I feel like I will never again be able to be a Nurse

[justami]

I cannot find a job, no matter where I apply, no matter what I apply for I am turned down each time. I have been out of nursing for about 8 years, however prior to that I was an ER nurse (in a big inner city teaching hospital) for 10 years, so it's not like I don't have any skills. I have even been turned down for VA jobs and guess what, I am veteran, can you believe that not even the VA will offer me a job and I have a veteran's preference.

Is anyone else in a similar situation? I am so depressed at the thought that I am virtually unemployable as a nurse for the rest of my life. I realize that there is no longer a "nursing shortage" assuming there ever really was one, but this is just shocking.

I don't know what is wrong, I have my BS, I did a refresher course, I am up to date with ACLS and all that stuff I am just at a loss for what to do.

[mykrosphere]

from experience, it doesnt seem anywhere is suffering any nurse shortage and the problems lie with cutting back nurses (among other things) to make some sort of budget.

not sure how this could even be fixed and we floor nurses would def opt to have more help if we could!

[Intern67]

I don't know what is wrong, I have my BS, I did a refresher course, I am up to date with ACLS and all that stuff I am just at a loss for what to do.

It's most likely the economy. This has happened before, we just happen to be in one of the worst employment environments, well, ever. When things pick up, you will have more opportunities.

Where are you applying? If you are limiting yourself to full time hospital jobs, I would expect a very tough go because you are so far back in the queue. Many hospitals in my area are just starting to re-hire laid off nurses.

After the layoffs are re-hired and some of the "vastly experienced" nurses start retiring, more positions will become available.

Good luck