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.

[ladybugme!]

im so sorry that is super upsetting! keep on trucking there is always light at the end of the tunnel. if you cant find a job at a hospital maybe you could try a assisted living home? i know that doesnt sound like a great option but i know they will prob hire you that way you can at least have some income? i hope you find one real soon!!! :hug:

[fungez]

You have my most sincere condolences. The only thing worse than working is not working.

I don't know how you're going about it, but in my opinion, going through HR is worthless. For my last couple of jobs I had to go to the unit, in scrubs, resume in hand, and literally say "here I am, I can start right now." If I waited for a call back after the online application or however way they wanted me do it, I'd still be waiting.

People talk about "losing skills" which I've never understood. You do something for ten years, you wouldn't be able to forget it if you tried. Good luck to you.

[Cathylady]

Sounds like you're over qualified...you'll get a job, hang in there.

[nursesaurus]

I am so sorry that this has to happen to good nurses! I am an LPN but only have 7 months experience and have a job but with an agency and haven't worked in over a month. I just got offered a job in an assissted living but its only PRN. But right now I will take whatever I can get! I always get the same speal "You don't have enough experience" Well how am I supposed to get experience if noone will hire me? Anyhow tho, I feel for you and it's not right that if there is such a "nursing shortage" why every employer is so damn picky.

[CathyLew]

what state are you in? we are always looking, and have had no one with experience, so we have been going to nursing schools and trying to get some of the potential new grads to come apply.

Is there something you are being real picky about? we get a lot of people who only want a specialty area, or will not do nights. that is a turn off for someone who is just getting a foot in the door.

[justami]

Wow guys thanks for the replies, it really helps.

I haven't gotten any feedback from the positions that I applied to just a standard "sorry YOU weren't selected, GOOD LUCK with YOUR job search". Of course the caps are me, but that's just how it feels, like I am some sort of pariah. I am in lower New York state but I have recently gotten my FL and CA licenses in the hope that maybe I can find something in one of thiose states. I have applied to jobs in NYC and jobs with the VA (some have never even responded at all). I am now looking through Florida ads but some of them have requirements that they are looking for nurses with say 1-3 years of RECENT experience, so it's been like a treasure hunt. At first I was stuck on going back to NYC, but now I realize that that just might not happen.

Again thanks so much for all your encouragement, hopefully things will turn the corner.

[justami]

what state are you in? we are always looking, and have had no one with experience, so we have been going to nursing schools and trying to get some of the potential new grads to come apply.

Is there something you are being real picky about? we get a lot of people who only want a specialty area, or will not do nights. that is a turn off for someone who is just getting a foot in the door.

Hello Cathy, No I haven't been picky at all. Of course I would prefer days or evenings but I have applied to all sorts of jobs that I thought I might be qualified for. I applied to work nights in a psych ward, a few ER positions (any available shift), outpatient clinics and general med surg floors. I think I have been flexible and trying to look at positions that I feel I am qualified for, maybe I need to expand on this a little.

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

I wouldn't focus on california much.....this is a dead place for RN's, both experienced and new grads.

[Nursingmom25, ADN, RN]

I wouldn't focus on california much.....this is a dead place for RN's, both experienced and new grads.

Looks like http://www.stmaryapplevalley.com/landing.cfm?id=18&&oTopID=0 is hiring RNs :)

[leslie :-D]

was there a clinical component to your refresher course?

if so, perhaps you could apply there? (i'm sure you've thought of this already)

i agree about going directly to the floor and trying to market yourself...

even if it means offering to volunteer for a few months, so you can prove yourself.

it's a tough market out there for many nurses...

i wish you the very best.

leslie

[Ftr_NurseJackie]

Sorry to hear about your situation. Have you ever thought about moving to GA? I have a friend who is charge nurse at one of the hospitals inside Wellstar and she told me they are short-staffed. Check out their site wellstar.org I believe and you'll see they have tons of openings and they want experience in most cases. Good Luck!

Oh and Wellstar is the hospital and medical systems that serve Cobb county. They have I believe 2 or 3 hospitals and TONS of medical offices.