Job competition between student nurses

by Barnstormin' PMHNP Mar 8, '12 | 10,406 Views | 29 Comments

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1 Hi I'm a new member that is graduating this May, and I've been lurking here on allnurses for three years. I wanted to know how others are handling the backstabbing and horrible competition between students over jobs.
I used to love my classmates but now I can't stand any of them because it's become very divisive. I knew it was coming but it's still a shock to see how students who once worked together are now out to get each other......oh did I mention the ones that already have jobs lined up that can't keep their mouths shut and gloat constantly? Yes I'm envious but I can deal with it better with out having it rubbed in my face.........thanks I feel better now
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#1 2

Mar 8, '12 by Sheryl18, BSN, RN

That's too bad, our class wasn't like that. We were all happy for each other when someone got a job, and as far as I know we didn't have anyone going up for the same job either.
#2 0

Mar 8, '12 by MN-Nurse

Quote from barnstormin'

Hi I'm a new member that is graduating this May, and I've been lurking here on allnurses for three years. I wanted to know how others are handling the backstabbing and horrible competition between students over jobs.
I used to love my classmates but now I can't stand any of them because it's become very divisive. I knew it was coming but it's still a shock to see how students who once worked together are now out to get each other......oh did I mention the ones that already have jobs lined up that can't keep their mouths shut and gloat constantly? Yes I'm envious but I can deal with it better with out having it rubbed in my face.........thanks I feel better now

Can you describe the backstabbing or "horrible competition"? It is perfectly fine to apply for the same job.

In my class, everyone offered any job was given nothing but congratulations from peers. When I was offered a very coveted position, a couple of my close friends said, jokingly, "You suck!" but they were happy for me.
#3 0

Mar 9, '12 by Pneumothorax, BSN, RN, EMT-B

There's going to be competition, in my circle of friends we've applied for the same position knowing there was one opening but were nothing but supportive of each other. Don't worry, focus on you get ur RN & get that job
#4 3

Mar 9, '12 by nurseprnRN

this is the real world, where there are only so many jobs, and not everyone can have one. it's not like the soccer league where every kid plays. if you think about it, what you (collectively) are experiencing is one more, almost the last part of your nursing education. step back a bit, observe, listen, and make sure you recognize it for that. it will help.
#5 0

Mar 9, '12 by Barnstormin' PMHNP

Well, I have lived in the real world for awhile now and as I said, I could see it coming. I guess I'm wishing our class was a bit more of a team, but it has been very competitive from day one. It doesn't help that we have 3 other nursing schools in our area. I feel a bit better today, and after talking to my DH I have decided to step back and not do any job hunting until after the NCLEX. I decided to break out my earplugs and ipod again and will keep those stuck in my ears to tune out the people around me that are stressing me out. I
#6 7

Mar 9, '12 by Double-Helix, BSN

I'm not sure stepping back and not applying for jobs is in your best interest, and that's not what GrnTea meant. As you mentioned, you have a lot of competition. If all the other students in your school and the three others are applying for jobs now, your best bet it to apply now as well. If you wait until after you pass NCLEX (could be a couple of months, depending on your state) all the new grad positions may be filled and it will be much harder for you to get a job. I know you don't want to be competitive or be like your classmates, but you do need to think about your career and future as well.

However, you don't have to be a part of the competitiveness or gloating. Just apply for the jobs, and leave it at that. Don't get involved in talking about jobs and if you get a job, don't say anything about it. Use your iPod and headphones to avoid questions and conversations about job searching. Don't tell anyone what positions you are applying/interviewing for. You can set yourself up for a successful first job without being a part of the fighting.
#7 2

Mar 9, '12 by not.done.yet, BSN, RN Guide

Waiting until after NCLEX to job hunt, at least in my area of the country, is a HUGE mistake.

This is reality. It is time for all of you to separate from one another. Keep your job search quiet, do your own research, apply for everything you can and stop listening to everyone else. From this point forward this is YOUR journey and YOUR career. If backstabbing means not telling everyone about the opening you found, that is just life. Those who do their research get ahead.
#8 0

Mar 9, '12 by nurseprnRN

ashely's right about my intent, and thank, ashley, for making the point better than i did. i meant, step back from the competitiveness, the gloating, the drama, and take a look at the bigger picture.

good luck with whatever you decide.
#9 0

Mar 10, '12 by breezy7, BSN

Is it possible to get hired before taking the NCLEX? I won't be starting nursing school until fall, but I've been reading this thread and this is the first I've heard!
#10 1

Mar 10, '12 by Pneumothorax, BSN, RN, EMT-B

Yup! A lot of people in my graduating class have already received & accepted job offer& come Wednesday I may be accepting one as well
#11 0

Mar 10, '12 by Jay406

Quote from Pneumothorax

Yup! A lot of people in my graduating class have already received & accepted job offer& come Wednesday I may be accepting one as well

Good luck!

And to the OP just apply to jobs in silence and stay out of the petty drama. It's a complete waste of your time energy to get caught up in the back stabbing under handing bull crap.
#12 0

Mar 10, '12 by ThePrincessBride, BSN, RN

I'm having this same problem regarding SNA positions. in the end, your classmates are your competition. Sad, but true.