If I hear this one more time....

1 ... I swear I'll scream:

"You're an RN, you can have a job tomorrow!"

Yes, that was true maybe five years ago, but today... how can people be so clueless? Especially other nurses! Case in point, a close friend of mine; has been with the same employer for a decade; could be fired tomorrow if she has to call in sick (which would be the first time since May '10; such goes the punitive sick policy she got caught up in); but she's convinced she'll have a job tomorrow, just because she's an RN! Even if she gets fired for attendance issues!

Is it just me... (unemployed for almost a year) - or are some people absolutely clueless about today's economy? And what do you say to them?!

Sorry for the vent, it just got to me today.

DeLana
I think it's possible because in my area, LTC facilities are always looking for a few good RN's. Same with the local Rehab hospital. I guess it just depends on the area of the country you are in.

Quote from DeLana_RN... I swear I'll scream:"You're an RN, you can have a job tomorrow!" Yes, that was true maybe five years ago, but today... how can people be so clueless? Especially other nurses! Case in point, a close friend of mine; has been with the same employer for a decade; could be fired tomorrow if she has to call in sick (which would be the first time since May '10; such goes the punitive sick policy she got caught up in); but she's convinced she'll have a job tomorrow, just because she's an RN! Even if she gets fired for attendance issues!Is it just me... (unemployed for almost a year) - or are some people absolutely clueless about today's economy? And what do you say to them?!Sorry for the vent, it just got to me today.DeLana

Quote from delana_rn... i swear i'll scream:"you're an rn, you can have a job tomorrow!" yes, that was true maybe five years ago, but today... how can people be so clueless? especially other nurses! case in point, a close friend of mine; has been with the same employer for a decade; could be fired tomorrow if she has to call in sick (which would be the first time since may '10; such goes the punitive sick policy she got caught up in); but she's convinced she'll have a job tomorrow, just because she's an rn! even if she gets fired for attendance issues!is it just me... (unemployed for almost a year) - or are some people absolutely clueless about today's economy? and what do you say to them?!sorry for the vent, it just got to me today.delana

The economy sucks. So is job hunting now days. I've recently applied for some jobs in a different location. I've worked 3 years with Surgical/Trauma/Transplant patients in the ICU, and I still get emails back from their HR saying I don't qualify...I think the whole HR system is a joke. You know a good hospital when they have good nurse recruiter. Luckily, I'm not unemployed, and I have received some employers who are interested.

Clueless!!! Just cause one is experienced don't cut it. I've been looking since august for a new job. Even in my same system I apply , apply and apply getting rejected. I've only had 2 interviews. Due to family reasons ( car) I'mLooking to get the same hours of husband and hoping for the same hospital. Also it took my husband 16 months to land a new job after being laid off from auto industry. Your friend could get an agency job tomorrow but getting thru Hr is a long and tedious job!

Quote from dhammo01The economy sucks. So is job hunting now days. I've recently applied for some jobs in a different location. I've worked 3 years with Surgical/Trauma/Transplant patients in the ICU, and I still get emails back from their HR saying I don't qualify...I think the whole HR system is a joke. You know a good hospital when they have good nurse recruiter. Luckily, I'm not unemployed, and I have received some employers who are interested.

I have to agree with one of the above posters... it depends on your area and what type of job you are looking for. In my area of the state...you can get a job. If you are looking for a specific floor or unit or you want only certain hours..maybe not as fast. If you are looking for a job to get in the door and get experience...they will take you. If you are willing to do LTC, skilled care or rehab....you can have a job today (or in some places if you are experienced..you can get the job like yesterday) A job is a job when you are desparate. BUT....I totally get what the OP was saying.

It is well known that even though you are an RN it is very difficult to get a job right now...It may be easier to get a job in LTC right now because of high turnover but in my area it's difficult EVEN AS A NURSE!!!!

Thanks for the replies. I do know that some jobs are available and always will be, but I am restricted by family obligations to working only certain days/hours and no call. Therefore, it is very difficult even for me as an experienced nurse to find a job. Years ago, they would have accommodated me (and paid a sign-on bonus as well), but nowadays they got it too good - too many applications from desperate nurses to pick and choose from.I agree with pp - HR is just about useless! They used to at least forward your application to the manager of the department you applied to - now they get so many apps, they just prescreen themselves; never mind, most recruiters aren't even nurses and don't have a clue. And if your opinion of HR isn't already low enough, read the new Reader's Digest which will confirm what pp has mentioned - and more. And no, it's not good, their job truly is to screen people out (as they admit anonymously).So my plan is now to get my foot in the door of an organization I'd like to work for by starting as a volunteer; because it's a fact that the only way to find a job nowadays is through connections (as the friendly HR folks in the RD article confirm).Best of luck to everyone,DeLana

What about part time work instead of volunteer? That is a way to get your foot in the door. I guess it really depends on what you are looking for. It sounds kinda specialized.

Ironically, though I have not been able to even get a call-back on any of my applications for nursing positions, I have an upcoming interview at a local hospital for a CNA position. The hiring manager is aware that I'm an RN and I was honest with her on the phone, saying that the primary reason I was interested in the job was to get my foot in the door at her hospital in the hope that at some point in the future I'd be considered for open nursing positions.I also do volunteer work as an EMT with my local fire company and at a nurse-managed clinic but that has not really helped in locating a nursing job.

Quote from michelle126What about part time work instead of volunteer? That is a way to get your foot in the door. I guess it really depends on what you are looking for. It sounds kinda specialized.