Nurses.......People not in healthcare don't believe you when you say "I'm having a hard time finding a job"???

Well, it's true! Even Nurses are having a hard time finding a job in this economy! I get so tired of hearing the comments, "Oh you are an RN? You will always have a job, and probably anywhere you want!" "Well, if you are a nurse, then you don't have to worry about a job!"...Oh and for new graduate nurses, my favorite comment....... "You can't find a job?" "Well, I see tons of nursing jobs in the classifieds, have you looked there?" OMG!!!! Yes it is even more difficult for new grad nurses and newly licensed nurses to find a job. Forget about the job and field you really want and the reason you went into nursing! Forget about full time, benefits to start, bonuses, and a good working environment. You must have experience!!!! You must have a ton of certifications! You must have some kind of hookup or someone you know (to get you in)!!
Well, I had to get this off my chest! Anyone else have this problem?

Tags: Economy, Job, graduate, new

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Permalink Reply by Mari Kaye on December 30, 2009 at 11:28pm

Sarah, I have heard your dilemna so many times and just as vociferously that it terrifies me. After all, I am still working on my nursing prerequisites. However, I think the situation is poised to slowly grow better from at least mid 2010 onward. As you probably already know, only about half of the stimulus money has been spent thus far. Assuming some is spent this year, this can bring unemployment rates down, which poliicians need to do to get elected in 2010 and 2012. Also, most economists predict a gradual decline in the unemployment rate anyway because the unemployment rate is alwasy a lagging economic indicator, and earier economic indicators have been gradually improving. I wish eveything was better right now, but please have hope.

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Permalink Reply by Rebecca LaForce on January 2, 2010 at 12:43am

Well I guess I have TOO much experience as this is the worst job market I have ever encountered!!!
I have been a nurse for 34 years and an RN since 1993. I have been employed in many aspects of nursing and have NEVER had a problem finding employment until 2009. I have been unemployed since June 2009 and I am really starting to worry. I am sure this must be very disheartening for all of you who have recently graduated and had hoped to break into "The profession that always has openings." You have quoted very well what I have heard my entire career. I am 52 years old and have been a nurse since was 18 years old. There certainly was a time when nurses really were sought after I could work when I wanted where I wanted and as many hours as I wanted. That is not so any more. I also know what you mean by "all the jobs in the classified" I will clue you in on those. they aren't REALLY openings. Those jobs are posted to "test the market". To assess the quantity, experience level and availability of the nurse in any given area. Many of those openings are "on paper" only. Do not be discouraged by not being hired for a position that never really existed.
My best advice to those of your entering the job force is to do your best NOT to become "pigeon holed" Try to gain as much varied experience as possible. Look for mentoring programs. Remember why you came into nursing and hold fast to that.
If I can answer any specific questions please feel free to ask.
Rebecca