Having one of those "this is hopeless" days.

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in CCU, cardiac tele, NICU.

So my husband and I have been in a long-distance marriage for two years. He recently got a great job in the Bay Area, and I moved here to (finally!) live with him.

I knew the job market here was bad before moving, but I guess I didn't realize quite how bad. I've been applying pretty much non-stop for two months. I've had one interview, but other than that, my applications pretty much go into the Black Hole of Online Applications, where they seemingly disappear forever. I'm slowly building a network, but it seems that the positions that are actively hiring right now (the ones I'm hearing about, anyway) I'm either over-qualified or under-qualified for.

It's starting to be really discouraging. Not to toot my own horn - but I'm a pretty good nurse. I got multiple hand-squeezes from old ladies telling them I'd made their whole day. I got along well with my co-workers. I show up on time. I don't call in sick. I work hard, and I bring brownies for everyone sometimes. I know there are tons of people in this same boat - but I don't get it. HOW do the hospitals have so many positions posted, and so many agency people working, and yet no jobs? At this point, I'm thinking about moving back home and going back to my old hospital. Sigh. Sorry for being so vent-y/whiny - please tell me there's hope.

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Specializes in Home health was tops, 2nd was L&D.

Two months is not that long a time for job hunt...I know it seems like eternity to you. Can you afford another 2-3 months?

I would walk into places you might want to work and see if you can find a real live person.. I know not easy in hospital...have you tried home health, outpatient clinics, health dept, LTC?

If you could find something then maybe the famous saying.."It is easier to get a job if you have one!" might kick in..

Best of luck to you. Hoefully some CA nurse on here might have more specific ideas for you. :)

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I too am having one of those "this is hopeless" days... have been actively searching for an LPN job here in Miami for oh about 3 -4 months now.. I found an ad on a local job board and gave them a call as instructed. The recruiter answers and asks do you have at least one year experience? I answer no I haven't been fortunate enough to find a nursing job. He then asks, what have you been doing since you got your license?... Umm sending my resume and applying everywhere, stalking recruiters and DON's like a madwoman? ( I didn't actually say this lol) ..I'm Continuing my education to become an RN but I often wonder if it is even worth it. Going through all this schooling to become another statistic? Another new grad with no experience that employers push away?

Patience and Perseverance :angthts:

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Specializes in CCU.

A great way to break into a new area is to volunteer. See if there are free clinics in your area. This does several things: 1. it helps make connections; 2. it's great for fighting the job hunting blues; and 3. It allows you to put something on your resume (ie. you may not get paid but you are doing something!)

Just a thought but hope it helps!

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OK, I can top that. So, I've been looking again too. Now, I am a newish grad.

GET THIS... So now, because I've had a lot of responsibility in a healthcare job before I became an RN, and some rather high level college level clinical experiences, and, my first RN job was well, a rather wild ride... twice now I have had interviewers comment on how I might find a job with them rather dull, and did I think I would miss what I did before?????????

OMG, I am practically a new grad!!!! WTH, and What The Fruitloops is up with that? HA, HA, and HA. Watch I don't get called back because for some reason, they might worry I'd leave out of boredom or something???

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Specializes in Psych,LTC,Acute Care.

I feel your pain. I just moved to CA from CT. I recieved my CA RN license through the endorsement process. However, many jobs here in CA, want you to show certificates in specialty areas. I have worked in MANY areas in the medical field,but in CT, you get oriented to that specific facility and specialties(i.e;I.V's,EKG's,mental health...) Any ideas on how I go about obtaining "certificates"????

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Specializes in Rehab/LTC.

I have been out of work now for 6.5 months, applying at least 2 times every week for jobs. Only 3 interviews. Still waiting...

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Specializes in Home health was tops, 2nd was L&D.
I have been out of work now for 6.5 months, applying at least 2 times every week for jobs. Only 3 interviews. Still waiting...

Wow! When I was actively job hunting I applied to at least 10 jobs per week. But still did not help.:crying2:

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