Vent: treatment of new grads!

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone. This is a vent post.

I am a new graduate. I graduated at the beginning of may and passed my nclex in mid-June. The job search is extremely frustrating.

I tried to apply months before graduating. Was told there would be no point and needed to wait until I graduated. After graduating was told that doors would open up after I passed nclex. I passed nclex, and the treatment I've received since is upsetting.

I have been an aide at a local hospital for over three years, on the same busy inpatient unit. It is heavy work and was difficult to keep up with throughout nursing school, but I did it. Ofcourse, the unit went through a transition around the same time I was graduating and we have a new manager who told me I would have to interview (despite the old manager assuring me that I would not have to interview). Okay, no problem, lets set up the interview. Over a month, my emails have been ignored and my attempts at face to face contact have been blown off.

I have been a good aide. Glowing reccomendation letters, numerous customer service awards, great annual evaluations. Everyone likes me, and I like them. What is the hold up? It's frustrating.

Three weeks ago, Interviewed on my dream unit...a different unit then my aide work..interview went extremely well. Manager I interviewed with called me impressive, and stated that I seemed genuine and that my interest in the specialty was refreshing. All positive comments. Then stated that the manager would be in touch and that she was busy dealing with other things and would be in touch. I am keeping my fingers crossed because I want this job badly!

The waiting game is hard. I hate it. Hate it hate it.

Good luck to all the frustrated new grads....hang in there.....I will too....

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Specializes in Progressive Care.

It took me 7 months post licensure to start my RN job in the hospital I already worked in, and I was also very proactive. It was probably the most frustrating, nerve-wracking period of my life. But if I wasn't already employed there, they would not have hired me at all. I know of nurses who waited a year. I know how frustrating it is.

Something will come through for you, and you're in a better position than most since you're already employed in a hospital. It's great you had that interview. Things always take a lot longer than we expect it to. Best of luck to you, I'm confident the hospital will hire you.

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The new nurse manager has many more issues going on . She told you that. Sending repeated emails,probably blew your chances.

It's only been 3 weeks since your second interview.They both could be hung up in the hiring process.

You are not being treated poorly,it takes time.

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It worked as a highly praised CNA for 4 years in my old hospital. When I was close to graduation, I was told- we don't hire new grads, ever.

Looking back, I am glad I didn't get a job in that old department. The place I ended up after graduation opened a lot more doors for better jobs.

Keep your spirits up. A job will eventually be yours.

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Specializes in L&D.

Have you considered applying to new grad residency programs?

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The hiring process can really move at a snail's pace. That's not you being treated badly, that's just the way it is.

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I wish you good luck. It could go either way. As a new grad, you're not in a position to "demand" good or priority treatment ...only to hope for it. I suggest you keep putting applications out all over the place until you get a firm offer.

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Specializes in Progressive Care.
The hiring process can really move at a snail's pace. That's not you being treated badly, that's just the way it is.

Exactly, and it's not just in nursing. The better the job and bigger the organization, the longer it takes.

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Working at your current facility as an aide is no guarantee of a position. I would suggest you put applications elsewhere. Even out of state if you had to. I worked at one health system (with two hospitals) for 3 years, and it didn't do squat for me. I ended up 2,000 miles away from where I lived for 5 years.

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Thanks for the replies and encouragement. I know that working as an aide doesn't necessarily guarantee me a job, but I was hoping that it would help more so then it has proven to!

I know the job search takes time, but it is frustrating for sure.

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