What to do? Please help

[redheaded-nurse]

Hello!

I was introduced to this great forum by a friend and fellow nurse M. Hui. Thanks to her!

I became profound deaf at approximately 12 months old and wore hearing aids until I got my cochlear implant in 2002. It has made a huge difference in my life compared to the digital hearing aids I had. I use the E-Scope; which has enabled me to asusculate as needed. I know it'll work with a PDA (there's a program for it) but I just have yet to figure it out.

I completed my nursing education (ASN) and recently passed the state boards and am a RN. Whoo hoo! It sure is exciting to see the RN after my name, unfortunately I don't have a job/internship. Sigh...

I was turned down from so many internship opportunities. I applied for RN open positions only to be told by recruiters that I had to have at least 1 year experience or undergone an internship. I've been told by a former instructor (whom I hold high respect and admire for) that it was absolutely untrue for a hospital not to hire a new grad without an internship. Unfortunately - I'm not having much or any luck at all.

I love nursing - truly enjoyed my clinical training/rotations and transition work. My patients accepted me and were impressed with me. I had great rapport with the patients and provided care just as any other nurse(s) would. I'm interested in Women's Health (L&D especially) and OR. Although, I'm not sure how OR would work in my favor since I depend on lipreading and if members were wearing the surgical mask then how would that work? Unless any of you have an idea/suggestion?

Please help!!!

Thanks to those who took the time to read this and respond.

[bianchi]

Hi! I have an ASN, too. I did not join an internship program. My only training outside of school was a parttime job as a nurse aide cum nurse extern.

I applied to lots of places (used the internet, networking, newspaper...). As a new graduate in a big city, I knew I could not be choosy so I considered all kinds of shift schedules, pay and positions. From the maaaaany applications I sent, I got plenty of rejections and 1 call. Fortunately, it was from a reputable institution. They needed a night shift nurse and willing to take on a new grad.

After 4 months of job hunting, I finally got "my foot in the door". I will be changing to day shift when a new noc nurse can be hired. In 6 months, I can also transfer to other areas in the hospital.

It may not be easy in the beginning but once you're in, it'll be smoother sailing.

Good luck!

[athena55, BSN, RN]

Hello Redhead:

What state do you live in? And my other question is: Have you checked out the VA system?

Ya know, sometimes we can be our own worst enemies....and I know that could be said for myself - I AM NOT implying that about you!

How did your interviews go? According to Federal Law, unless you are looking for work place accommodations, I wouldn't make any mention of having a Cochlear implant during your initial interview process.

Where did you go to school/study? Listen, don't give up! Yeah, I know, easy for me to say but remember: many of us on this Forum have been there, done that!

Please return and give us updates on what is going on with you. Maybe we can all brainstorm some more ideas.

athena

[SeychelleRN]

Know your rights and interview with confidence:

Questions and Answers about Deafness and Hearing Impairments in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Knowledge is power!

[redheaded-nurse]

Hello Redhead:

What state do you live in? And my other question is: Have you checked out the VA system?

Ya know, sometimes we can be our own worst enemies....and I know that could be said for myself - I AM NOT implying that about you!

How did your interviews go? According to Federal Law, unless you are looking for work place accommodations, I wouldn't make any mention of having a Cochlear implant during your initial interview process.

Where did you go to school/study? Listen, don't give up! Yeah, I know, easy for me to say but remember: many of us on this Forum have been there, done that!

Please return and give us updates on what is going on with you. Maybe we can all brainstorm some more ideas.

athena

Believe me, I know exactly what you meant about being your own worst enemy.

I attended a local community college in North Texas and graduated last month and passed the NCLEX earlier this month.

All the interviews have gone smoothly, great rapport, and I felt it they all were great.

I did meet one of the nursing directors when I was being interviewed for a clinical/nursing scholarship from a local hospital & she said the hospital could use someone like me. Applied for three internships there, met the nsg mgrs - again great rapport. No luck - didn't get any one of them. Was under the impression they've filled it or have already considered other candidates for the internships UNTIL I discovered a classmate was interviewed for one of the internships over a month after I was interviewed and "rejected".

Applied for more internships. Even at another hospital where I did my last semester rotation at. The nsg mgr indicated she knew me - went in for the interview, took almost an hour, GREAT rapport, and I left feeling pretty good about the interview. Oh yes, they had a nurse there with a CI (late deafened) and was familiar with it - I mentioned I had met her when I was doing my rotation in the department and we shared information. Nope - didn't get the internship.

Talked to my instructor and she advised me to apply for RN positions. I did and the recruiters are all saying no must have internship or 1 yr experience. The same instructor is saying it's "absolutely untrue."

How did you get started as a nurse? How did you convince them to hire you? What are the ups and downs? Any other information you could share with me would be GREATLY appreciated... I really need some perking up - have been feeling slightly down and trying to snap myself out of it.