New Nurse, New Job Strategies
by Donna Cardillo, RN, MA
Dear Donna,
I am a new graduate nurse and am having trouble finding a job. Some of my classmates are experiencing the same thing.
We’re being told there are no vacancies. I thought there was a nursing shortage — what gives?
New Grad
Dear New Grad,
There is an interesting phenomenon occurring that is
temporarily squeezing the job market for new graduates in some parts of the country. Because of the highly publicized nursing
shortage, many experienced nurses who have been out of the workforce are returning to work. Likewise, many “older” nurses
who were expected to retire are continuing to work because they want/need the income and benefits or because they prefer to stay
engaged in their profession.
Additionally, because of the rising cost of just about everything and a slump in the economy,
many experienced nurses, in an effort to boost their income, are picking up extra shifts when they can, and some part-timers are
expanding their hours. In some cases, a nurse may have been at home raising a family when his or her spouse got laid off,
necessitating that nurse’s return to the workforce.
All this means that new graduates may need to look a little longer
and harder — and possibly in different areas — for their first nursing positions.
So what’s a new grad to do? For starters,
focus your job finding efforts on networking (a.k.a. word of mouth). One way to do that is to join and attend local meetings of your
state nurses association and volunteer for a committee that interests you. Most SNAs offer reduced dues for new graduates.
This is a great way to make valuable connections, learn about opportunities, market yourself, and find mentors. And while
this is a step that every new grad should take, it becomes even more important during challenging times.
You should also be going to Nursing Spectrum/NurseWeek Career Fairs and facility open house/recruitment events. Arrive
at these events dressed in a business suit or your best outfit. Come prepared with business cards and copies of your
résumé. Shake hands, make eye contact, and engage the recruiter in conversation about what his or her
facility has to offer while demonstrating enthusiasm, interest, and professionalism. When all is said and done, employers
are still looking for someone with a positive, upbeat attitude who projects a positive, professional image.
Volunteer somewhere medical, if necessary, while you look for paid employment. You may even be able to find a paying
job and some training at a local blood bank, neighborhood clinic, public health department, or other out-patient setting.
Consider nontraditional work settings until a hospital position (if that’s what you want to do) comes up. For example, look into long-term
care, assisted living, psychiatric nursing, rehabilitation, and other alternate care settings.
Nursing shortage or not, the job market fluctuates periodically and will continue to do so throughout your career. Always be
flexible and creative in the job search process. There is something to learn in every situation — about yourself, about nursing,
about health care, and about the world around you.
Best wishes,
Donna
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Nursing Spectrum Nurse Wire (www.nursingspectrum.com).
All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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