Is my stated interest ruining my chances??

Sweetpea1301 · Jun 23, 2012

Jamie,

I too just graduated from an ADN program May 11th, and am enrolled in a BSN program. I am still waiting on my ATT (congrats on your RN!). I have applied to 65 residencies/entry-level RN positions since February and not had one interview. I'd like to share some wisdom and information learned along the way, from may creditable people.

As you are aware, the "season for GN internships" is over, but the next round will be starting up soon, for Sept-Oct entrance.

What it boils down to (and you have probably heard this) is that you have the best chance of interviewing if you know someone within a system, and they recommend you. I have heard from hiring managers and HR and recruiters that many hospitals are not even looking at ADN applicants at this time, because they have a slew of BSN apps and that helps them obtain their magnet status. Although some places like Parkland and Methodist are very ADN friendly, we are competing against several hundred other apps. Parkland had an open house in March that I attended, and it was like a cattle call of several hundred new grads foaming at the mouth to get their resume in the hands of hiring managers. Upon checking the status of my applications, I was informed that many residencies only had 10-40 spots open, but had 400 or more applicants. A friend in HR at Children's Med. told me that the ER residency I applied to had 438 applicants, and only 18 spots. There is a nursing shortage, but not for new grads, and we are the bottom of the totem pole being ADN's.

That being said, it confirms that knowing someone, and meeting face to face is definitely a help, which can be hard if you don't have a good network (which is my problem).

I have discussed this predicament with many people in the profession and they have all suggested volunteering. Your cynicism regarding volunteerism suggests that you may not be desperate or wise enough to do what it takes. I do understand that child care is an issue, but here are the benefits of volunteering: It keeps you in the clinical setting where you can keep you mind refreshed on those skills that we won't be performing anymore because we have passed all our clinicals. It also gets you on the INSIDE, where you will meet other nurses/hiring managers/even parents who will recommend you when they see that you are smart, passionate, arrive on time, interact well with patients and staff, etc. If you can "afford" 4 hours a week, that is all some hospitals require, and it may be what gets you noticed. It's free advertisement of yourself! Some companies like the VA will consider volunteer experience as your own, so if you were present for procedures in the ICU or ER or whatever (even if you just held the pt's hand), that counts!

A classmate has a very similar situation as you- her husband divorced her mid-program, left her with no income or insurance,no car, and a 4 year old. She moved back in with her parents thankfully, and because of her networking (like you did at your CPR class), she is one of the few people who just received a job offer.

With regard to your cover letter issue: I also suggest removing the intent to be a Midwife. I had a mock interview with a professional at my school and she confirmed this idea, for many reasons that your SO stated. It also shows that you intend to move away from the company that is investing much time and money to "grow you into a great nurse", which is not a good idea for them. The interviewer suggested that when they ask you where you see yourself in a year or five years, that you tell them "at this company', hopefully in an advanced position. You can say this, even if you don't expect it. Do tell them that you intend to further your education and gain additional advanced certifications.

On a side note, Parkland hospital employs midwives to deliver the low-risk mothers :)

I have been so stressed out with the Job Search and market that I have started an anti-anxiolytic, lol! I know it doesn't really help to hear that "it will get better", "something will open up", "All in it's right time", etc. It's been REALLY frustrating when people ask "well isn't there a nursing shortage?" and "Well why don't you try this"? I am posting to encourage you to try different avenues and to confirm that IT IS HARD to find a job, and I DO KNOW what you are feeling, minus the stress of your family situation.

I have heard from the few classmates that have a job that the more certifications you have, and if you have your RN, that it makes it much easier to land an interview and job, but you still have to personally get someone to see or hear it. It is so important these days. It wasn't until 3 weeks ago that I became the "resume whore" (I coined myself) who talks to anyone about a connection and has a resume in the car to give to someone. I also made business cards and intend on carrying them with me. A volunteer at my company is actually a nurse, and I gave her my card to pass onto her manager, just in case! I am begging for connections, and I don't feel bad about it anymore.

I never knew finding a job would be so hard, and so much work!

Keep up the good work- obviously you are committed to your education and to joining the profession- you may just have to start looking in different places, and consider commuting. You are in Tarrant county, so can you take the TRE and DART system?

Good luck, but remember that we do still have to work hard for this, just like we did to graduate. Once it happens for us I'm hoping that we will look back and appreciate what we went through, and cherish our jobs even more.

Sweetpea1301 · Jun 23, 2012

Now if only I could get one of those residencies =) I missed out on all of the June cycle residencies for L&D - there won't be anymore until January.In the meantime, I need to feed my kids so it looks like off to any RN job I can get. For the time being and lots of lying about how I want to work med-surg

I felt this way about med-surg at first too, but you really want to have a nursing job and gain experience, right?? The it looks like you REALLY DO want to work med-surg! I have considered working a different type of job altogether, and just trying again when the new residencies open up. I realized that my pining for a nursing job was not bringing in money, so I can't afford to wait anymore. Also, check craigslist for RN positions.

CarryThatWeight, BSN · Jun 23, 2012

Jamie,
I too just graduated from an ADN program May 11th, and am enrolled in a BSN program. I am still waiting on my ATT (congrats on your RN!). I have applied to 65 residencies/entry-level RN positions since February and not had one interview. I'd like to share some wisdom and information learned along the way, from may creditable people.
As you are aware, the "season for GN internships" is over, but the next round will be starting up soon, for Sept-Oct entrance.
What it boils down to (and you have probably heard this) is that you have the best chance of interviewing if you know someone within a system, and they recommend you. I have heard from hiring managers and HR and recruiters that many hospitals are not even looking at ADN applicants at this time, because they have a slew of BSN apps and that helps them obtain their magnet status. Although some places like Parkland and Methodist are very ADN friendly, we are competing against several hundred other apps. Parkland had an open house in March that I attended, and it was like a cattle call of several hundred new grads foaming at the mouth to get their resume in the hands of hiring managers. Upon checking the status of my applications, I was informed that many residencies only had 10-40 spots open, but had 400 or more applicants. A friend in HR at Children's Med. told me that the ER residency I applied to had 438 applicants, and only 18 spots. There is a nursing shortage, but not for new grads, and we are the bottom of the totem pole being ADN's.
That being said, it confirms that knowing someone, and meeting face to face is definitely a help, which can be hard if you don't have a good network (which is my problem).
I have discussed this predicament with many people in the profession and they have all suggested volunteering. Your cynicism regarding volunteerism suggests that you may not be desperate or wise enough to do what it takes. I do understand that child care is an issue, but here are the benefits of volunteering: It keeps you in the clinical setting where you can keep you mind refreshed on those skills that we won't be performing anymore because we have passed all our clinicals. It also gets you on the INSIDE, where you will meet other nurses/hiring managers/even parents who will recommend you when they see that you are smart, passionate, arrive on time, interact well with patients and staff, etc. If you can "afford" 4 hours a week, that is all some hospitals require, and it may be what gets you noticed. It's free advertisement of yourself! Some companies like the VA will consider volunteer experience as your own, so if you were present for procedures in the ICU or ER or whatever (even if you just held the pt's hand), that counts!
A classmate has a very similar situation as you- her husband divorced her mid-program, left her with no income or insurance,no car, and a 4 year old. She moved back in with her parents thankfully, and because of her networking (like you did at your CPR class), she is one of the few people who just received a job offer.
With regard to your cover letter issue: I also suggest removing the intent to be a Midwife. I had a mock interview with a professional at my school and she confirmed this idea, for many reasons that your SO stated. It also shows that you intend to move away from the company that is investing much time and money to "grow you into a great nurse", which is not a good idea for them. The interviewer suggested that when they ask you where you see yourself in a year or five years, that you tell them "at this company', hopefully in an advanced position. You can say this, even if you don't expect it. Do tell them that you intend to further your education and gain additional advanced certifications.
On a side note, Parkland hospital employs midwives to deliver the low-risk mothers :)
I have been so stressed out with the job search and market that I have started an anti-anxiolytic, lol! I know it doesn't really help to hear that "it will get better", "something will open up", "All in it's right time", etc. It's been REALLY frustrating when people ask "well isn't there a nursing shortage?" and "Well why don't you try this"? I am posting to encourage you to try different avenues and to confirm that IT IS HARD to find a job, and I DO KNOW what you are feeling, minus the stress of your family situation.
I have heard from the few classmates that have a job that the more certifications you have, and if you have your RN, that it makes it much easier to land an interview and job, but you still have to personally get someone to see or hear it. It is so important these days. It wasn't until 3 weeks ago that I became the "resume whore" (I coined myself) who talks to anyone about a connection and has a resume in the car to give to someone. I also made business cards and intend on carrying them with me. A volunteer at my company is actually a nurse, and I gave her my card to pass onto her manager, just in case! I am begging for connections, and I don't feel bad about it anymore.
I never knew finding a job would be so hard, and so much work!
Keep up the good work- obviously you are committed to your education and to joining the profession- you may just have to start looking in different places, and consider commuting. You are in Tarrant county, so can you take the TRE and DART system?
Good luck, but remember that we do still have to work hard for this, just like we did to graduate. Once it happens for us I'm hoping that we will look back and appreciate what we went through, and cherish our jobs even more.

I agree with this post EXCEPT for the part about volunteering. Volunteering in no way "keeps your mind refreshed on skills you won't be performing anymore since you passed your clinicals." Hospital volunteers are not allowed to do anything. Most cannot even touch patients. Volunteering can be useful for resumes and networking, yes, but do not expect to do or think about any clinical skills while doing it. OP, I sympathize. The market is tough for ADN's and you've got a tough family situation right now. I hope you find something!

sharpeimom · Jun 23, 2012

jamie,

i'm sorry you're so unhappy and having such a difficult time right now.

something else you might consider (if not be thrilled about) is the possibility of a very temporary

job as a home health aide while you look for an rn job. not ideal, but still would give you some money

and some medical field experience.

i am a disabled former rn and have hhas and sometimes i get one who's either a gn or an inexerienced rn

trying for another job as an rn. there have been several new nurses working as hhas who have come here.

i don't have any idea what they make elsewhere, but the agency i use, pays $11.75 per hour to start out.

she helps me with adls, does laundry, occasionally makes my lunch, has vacuumed and dusted, etc. she also

showers other clients, grocery shops, runs errands, drives clients to doctor's appts. etc. my husband had foot

and ankle surgery that failed to heal properly and she has come since.

just another way to network.

Sweetpea1301 · Jun 23, 2012

Volunteering "keeps your mind refreshed"- I didn't say you would be able to perform skills. I do know that it is not allowed, but being in that environment and seeing those things, being able to stay educated on current technology and being able to ask questions of the nurses about procedures is IMO more beneficial than not being in the environment at all, for many months. I guess it's all how you look at it, and what you make of it.