I was a new RN in 1989! There were no jobs!

interesting! thanks for sharing!

And I thought some of the conditions I've worked under were gnarly.......thank you for a glimpse at a dimension of nursing I've never had to experience (thank GOD)!

I have been through several no job cycles. I was a new RN in 1970's, I worked a surgical unit, 27 patients, often myself ( 1 year experience), LPN, and an aide. We had patient status post AAA repair, one or two days post CABG, and other very intense GU surgery.My only saving grace was if someone too ill, many patients would hire a private duty nurse. Sometimes we would have a couple on the floor. Nothing was computerized, cardiac monitors did not have any recall, no pulse ox is was pretty scary.

This was a great article...I loved it....my little dog is trying to jump up on me tofigure out whyI am doubled over laughing....-

I loved your story. I don't know how you made it through that time in your career, it sounds nightmarish.

I was a new grad engineer in 1990...there weren't very many jobs for me either!

I am a new Grad RN with a BSN, who cant get an interview. Thank you for sharing your story, its encouraging.

I've learned on my skin that "beggars can't be choosers..." My first job was in correctional facility, I hated it but did what I had to do and even saved one inmate from dying d/t DKA. When an opportunity came I took a job on psych floor, while working part time with kids on ventilators in home care with one agency and hospice with another. After a job for a PICU nurse was posted I had experience in all of the above and was given an opportunity over many other new grads with 1 year or less of experience. My nurse manager told me that when I said "I've learned from each and any one of the opportunities" is what landed me the job I was the happiest nurse in the world. I love nursing and the variety of opportunities it has and ways it provides us with knowledge. There is a saying in Hebrew "from all of those who taught me I have become wiser..."