Advice for a stuttering nurse

Nurses Job Hunt

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I recently moved to another state due to my significant others career. I have a year of medical-surgical experience and prior to nursing worked in the automotive and retail industries. I'm in my 30's. I left my last unit on good terms. My unit manager and clinical care leader both provided me with stellar letters of recommendations. My co workers enjoyed working with me- I am a funny team player. I also have decent nursing skills, I don't know it all, but if I don't know rest assured I will find out.

So here's my issue: I am having a hell of a time securing new employment. I am a nurse who stutters. I am open and honest about my speech impediment, because really, there's no hiding it.

I've been on four interviews since moving. Two were ended the minute I said, "excuse me, I stutter and am blocking on this word.." The other two, the people interviewing me were much kinder and gave me a chance. I know I nailed the knowledge questions, however, did not receive employment offers.

I feel embarrassed and ashamed of myself. I'm noticing I am depressed (I don't sleep and tend to eat my feelings- they taste like butter and sugar), but am doing my absolute best to stay upbeat. It's been three months since our move. Does anyone have any recommendations or tactics on how I can make myself more desirable to prospective employers?

Thanks for the advice.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

((HUGS)) welcome!

Depending on where you moved....it might be the job market itself. There is no nursing shortage. Keep plugging away you got this! ((HUGS))

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As Esme said.. could just be the market.

Have you sent follow up notes asking how you could "Improve" on the interview?

You didn't ask for any advice regarding the stuttering... but I'm a nurse so here it comes... I had a friend who stopped his stuttering by giving a slow" HMMMM " before starting to speak. Made him sound intelligent and stopped the stuttering.

Good luck, let us know how it's going.

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I don't have any suggestion I just want to say I hope you get hired soon.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Is it worsened by anxiety? Talk to a doctor about Prooanalol. Even a very low dose only taken right before interviews will help.

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A voice/vocal coach could also give you wonderful techniques that would help you. They generally are not that expensive. To find a good one, contact a local actors group or speakers bureau.

Wishing you success in your career!

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Specializes in hospice.

I second wellcoachRN's advice and add speech therapists to your list of people to seek out. And just for inspiration, have you ever seen the movie, "The King's Speech?" If not, you should. :)

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Specializes in retired LTC.
I don't have any suggestion I just want to say I hope you get hired soon.
This!

Will think +++ for you. Good luck.

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I've been in speech therapy for most of my life. And it is aggravated by anxiety. It's not something I can mask, even when comfortable though. Thank you so much for the kind words I'll look into some of the suggestions.

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Just for clarification, a vocal/voice coach is different from a speech therapist as they will give you exercises to overcome anxiety. They often work with actors with stage fright. I worked with an amazing coach to help me with public speaking since I will be doing corporate wellness talks next year. I highly recommend a few sessions. Most coaches are very reasonably priced.

Wishing you great success!

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My husband stutters. It is present calm or not. When he is upset or anxious it is much worse. I wish I had more to offer other than keep trying. For some adults not much can be done about stuttering. Take solace in knowing that many are having a hard time finding a job right now. Something will turn up. Good luck.

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It is so very hard to start nursing again in another location. My husband and I have moved twice, and both times it was like re-starting my career. This last move was a doosey and my career will most likely not recover from the move. You have experience and that does count for something. Build up on your strengths, see if your resume needs a touch-up, maybe have it reviewed by a professional. I agree with the speech/coach lessons and seeing the film :The King's Speech about King George the IV(father of Queen Elizabeth) Many people overcome this and I am sure you can also. As far as use of a beta blocker to help the anxiety, they do help, but of course they do have side effects, so try the coaching first. You are strong, you can do this, put on your brave face. Make your mark, and sell yourself. Find out if there was something about the previous interviews that made them decide against you. When I was interviewing I found it hard to break the ice because I was not from this area, perhaps they were hiring from within which happens a lot. Good Luck!!!

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