I personally think it is because nurses are so short staffed that places are wanting to hire nurses with experience to cut down on the amount of time needed to train and orient new nurses. The less time it takes to orient a new hire nurse, the quicker management can get nurses on the floor working. Is it fair? No. But don't let it get you down and keep trying!! You might not start out where you want to, but any kind of experience is still experience and eventually you'll get where you want to be.
I am currently on that same boat. I think it has to do with experience. However, there are many places hiring new nurses. We got to keep looking and don’t give up.
If you are looking for your first job as a new nurse and not having any luck where you are try networking with your peers that have jobs. They can act as your eyes and ears in the facility. Be willing to relocate to states offering New Grad residency programs.
Also, it’s never a bad idea to approach an assisted living or nursing home. They’re usually short staffed and willing to train new grads. You will gain invaluable skills that can transfer later on if you decide to leave. This is how I beat the old “ you don’t have 1-yr experience “ back in 1995 during a nursing shortage.
Good luck!
There are so many new graduate nurse programs in California that start from about $38-55/hr. Cedars Sinai (#2 in the nation, #1 in state) offers an amazing new graduate program. Almost every hospital in California offers a new grad program.
Let's not forget California's 4:1 patient ratio and 2:1 for ICU patients.
I never had that problem. I did clinical in most of the hospitals and volunteered as well. I also attended an exceptional nursing school with a great reputation. I fully believe that is why I had several offers.
Because you aren't willing to move?
I agree in part with Kimberly Smith. Relocating for a New Grad Residency program is an EXCELLENT idea!
Be careful about taking a first job in a nursing home if you really want to work in a hospital. That could backfire on you because hospitals might say that you have no "hospital" experince and once you're no longer a new grad, you dont qualify for Residency programs.
