Now do you get nursing experience or make yourself more marketable?

[Goofycampers]

I am a home health nurse and I don't think this is a good job for new grads, in fact most agencies require at least a year experience. This position requires experience, critical thinking and being able to make alot of independent decisions. Her best bet is to take any hospital position she can find, even something like part-time night shift. Then, once she is in the door she'll be able to find something else. When I graduated (BSN) 25yrs ago there was a job shortage and while I got a great job, many of my friends were struggling to find one. They took whatever they could find in a hosp and they all worked into better jobs. Tell her to keep her chin up. These things are cyclical and pretty soon she'll be able to turn jobs down.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

dakcp, you lost me. I have no doubt the job market is very tight right now. As others have mentioned, historically, it's been cyclical, even without the struggling economy we have now. Throw in the economy as it is, and it could be worse than ever. Hiring freezes abound, and new graduates are competing against experienced nurses for the jobs that are available. Absolutely a difficult situation, and my good wishes to any nurses who find themselves in such a difficult position. I believe, however, that eventually, you will all find work. It behooves each nurse to make him or herself as marketable as possible.

 

[disfan07]

One of my friends just graduated from nursing school and is highly considering moving out here to Los Angeles.

Both Cedars-Sinai and UCLA are hiring nurses. Cedars-Sinai especially....they are very short on nurses right now
But, my friend does have her BSN as well which a lot of the jobs require or prefer.

Cedars-Sinai has some outpatient clinic RN jobs that dont require any experience but they do require that she has her BSN

I dont think gettign her BSN would be a bad idea. It would probably open up a lot more options for her.

I dont understand why relocation is not an optioin. Most new grads (especially these days) have no choice but to relocate if they want a job.

ETA: do any o fthe hospitals near you have new graduate RN program? UCLA has one and all that it requires is to have graduated within the last 12 months

 

[Judy in Texas]

OP here...

Relocation is not an option because she is married and her husband has a good job. They also have a house that would be difficult to sell/rent in this economy.

She has explored the internship programs and has her name in for a few.

Yes, she is interested in Public Health and has applied for a position in Columbus.

As someone mentioned, most of the home health care jobs require at least one year experience.

She keeps applying almost daily for the new jobs in the area. A number of the Columbus Hospitals are part of the Ohio Health network and they allow you to post for only one position every 30 days. That's limiting.

I'll forward on the ideas, especially for working as a home companion, summer camp RN, a sub for school nurses...

Thanks to everyone...

 

[wvjules]

OP here...

Relocation is not an option because she is married and her husband has a good job. They also have a house that would be difficult to sell/rent in this economy.

She has explored the internship programs and has her name in for a few.

Yes, she is interested in Public Health and has applied for a position in Columbus.

As someone mentioned, most of the home health care jobs require at least one year experience.

She keeps applying almost daily for the new jobs in the area. A number of the Columbus Hospitals are part of the Ohio Health network and they allow you to post for only one position every 30 days. That's limiting.

I'll forward on the ideas, especially for working as a home companion, summer camp RN, a sub for school nurses...

Thanks to everyone...

Has she looked into per diem positions? I had a friend that did anesthesiology per diem work at several hospitals. The money was good but no benefits.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Has she looked into per diem positions? I had a friend that did anesthesiology per diem work at several hospitals. The money was good but no benefits.

Most per diem positions require experience. Per diem nurses need to be more self sufficient than most because they are there less frequently than regularly scheduled staff and therefore aren't always up on the latest information. This is where experience kicks in. Not just hands on experience, but experience in critical thinking and where to go for resources, etc. Why hire them, you say? Because they fill a gap when there are unexpected or irregular needs. They also generally get pretty minimal orientation (as opposed to extensive orientation for new grads), in part because they're expected to be experienced, but also because they're not there that often and sometimes come and go, so the facility doesn't always want to put a ton of resources into their hiring and training.

 

[wvjules]

Most per diem positions require experience. Per diem nurses need to be more self sufficient than most because they are there less frequently than regularly scheduled staff and therefore aren't always up on the latest information. This is where experience kicks in. Not just hands on experience, but experience in critical thinking and where to go for resources, etc. Why hire them, you say? Because they fill a gap when there are unexpected or irregular needs. They also generally get pretty minimal orientation (as opposed to extensive orientation for new grads), in part because they're expected to be experienced, but also because they're not there that often and sometimes come and go, so the facility doesn't always want to put a ton of resources into their hiring and training.

Ahh, that makes sense. Thanks.

 

[ReneeA]

Unfortunately, the only nurses I graduated with that had jobs lined up before they graduated worked as techs while in school. We already had a decent base, knew people, and knew our patient base prior to graduation. The rest have had to scramble and for the most part, don't have jobs yet (graduated 2 months ago).

 

[Disney Doll]

See my post below yours. The nursing homes around me are giving you a few DAYS, and then telling you it's "Trial By Fire."

Then someone needs to report them to your state's DPH because I am pretty sure that they would frown upon that. Perhaps JCAHO needs to hear about it too.

 

[taximomfor4]

Then someone needs to report them to your state's DPH because I am pretty sure that they would frown upon that. Perhaps JCAHO needs to hear about it too.

You know what really stunk about that? I was shocked how much I ended up loving the patients. It was the last type of nursing job I wanted, but took it out of desperation. In talking to a nursing school instructor recently, I learned that she STRONGLY discourages new grad RNs to take the nursing home jobs for that exact reason. They are, literally, in charge. Most only staff 1 RN per shift, so it's not like there is a back-up or a preceptor after that 5 day orientation.

I wonder if it's reportable. Hmmmmm. Are there rules on length of orientation/preceptorship?

 

[elizke]

My stepdaughter graduated last spring and had a lot of trouble getting a job too. She ended up getting a job at a dermatologists' office, where they specialize in modern removal of skin problems, whether they be cancerous or suspicious. It doesn't pay as much as a hospital, but it's a pretty fancy place and the pay and benefits are pretty decent. The hours are better too.

Just before she got that job she had signed up with a company that does vaccinations at various public places, like schools and drugstores, so you go somewhere different every day. It wasn't the best option, but it was something that paid, and the flexibility allowed her to keep looking for better.

 

[tomthebarncat]

with the Red Cross in their Bio-medical services. It is a great way to get some actual nursing time in, network, give something back and build her resume. you have provided a list of things she will not do to get a job, so can you please tell us she will do? She is really limiting herself by being so inflexible.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Has she entertained the thought of temporarily moving to another area where nursing graduates are in demand?

I can't fathom that in an entire countyr that she can't find a job anywhere.

FWIW when DH and I graduated, we did not limit our searches to where we wanted to live. We expanded our searches to include anyone, anywhere that would give us a job.

My suggestion--look everywhere. She may not get her ideal job--but the goal is to get a job to get the experience and then grow from there.

It also seems that in this economy--I know so many people who are pursuing nursing school, that there may be an overflow of newbies that may be flooding the "no job expereince necessary" positions.

IMHO being unwilling to relocate may be her downfall. I was unwilling to relocate--but when there are no local jobs, there are no local jobs--period. This is not the time to get choosy. We cannot perform magic and make jobs appear in her desired locale.

For example, here are the listings for a local hospital:

https://www.wuesthoff.org/applyOnline/JobSearch.aspx#JobList
COORD, CLINICAL EDUCATION-MCM Medical Center-Melbourne MCM Nurs Admin Registered Nurses (RN) FT 1 Job Details
PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR-MCM Medical Center-Melbourne MCM MedSurg Registered Nurses (RN) FT 1 Job Details
PER DIEM RN-3 7P-7A (MCM) Medical Center-Melbourne MCM ICU Registered Nurses (RN) PD 3 Job Details
RN Medical Center-Rockledge MCR Ortho/Neur Registered Nurses (RN) FT 3 Job Details
PER DIEM RN-3 Medical Center-Rockledge MCR Ortho/Neur Registered Nurses (RN) PD 1 Job Details
RN Medical Center-Rockledge MCR Surg/Onco Registered Nurses (RN) FT 3 Job Details
RN Medical Center-Rockledge MCR Surg/Onco Registered Nurses (RN) FT 3 Job Details
RN Medical Center-Rockledge MCR Med Surg Registered Nurses (RN) FT 3 Job Details
RN Medical Center-Rockledge MCR CSU - 2 T Registered Nurses (RN) FT 3 Job Details
PER DIEM RN-3 7P-7A Medical Center-Rockledge MCR CSU - 2 T Registered Nurses (RN) PD 3 Job Details
PER DIEM RN-3 7P-7A Medical Center-Rockledge MCR CSU - 2 T Registered Nurses (RN) PD 3 Job Details
RN Medical Center-Rockledge MCR ICU Registered Nurses (RN) PT 1 Job Details
RN Medical Center-Rockledge MCR ICU Registered Nurses (RN) FT 3 Job Details
PER DIEM RN-3 Medical Center-Rockledge MCR ICU Registered Nurses (RN) PD 1 Job Details
PER DIEM RN-3 7P-7A Medical Center-Rockledge MCR ICU Registered Nurses (RN) PD 3 Job Details
PER DIEM RN-3 7P-7A Medical Center-Rockledge MCR ICU Registered Nurses (RN) PD 3 Job Details
PER DIEM RN-3 7P-7A Medical Center-Rockledge MCR ICU Registered Nurses (RN) PD 3 Job Details
PER DIEM RN-3 Medical Center-Rockledge MCR O R Registered Nurses (RN) PD 1 Job Details
PER DIEM RN-3 Medical Center-Rockledge MCR Recvy Rm Registered Nurses (RN) PD 2 Job Details
RN Medical Center-Rockledge MCR Fm Brth Pl Registered Nurses (RN) PT 3 Job Details
RN Medical Center-Rockledge MCR ER Registered Nurses (RN) PT 2 Job Details
RN Medical Center-Rockledge MCR ER Registered Nurses (RN) PT 3 Job Details
RN Medical Center-Rockledge MCR ER Registered Nurses (RN) PT 1 Job Details
RN Medical Center-Rockledge MCR ER Registered Nurses (RN) PT 1 Job Details
RN Medical Center-Rockledge MCR ER Registered Nurses (RN) FT 3 Job Details
PER DIEM RN-2 Medical Center-Rockledge MCR Dialysis Registered Nurses (RN) PD 1 Job Details
PER DIEM RN-3 Medical Center-Rockledge MCR Dialysis Registered Nurses (RN) PD 1 Job Details
CLINIC RN Medical Center-Rockledge MCR Wound Care Registered Nurses (RN) PD 1 Job Details
LPN,HOSPICE Brevard Hospice BH Nurs Pool Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) FT 3 Job Details
INTAKE COORDINATOR,HOSPICE Brevard Hospice BH Nurs Pool Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) FT 1 Job Details
REGISTERED NURSE,HOSPICE Brevard Hospice BH Nurs Pool Registered Nurses (RN) PD 1 Job Details
MGR, HOSPICE CLINICAL SUPPORT Brevard Hospice BH HC-Admin Registered Nurses (RN) FT 1 Job Details
REGISTERED NURSE,HOME HEALTH Brevard Homecare BHC HC-Suntree Registered Nurses (RN) PD 1 Job Details
NURSE PRACTITIONER Wuesthoff Family Physicians WFP WALMART MI Registered Nurses (RN) FT 3 Job Details
NURSE PRACTITIONER Wuesthoff Family Physicians WFP WALMART MI Registered Nurses (RN) PD 1 Job Details
TEMP RN Temp MSO Mgd SvcOrg Registered Nurses (RN) FT 1 Job Details
TEMP RN Temp MSO Mgd SvcOrg Registered Nurses (RN) FT 3 Job Details
TEMP RN Temp MSO Mgd SvcOrg Registered Nurses (RN) FT 1 Job Details
TEMP RN Temp MSO Mgd SvcOrg Registered Nurses (RN) FT 3 Job Details

 

[npmommie]

My daughter graduated from nursing school last year and passed her state boards. She is now an RN. There are more nurses in central Ohio than available jobs and most are requiring at least one year experience. Relocation is not an option. She doesn't want to take a position in an extended care facility because she doesn't feel she has nearly enough experience to be in charge of a floor. Without a job, going back to school to get her BSN would be difficult. How does she make herself more marketable? Thanks in advance for your advice.

Honestly she can do extended care, she should really reconsider. She may be "charge" of the unit but most likely she will have another nurse working with her, she will gain experience, critical thinking skills, organizational skills, time management skills, etc etc etc.
she can get her year of experience and move on and have an easier time getting into an acute care hospital.

I disagree that she's being picky by not wanting to be the only RN on a floor full of elderly patients. She would have no one to turn to for a "second opinion" or for "back-up." She is correct - that would not be a good job for her as a new grad. Even though someone has graduated and passed boards, they can't really teach what someone looks like when they're about to get REALLY sick; you have to experience it.

she would have nurses on the other units, and ideally a nursing supervisor in the building.
I don't know any NH around here that work with 1 nurse to a unit and no supervisor in the building.
there is also sometimes a "treatment" nurse for the building.

Has she looked into per diem positions? I had a friend that did anesthesiology per diem work at several hospitals. The money was good but no benefits.

new grads won't be hired for per diem positions, you have to already have experience since you are pretty much thrown in!
if you sign on per diem with a hospital for instance they will orient you to the unit etc, but you are expected to be able to jump right in. plus you are not there regular which also makes it harder

 

[Judy in Texas]

you have provided a list of things she will not do to get a job, so can you please tell us she will do? She is really limiting herself by being so inflexible.

I don't think saying she doesn't want to work unsupervised in an extended care facility as a new graduate is being inflexible. Previous posters have called it sensible. She is willing to commute as long as it is on decent roads. She doesn't want to drive an hour each way on dark back country roads at midnight in the winter. She's looking for any hospital, doctor's office, neighborhood health clinic, internship, Red Cross, for example to start. As I mentioned before, she is married and her husband has a good job. If she relocates, she would be leaving him behind.

 

[minkydog]

In this economy your DD can't afford to be picky. While she may not want to do a certain type of work or commute she may have to if she wants to get a job.

I agree. A new grad with no experience? Why *would* a hospital want to hire her over a nurse with more education and more experience? She needs to make herself look as valuable as possible.

OP, are you saying your DD does NOT have her BSN? If that is the case, it may be very difficult for her to get a job. Hospitals, nursing homes are looking for the RN w/BSN! AND some even want the MS.

OP, I think your DD needs to look at getting her BSN.

I agree with this. There was a time when you could walk into a hospital with your brand new 2 year RN degree or even an LPN and get a job in med/surg. That day is long gone. Associate degree nurses(2 year) can still get jobs IF they have the experience to back it up. Rarely will they be made managers and almost never will they climb the ranks to house supervisor or director of nursing, unless they have a LOT of special experience. THe BSN is the gold standard for nursing.

My suggestion would be the same as others: in this economy, take a job in long-term care to get some experience under her belt. Sure, it's not glamorous, but she will get her foot in the door and she can use that experience as a stepping stone to another job later.

I have an AS in nursing, and a BS in another field. I have never had a problem getting a job, but then I have never wanted to supervise or teach nurses. I am happy to be at the bedside or in a clinic. When I graduated in 1977 the field was glutted like it is now. This market will turn around eventually just like it has before. Tell your daughter to hang in there and do WHATEVER it takes to get into a nursing job. The longer it takes, the worse it's going to be for her..