<p>One reason for this problem is that many hospitals, as a cost cutting measure, have eliminated their historical Graduate Nurse Training Programs and therefore only feel comfortable hiring RN’s who have had experience. Some hospitals, as an alternative, have set up Nursing “Internship Programs” for new grads where they get paid at a reduced rate as they obtain training and experience working with experienced RN’s (usually in specific unit settings). These programs generally last 3-6 months in duration and many of these nurses end up being hired as a regular RN at the hospital where they were involved with the Internship Program, or at least have gotten some experience to increase their chances to be hired at other hospitals. Unfortunately there are not a lot of these programs available. Senior Nursing students need to begin to look for these programs early in the second semester of their last year (just google “Nursing Intership Programs” to locate some of these programs or check with your college’s Nursing Department, which should be aware of any available). You have to assume a very active role in finding these programs. </p>
<p>This problem also speaks to the fact that when trying to decide on what Nursing Program to attend one needs to consider where one want to work following graduation. Many students are able to find positions much easier with hospitals that they were involved with when taking their clinical rotations while in college. Many hospitals feel much more comfortable, and give preference to, hiring new nurses from training programs they are affiliated with. Many people feel this is the key factor in finding a nursing job post graduation (at least right now).</p>
<p>I also would agree with ShanghaiMom that getting additional nursing work experience while still in college could increase ones chances of landing a job. Our D worked in two Nursing paid externship/nurse assistant programs at two hospitals during her Jr. and Sr. years of college. She felt that this was one factor that resulted in her finding a job relatively easily following graduation. Again you have to actively seek out these types of programs at hospitals in the area where you are attending college. Our D started looking for these programs in her sophomore year as she began to do some clinicals. Obviously there are never any guarantees.</p>
<p>There actually is still a nursing shortage in many areas and RN’s with experience generally have little problem finding a job (put you can’t be too picky).</p>