Just need to vent

[mikala3]

I just graduated from nursing school third in my class. I passed my nclex in 75 questions and am having a hard time with a job hunt.

I currently work at a local hospital as a nursing assistant because I dont yet have a nursing job. Last night, I went to work on the floor where I had completed my capstone to be met with the nurses being shocked that I was there since "I was starting to work monday as their new grad RN". Not only am I not the new grad RN, I did not even get an interview for the position. When I said it was not me, the nurses were having a conversation among themselves asking why the nurse manager would hire a stranger when they know and like me. While it was sweet of them to say so, I ended up in the bathroom in tears.

I am scheduled to work again tomorrow night, but I think I am calling in sick and giving my notice. That new grad RN job was the last of the new hire jobs until October, so I will not be working there.

To top it off, the charge nurse asked me that since I am an RN if I could teach a patient something. I was working as a nursing assistant and told her it was out of my scope of practice, I could not, but again, it hurt.

I know it's wrong to call in sick when I am not, but it hurts to see the woman that I wont be working with. I am sad. I know it probably looks bad that I wont' have a job at all, but I just cant take working as a nursing assistant where I should be an RN.

Sorry just wanted to vent.

[wish_me_luck, BSN, RN]

Oh, I am so sorry. I think you did the right thing by saying you can't do the teaching since you aren't the nurse for that patient. I would approach the clinical leader and ask her about it. If that is really where you want to work, then keep at it.

But, I think the only way to get that resolved is to approach the clinical leader who hired the other person. I agree though that that is a strange move on her part when you have your license, have been working on that floor (so, you are oriented to that floor), you have a good working relationship with the other people. Then, she goes and hires a stranger.

I would not quit though because some places have policies that you can't come back for a certain time period.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

But, I think the only way to get that resolved is to approach the clinical leader who hired the other person. I agree though that that is a strange move on her part when you have your license, have been working on that floor (so, you are oriented to that floor), you have a good working relationship with the other people. Then, she goes and hires a stranger.

Unfortunately, the fact that the OP worked there as a nurses' aide doesn't guarantee that she would be hired on as a new grad RN. There could be many reasons why the OP wasn't picked up for the spot and/or someone else was...and not all of them may have to do with the OP. So for her to approach the nurse manager to question about why she wasn't even considered may not go over very well.

It's not necessarily fair. But that's how it can be at times.

OP: I'm sorry this has happened to you. As for whether you should stay or go...that's a tough call. You do have your foot in the system and the advantage of being an internal candidate and trying again when October comes. However you also have to go back and work in that environment until then, and that can be a lot to deal with.

If it were me, I'd try to get out of there ASAP because of the charge nurse asking me to step out of my scope of practice--do they think that because you're a RN in an aide role that it's like having another nurse at half the cost? If they want me to be a RN then they can hire me as a RN; otherwise I'm not setting one foot outside of my scope for any reason.

Best of luck whatever you decide!

[labdad1234RN]

You are an RN...Go find another job where your fresh skills are most needed. Move if possible to another state or city.

You have the skills and knowledge of an RN! Sorry to sound preachy!

Good Luck

[tokyoROSE, BSN, RN]

I am sorry that happened to you. I am on a new grad job hunt myself and I know what rejection feels like. However, I do agree with Meriwhen. There are many reasons why they hired someone else for the new grad position that is beyond your control. It is fine to take a sick day, but pick yourself up and move forward. Don't dwell on these things, you need to put the energy into finding a job. If I were you, I would not quit until you have found a new job. Unless you are in the position to not work and be ok...

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

Unless you got something else going on October isn't that far off. I would be showing them how invaluable you are. Have you filled out an app and presented a resume with cover letter? You have to go for it; they're not going to come to you. Ask why you weren't conidered for the job...schedule an appt with the DON and find out what you got to do to be the one who gets hired in October.

[KATRN78]

Thats terrible that you were not hired as the new RN! You must feel horrible!

Consider expressing to the manager that you are disappointed that you were not selected. Also ask some of your nurse friends to mention that you would be a great fit. See where it goes. Hold your head up and keep working. A job is a job even if its our crappy non-nursing job we had before we finished school.