The Truth About Getting a Job as a New Nurse: It's Not as Easy as You Think
One of the most common myths I hear about getting a job as a new nurse is that it is easy. I am tired of hearing “Don’t worry, you’ll get hired, there’s a nursing shortage!” or my personal favorite, “As long as you have a pulse, you’ll get a job.” These statements couldn’t be further from the truth. Today, I want to clear up this misconception and help you better understand the competitive nature of the new grad nurse job market.
The Competitive Job Market for New Nurses
Let’s start by acknowledging the reality: securing your first RN position is often the most competitive job search you’ll encounter in your entire nursing career. While hospitals may have open positions, that doesn’t mean they can just hire new grad nurses to fill them. The hiring process takes time, and according to AI, the average time it takes for a new grad nurse to land their first job is about three to six months. It’s not an overnight process.
So, why is it so tough to land that first job?
Why Hospitals Can’t Hire Every New Nurse Even if They Wanted To
Nursing programs graduate thousands of students during the same time periods throughout the year—typically in the spring and winter—and hospitals are only able to hire a limited number of new grads each year. Here’s why:
Cost of Orienting New Nurses: While new grads may be paid at the lower end of the pay scale, they come with a hefty price tag when you factor in orientation. New nurses need 6-12 weeks of one-on-one time with a preceptor. During this period, the hospital is paying two nurses for the work of one. So, even though new nurses are cheaper in salary, they’re costly when it comes to resources.
Skill Mix: Every unit must maintain a mix of experience levels. This mix is essential for patient safety, quality care and also creates a supportive environment for new nurses to transition to practice within. Hospitals need to balance new grads with experienced nurses.
Benner’s Stages of Clinical Competence help explain this process. A new grad is considered a “novice,” relying heavily on rules and protocols. Over time, they move through stages to become “competent,” “proficient,” and eventually “expert” nurses, each stage representing a higher level of skill and autonomy.
This skill mix is crucial for maintaining patient safety. Units that are employed solely of new or less experienced nurses are often under-resourced and prone to high turnover, which is not ideal for patient care or nurse retention.
The Competitive Landscape
The new grad nurse job market is flooded with applicants, and hospitals can only hire a set number of nurses. Some regions, such as the Bay Area in California, are particularly competitive. I recently worked with a client who applied to Kaiser and learned there were over 2,600 applicants for just 10-20 positions. That’s as competitive as it gets.
How to Set Yourself Up for Success
Given the competitiveness of the job market, how can you improve your chances of securing a job? Start early and be strategic. Here’s how:
Prepare Early: Begin your job search process 4 to 6 months before you graduate. By this time, have your resume and cover letter ready. It’s important to create a spreadsheet with the hospitals or health systems you want to apply to. Keep track of job postings and make sure you don’t miss them. Hospitals often post job openings and then close them when they receive enough applications.
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter: A generic cover letter is easy to spot and won’t make you stand out. Show that you’ve done your research on the hospital or unit and explain why you specifically want to work there. Customize your letter to highlight how your skills align with their mission and values.
Be Strategic with Letters of Reference: Many new grad programs require 2-3 letters of reference. Don’t leave this to the last minute. Start thinking about who you want to ask for a letter of recommendation 4-6 months before graduation. Approach people who know you well and can speak to your strengths, whether that’s a clinical instructor, professor, or previous employer. Be intentional when asking for these letters, and ensure they speak to your unique qualities and work ethic.
For example, instead of saying ⬇️
“Professor Smith, could you write me a letter of reference?”
Try being more strategic & say something like ⬇️
“Professor Smith, I am applying for competitive nursing residency programs and would appreciate it if you could speak to my work ethic, reliability, and strengths in a letter of recommendation.”
Want additional help standing out amongst the candidate pool?
Check out The New Nurse Society!
Online Community for New Nurses!
Final Thoughts
It’s crucial to understand that while there may be a nursing shortage, the job market for new grads is incredibly competitive. Hospitals can only hire a limited number of nurses, and the process is complex, involving resource allocation, skill mix considerations, and budget constraints.
To improve your chances of landing a job, start early, stay organized, and be strategic in how you approach the job search. With the right preparation, you’ll be much more likely to stand out in this competitive field.
Good luck, and don’t let anyone tell you it’s a walk in the park! Keep your eyes on the prize, and take proactive steps to make your first job search a success!
- Caroline
PS. Want more on this topic? Check out Life After Nursing School Podcast Episode 3