Philadelphia Area "New" RN: 30 applications rejected : When will my dream come true?

[HelloNurse_RN]

Hi everyone :redbeathe

30 applications now, and each one denied.

2 of them, were actually for an entry level.. so once they were declined, i actually shed tears.

::sigh:: well im just here to vent. I am so exhausted with applications, i'm starting to feel I might as well give up for a few months.

how are things for you new jersey grads? My paper work for obtaining my licenser in NJ is nearly complete. however, i wonder if its worth the $200.00 and other fees? :redbeathe:crying2::redbeathe

[newgradlm]

lionett123-

Are you working at Pinnacle Health? I have an interview there next week for my first job as an RN! I would love any advice you might have! Thanks!

[Home Care RN]

I am well over 200 applications. I have also applied to different states as far as CA. I live in Philadelphia. Most have been in Philadelphia. I have my BSN from Villanova, passed my NCLEX no problem, have been a Medication Technician for 2 years after being told that Med Techs have such a heavy medication pass in long term care facilities that any hospital would scoop me up right away---- wrong.... So basically got paid VERY little for a very stressful job doing basically the work of a nurse (loop hole long term care facilities have found) for no reason. I also have a second BS degree in criminal justice. Was to start at Villanova for law school when market crashed and could not get the funding. Enjoyed being a caregiver and thought I would for sure get a job in nursing. 60k later, a few more years, and one more degree = still no job. Welcome to modern America.

[chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

You are definitely not alone. My background is similar (BSN plus BA and MBA, significant time in pre-hospital healthcare as an EMT) and my experience with the nursing job market is also similar - many applications, a handful of interviews and no nursing job offer in the end. It's a very tough nursing job market and unfortunately, is likely to remain so for at least a few more years. I would venture to guess however that if you stay involved in healthcare as a MedTech, the odds are that you will get a nursing job offer sooner than would otherwise be the case. So my advice is to hang in there and continue to send applications out. It would also be beneficial for you to get some certifications (e. g., ACLS, PALS) that will make you a more attractive candidate. In the interest of full disclosure however, I have to admit that this hasn't worked for me.

Finally, you were wise (or otherwise fortunate) to not have gone to law school. The job market for attorneys is even more saturated than it is for nurses. Starting salaries for all but top law school grads are low and declining. You would really be in tough spot if you took a student loan for law school.

I wish you the best of luck.

[nurseylove]

NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK!!! At this point reach out to EVERYONE AND ANYONE!! Family friends past clinical instructors / nursing instructors.. Everyone knows someone who is a nurse one way or an other. Give them your resume. Make small talk at places such as coffee shops / the train (if you ever are on it that is :) you would be surprised to see how many people are either nurses or know a nurse. Good luck do not give up!