Applying Without Any Luck, What Now?

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I'll be graduating in May and I'd appreciate any advice. I don't want to get into the fact that I've applied to 48 positions since February without receiving a call for an interview. It is frustrating, but what should I do now? I'll keep applying, but if I don't get any offers what should I do? It's not an option for me to move out of state (I have some very sick family I help take care of). It's a very helpless feeling. Should I keep applying for medical jobs that I'm over qualified for? Should I apply to jobs totally outside of nursing that pay better than an Aide position (Which would absolutely kill me, but this girls got to pay the bills.)? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

Just wanted to add this:

I've had trouble even getting a non-nursing job b/c most managers ask, "well, you're a nurse, are you still looking for a nursing job?" They are reluctant to hire me because they know I'll jump ship at the first nursing job offer.

However! My mom suggested I apply to work for the census while I'm searching for a nursing job. It's temporary (only 5-12 weeks), which is seems to be the amount of time HR at any hospital needs to get their stuff together anyways. It's part-time (up to full time), with very flexible hours. AND! In metropolitan areas, the pay is pretty darn good (17.50/hour here in New Orleans), and they even pay for your mileage incurred.

Just throwing that out there. It's always good to be able to pay rent/car insurance/have food on the table, right?

The same thing has happened with me as well. Out of nowhere though this lady at my church asked me to babysit her little boy since she was going back to work so I'm adding a little income to the house. It feels good actually contributing and having something to do during the days while waiting on someone to call me for a possible interview.

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If you are in CA, Loma Linda Children's Hospital has a RN Residency in Pediatrics (they started accepting apps yesterday and will only take them until May 2nd). Good luck getting something!!

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You will be more attractive to prospective employers once you are licensed. Don't despair before you even graduate! I applied for many jobs in the few months before I graduated, and the weeks afterwards and got nowhere. 3 wks after I started adding my license number to my apps I got a call for an interview (and am now in orientation for my first RN job!).

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It's encouraging to hear that things might get better after I have my RN. I know at times I'm not very hopeful, but I know it will all work out some how. Thanks for posting all these responces. :)

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
You will be more attractive to prospective employers once you are licensed. Don't despair before you even graduate! I applied for many jobs in the few months before I graduated, and the weeks afterwards and got nowhere. 3 wks after I started adding my license number to my apps I got a call for an interview (and am now in orientation for my first RN job!).

This is true: nowadays, many employers won't even look at you until you're licensed...a fact that I was told by many employers when I began my job hunt last year. A lot don't want to take a chance on training a GN just to have them fail the NCLEX, because in most states if you fail you can't work as a GN anymore--you're out of a job and they're out a nurse.

This doesn't mean you shouldn't stop applying to jobs early because you never know--at least you'll make yourself known to employers and you can stay on top of any openings. But your focus now should be more on finishing up school and passing that dreaded test. Hang in there and good luck!

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