Julie writes: As a student EEN about to graduate in two weeks, I wish I’d looked into employment options prior to enrolling. According to our teachers there are plenty of jobs. I would say that jobs are scarce even with experience!

I have been trying for months to get a position in aged care – I have applied for positions vacant online, I have cold canvassed and emailed facilities and I never hear back.

I have started to apply for EEN positions to be told I will need to apply for EEN new grad jobs – I believe I have seen one public position in the Hunter region in the last 6 months and a handful in private facilities. My TAFE alone is turning out 90-120 EENs annually.

I can guarantee most wards are short on shifts but they just don’t have the nursing hours available to employ new staff – this infuriates me no end.

Do other Enrolled Nurse students share this experience?