Very discouraged...I regret not becoming a CNA during RN school.

[Cynnie24]

Now that graduation is approaching (May 2014), I am starting to realize how hard it is going to be to find a job. I have heard that Seattle is a bad place to be for new grads anyways, let alone someone with no healthcare experience. I am very discouraged when I should be excited and proud of my accomplishments, as this is my dream. I worked as a waitress all through school as it was extremely flexible with my schedule and payed enough to pay the bills. I regret not working as a CNA because not only does it get your foot in the door, but it really helps with confidence. Two people in my class are getting jobs on their units as RNs because they are CNAs. It is very discouraging. I am only 21 and feel that my resume will be lacking with only one job for 5 years (still working there). I will also have 100 hours of volunteer hours at a hospital, and will be doing the RN-BSN program next fall, and am getting ACLS soon. I just got my CNA license after 4 months of processing! But at this point, what facility will want to hire me for only 4 months? I want to work LTC right out of school as an RN but I am starting to notice on here that people cant even get hired there out of the gate, and that there are very little postings of LTC RNs around here.

Anyone else feel the same way? Thank you all for this vent. I really needed to express myself to someone.

[vivrantthing]

I graduated in May 2012 and have yet to find a job. I live in NYC so the market here is so competitive, especially with recent hospital closures. I completely understand where you're coming from. I was 20 when I graduated and had no experience outside of clinicals.

Try to look on the bright side of things. You haven't graduated yet and I'm assuming you're still in clinicals with a possible preceptorship lined up? Network, network, network! Make yourself known. Step outside of your comfort zone and build contacts. Ask for phone numbers and e-mails. Inquire about job opportunities and who you can leave a resume with to express interest.

When an opportunity comes your way, take it. Do anything to get your foot in the door and get experience. I was very stupid in denying an opportunity of working in a physician's office since I was so dead set on working in a hospital. I've gone so long without a job or utilizing my skills, I may start considering non-nursing jobs! You're young, you can always work your way up to your dream job.

Most places you go and most fields you go into unfortunately bring about the same stress. All we can do is put a whole lot of energy into the Job Search and have a positive attitude. It's too easy to feel down when you feel as though all the odds are against you. I find great comfort in the saying "what's for you will not pass you." Keep your head up and good luck on your last months in school!