applications and getting confirmation e-mails saying "don't call us, we'll call you". Just to give some info I've been looking since mid July and have found nothing so far and I have an associates degree.
Any suggestions about following up on these, or is it just a waiting game.
Thank you in advance
Hi DNight,
I will echo everything that Andrew has posted. Online applications are fast and easy and many can be done in a sitting but do "hit the pavement." Is there a particular place that you have in mind, a site where you did clinicals, maybe? Do you know a nursing manager who you might like to work for? Think about this and then write that cover letter, send the resume directly to an individual and call in a week. Because you applied online to a facility doesn't mean that you can't go in person.
Another thing that you can do is go to nursing education symposiums. This is an excellent opportunity to see what's going on out there and network so dress like you're going on a job interview. Cruise the vendor exhibits and chat those people up. Have a few copies of your resume with you and give them out. Take business cards and build your contact list. You may be surprised at what interests you. Have you considered sales and service? VNA? , Hospice? Assisted living?, What about dialysis? Are you in a position where you can or would you consider relocating?
Medical facilities are running on leaner staff right now. While there is a lot of appeal, fair or not for a lot of reasons, fresh grads are usually hired last. Yes, the job market is tenuous right now but look at it as a challenge, get creative and step up to the plate. Even in better times, the first job is always the hardest to land but you will do it. As Andrew indicated, that first job may be just to get in the door and after you have a little experience under your belt, it will be easier to move around and find a fit.
Keep us posted and, good luck.
R
Ricu,
that is a fabulous post about applying for a job and prepping for an interview. I fully agree. As a Recruiter, even only for our small hospital here, I get many applications every day. I look at Nursing resumes and resumes for certsin key positions a little closer, but on the average, you have about 30 seconds to 1 minute for me to scan through your resume and decide whether it is worth a closer look or not.
Great post!
tclema wrote:Ricu,
that is a fabulous post about applying for a job and prepping for an interview. I fully agree. As a Recruiter, even only for our small hospital here, I get many applications every day. I look at Nursing resumes and resumes for certsin key positions a little closer, but on the average, you have about 30 seconds to 1 minute for me to scan through your resume and decide whether it is worth a closer look or not.
Great post!
I appreciate the feedback, thanks
R
I will be graduating May of 2010 with a bachelors of science in nursing, does anyone have any suggestions where to go to find jobs. I have heard so much about being an "experienced nurse" but how am I supposed to get that experience with hardly any jobs available? I am willing to go anywhere, would love to be an OR nurse. .
Thanks for any advice!!
hi Nurse 2010,
I've seen postings for new grad for OR at Rutland Regional Hospital Vermont this past spring and summer. Keep an eye on there website spring time.( pay is good)
Also, a few places in Florida are hiring new grads.(pay low but cost of living is kinda cheap and no state income tax)
If you know of an area you would like to live, then, check out the hospitals websites or call the nurse recruiter and see what is going on for new grads.
Things will change for you new grads.
New Grads have to consider relocating... Florida Hospitals hire and train new grads . They will pay for flight for interview and relocation expenses... so a nurse can work for a few years and then apply as a trained RN to wherever...... it's a good option. check it out and keep in mind Sebring, Fl, Fort Myers, etc..........................
I agree with you jmlusa2000... new grad nurses should be given the opportunity to practice. Stats says that a lot of nursing population from different countries around the world are already ageing, so who will replace them if the new generation nurses will not be given the chance to work in the hospitals settings.
I just would like to share this..
ive read that:
- a lot of older nurses no longer think about resignation.
- more new nursing graduates every year
- hospitals prefer BSN grads w/ experience
this means that the opportunity for new nurses to be employed is very low. how true is this?
Most older nurses can't retire due to the fact that their retirement plans and stock portfolio's took a dive during the economic down-turn. Most of us will work well past our retirement dates. It's not the same out there as it was when I went into nursing and facilities were falling all over themselves to attract new grads. Health-Care reform is not going to help either since it will essentially make nurses into poorly paid government workers. The current administration has actually stated that one way to cut operating costs in Government run healthcare facilities is to make most nurses part-time. Also in the bill is a provision for hospitals to get higher reimbursements if their staff have BS or higher degrees. It's really a very interesting read if you can get past the where fore's and here as's.
Hppy