Can't find a job for over 8 months

Nurses Career Support

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I "lost my job" in the beginning of November 2012 and have had ZERO luck finding something else. I'm a psych nurse with 3 yrs of experience with my associates degree. I will be done with my BSN in may 2014. I think my question is to everyone: the longer I'm unemployed, is it more difficult to be hired?

This is becoming very depressing!! I can easily say I've applied to over 200 jobs since then. Advice please!!

Thanks! :(

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When you say you lost your job, were you fired or laid off? Just wondering if that might be affecting your success.

I was out of nursing for 2 years and was able to find a job.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, M/S.

It depends on your location as well - some areas the job market is really competitive for nurses. If you only have psych experience you are probably going to be limited to psych or LTC.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

What are you telling potential employers about how you lost your job? Maybe you are giving too much info on your initial application?

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I'm not saying I lost my job. I don't think I was fired technically. It was one day before my probationary period was going to end and they said it wasn't working out. So, more laid off.

On my application, I write "home care wasn't for me".

I live in NYC, so I know the competition is great, however, I've never experienced anything like this before.

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When you say you lost your job, were you fired or laid off? Just wondering if that might be affecting your success.

I was out of nursing for 2 years and was able to find a job.

They told me it wasnt working out one day before my probation was up.

2 years you did not work as a nurse? Wow!! I just opened a business with my husband and I'd like to concentrate on that till I finish school in may but I think the longer I stay out of the nursing game the harder it will be. Ya know?

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It depends on your location as well - some areas the job market is really competitive for nurses. If you only have psych experience you are probably going to be limited to psych or LTC.

I live in NYC. That's why I think it's just so hard too!! Ugh!!

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

I think you are right. Lots of new grads and lots of hospital downsizing. I have heard that you may have better luck outside the NY metro area from other posters. Maybe you should just say something like "home health not good fit for new grad" or just leave it off altogether. And yes, the longer you are out the harder it will be so keep trying!

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, M/S.

Maybe try a nurse refresher course or take a non RN job somewhere to get your foot in the door.

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Maybe try a nurse refresher course or take a non RN job somewhere to get your foot in the door.

I thought about taking a non RN job but I really don't want to. I don't think I need a refresher course yet as it's only 8 months and I'm still in school for my BSN. It's just really getting me down. :(

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Have you tried any job fairs? I know there are healthcare and nursing specific ones and maybe getting to talk face to face and meet with many recruiters at once would be better. I went to one at Javits in NYC and it was pretty good.

ETA: There is one coming up, but it's not until October :(

I saw the same group has one online in August ...

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I have and about 95% of places say they want someone with a BSN. Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it!

I just hope the longer I stay out of work, I don't become more and more undesirable to hospitals.

You what also sucks, applying for jobs online. I think once you submit an application, the program looks for specific words and if you don't have them, your résumé doesn't even get to HR.

I would love to know these key words that would help my cause. Haha!

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