I know I am not the only one...But I am so discouraged and am looking for advice.
I was a high achiever in my BSN program and graduated summa cum laud. I followed the (now regrettable) advice of my instructors and focused on my studies and did not work as a PCA/CNA. I graduated in May 2010, have applied to everything from hospitals to MD offices to nursing homes and health departments. I have had 5 interviews now...all with the positions going to applicants with experience. In the interim I have begun volunteering at a homeless shelter and a local hospital. I am licensed now in KY and OH. While I feel as though the volunteer work and achievements in school are enabling me to get a few interviews, other nurses experience seems to trump everything else I have done.
I switched careers in my late 20s, so have experience in healthcare as an educator and advocate, and STILL I am being shut down. My husband's income has taken a hit and we have had to move in with my parents...with our two children. I am humiliated by seeing that folks who made it through nursing school by the skin of their teeth but worked as CNAs (and I actually tutored) have jobs. I DO NOT want to seem like I have just have a bad case of sour grapes...but things are getting grim.
Can anyone think of anything to increase my chances? I am in the greater Cincinnati area and cannot afford to relocate.
So, I am the OP and I took the job in Lexington. I've been there for almost a year now. It was so tough looking for work, so demoralizing. I am so grateful for my job!! We even tried living in Lex, but are moving back to NKY to be close to family. I signed a 2 yr contract in order for them to pay down my student loans, so I will commute for the next year. Not easy, but I actually like my job and feel a commitment to finish up my contract.
I wish new grad nurses all the best. If I could do it over again, the only thing I would do differently is work as an aide during school... Now that I have a little experience, my next job search is not likely to be as grim!!
Thanks for everyones replies!! Good luck to those still searching!
warmorrigan
5 Posts
So, I am the OP and I took the job in Lexington. I've been there for almost a year now. It was so tough looking for work, so demoralizing. I am so grateful for my job!! We even tried living in Lex, but are moving back to NKY to be close to family. I signed a 2 yr contract in order for them to pay down my student loans, so I will commute for the next year. Not easy, but I actually like my job and feel a commitment to finish up my contract.
I wish new grad nurses all the best. If I could do it over again, the only thing I would do differently is work as an aide during school... Now that I have a little experience, my next job search is not likely to be as grim!!
Thanks for everyones replies!! Good luck to those still searching!