For the last year teaching ACLS I have noticed a steady increase in the amount of unemployed new nursing grads. They have the skills, have completed school and are licensed, but they are having a difficult time getting work. How can there be a shortage and demand for nurses and yet be difficult for new nurses to get a job? The recession has been the ultimate job killer for many industries and health care is no exception. Let me repeat that….health care is NO Exception. Health care membership are down in many areas. Many companies that buy health care membership for their employees are going out of business.

If the companies are going out of business, the natural consequence is that new health care memberships are also going to be down. Now if you do the simple math you can see how this will effect new nurses and many other health care professions. No new memberships mean less need for staff, which mean less opportunities for newbies. It is plain and simple. Hospitals are often bypassing the new nurses for those with experience because they too are looking for jobs. It is a vicious cycle that is causing stress and concern among those nursing students who have yet to even finish their program. It can pretty disappointing to have spent the time, money and effort to acquire a nursing license only to find out that landing that well paying job is more difficult and competitive then expected. The keyword here is competitive. At this time you very well need to be thinking competitively and doing everything you can to give yourself an advantage over the next applicant. A registered nurse has many different opportunities, however if you are depending on your license alone to be your only selling point then you may be waiting awhile.

From a business perspective, I will be looking for professionals with the most skills. Someone who is well rounded and is an asset to our operation, not just someone that has an RN license. If I (as an employer) can get a more skilled RN for the same price as new one, what do you think I am going to do? More skills make you more valuable. More skills also give you more opportunity for experience. If you have to take a lower level position temporarily to get needed experience and more skills then do it. Consider it continuing your education and not stooping below your talent. People who are multi-talented always have work because they don’t have all their eggs in one basket. Think long term and don’t get frustrated because you are not starting your nursing career at $50.00 an hour. Make yourself worth $50.00 an hour to an employer and they will be looking for you, even in the tough times.

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