Bummed after interview...

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Hey all... Just needed to vent for a bit. I graduated in May with my Associates in Nursing and passed the NCLEX in July. I've been scouring the classifieds for job opportunities, and sending my resume out to every hospital/nursing home/clinic within a 60-mile radius. I FINALLY got a call to come in for an interview with a local hospital.

The interview was not what I expected... The nurse manager told me up front that she had been interviewing all day and has tons of interviews to get through this week. She basically just described the job to me, went over my application info, let me ask a few questions, and gave me a quick tour of the floor. She didn't ask me any questions at all, just told me I'd hear from her next week "one way or the other." Needless to say, I'm not confident at all about the outcome. I believe there's only one position to be filled, and what are the chances that it will be me? I have no prior nursing experience, I'm a new grad, and I don't feel I was able to make an impression on her at all.

I am just so... FRUSTRATED. I feel like going to nursing school was a giant mistake, and I'm ready to throw in the towel already. I was so pumped for that interview!! I really thought it was going to be a lucky break, but I left feeling like I'm never going to get an RN job. I don't know what to do.

Sorry to vent for so long! I just needed to get this out. I'm putting on a happy face for my former classmates and my family, but I'm crying when I'm by myself because I don't see a light at the end of the tunnel. ANY advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks everyone!

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

I know how you feel. I've been on interviews planned weeks in advanced. When I got there, I felt as though I was just # 23 on their list of applicants, not Eiano, the new grad with lots of potential. Hang in there. Maybe this position wasn't for you. I do believe that everything happens for a reason... and if you're religious at all, God has a plan for you... you may feel as though nothing is going your way, but God has a road that will lead you to where you are supposed to be.

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Thanks for the encouragement... I do agree that God has a plan, even if it's not always clear! Even just typing that makes me feel better. I have to remember that having a pity party isn't going to get me any closer to my dream job :) Thanks again.

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Specializes in Staff nurse.

Are you able to relocate? Maybe you can find a position in a larger city.

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I'm torn on the idea of relocating... I'm already in a really well-populated area (the Hudson Valley, just north of Westchester County and NYC), and I've considered looking in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I wouldn't want to leave the Northeast though, I love it here!

I've applied to a couple of hospitals in Connecticut, but I'm only licensed in NY. Do you think it would help my cause if I got a Connecticut or Pennsylvania license in order to apply to places out of state?

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Specializes in Staff nurse.
I'm torn on the idea of relocating... I'm already in a really well-populated area (the Hudson Valley, just north of Westchester County and NYC), and I've considered looking in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I wouldn't want to leave the Northeast though, I love it here!

I've applied to a couple of hospitals in Connecticut, but I'm only licensed in NY. Do you think it would help my cause if I got a Connecticut or Pennsylvania license in order to apply to places out of state?

I'd apply and mention that I'd get a license when hired? Check with BON in NY, they may have it where there are some states will recognize a NY license. ???

The Tri-City area of Albany, Schenectady & Troy has many hospitals, have you tried there? Let us know what happens.

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Thanks so much for the advice :) I did apply to Ellis Hospital in Schenectady and never heard back. But I'll keep looking, and I will keep you posted! Thanks again!

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Specializes in Staff nurse.
Thanks so much for the advice :) I did apply to Ellis Hospital in Schenectady and never heard back. But I'll keep looking, and I will keep you posted! Thanks again!

Have you considered calling the HR dept. of some of the hospitals you sent apps to to check if they are hiring? If the answer is yes, you can state that you sent a resume and if it is not on file you'd be happy to email one with a cover letter...ask if she/he knows of any departments hiring. You may have to go part time to get in the door. Albany has a few hospitals as does Troy.

My brother died at Ellis in the ICU. They have some WONDERFUL ICU nurses there; skilled, compassionate, kind. They made his last days for him and the family so much easier.

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i think you should try nursing homes .they need nurses for example methodist home for the aged ,hebrew home for the aged,sutton park nursing rehab good luck.

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Thanks to everyone once again for the great replies! I feel better already.

Psalm, I'm so sorry about the loss of your brother... It's great to hear that he found good care at Ellis though. I'll definitely check out some more hospitals in the Capitol Region. My brother actually lives in Albany, so it could be a win-win to relocate there.

Winny103, I applied to a few nursing homes in my county, but haven't yet applied to any further south. Thanks for the tips though, I'll definitely look into the ones you mentioned. I just checked out Sutton Park's website, and it looks like a great place!

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Specializes in neurology, cardiology, ED.

Hi Libra

I'm actually from the area you're looking in (I work at Ellis as a matter of fact) but I wanted to let you know that I just spoke to a friend of mine who's orienting at the VA in Albany, and he said they're hurting for RN's. It's a long application process, and it may take several weeks (or months) to get a call back, so if you do apply don't get discouraged when you don't hear back right away...

Good luck, keep your chin up! The right thing will come along when you are least expecting it!

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Thanks 86toronado! Albany is about as far north as I'd like to go, so I'll definitely check it out. How does your friend like the VA so far?

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