Can't find a job as pct and didn't get internship. What to do?

[eukaryote]

I graduate in December and had been hoping to follow the advice that is commonly given on this website which is to work as a PCT/CNA or intern while in school. Well here I am with o e semester left in school and still jobless. Unfortunately, I live in an area with a tight job market where most tech and CNA jobs go to foreign educated RNs waiting for their license and a huge glut of nursing schools. I applied to so many positions for CNA/pct, coop, internship and nothing materialized. But it was not for lack of trying. So, in the meantime I have been volunteering with our local medical reserve core, dept of health TB clinics, children's hospital, domestic abuse shelter. Basically, anyone who will take me. I also work part time for a physician's office (a surgeon) that I worked for before starting school. She has been gracious enough to let me come in and work "prn."

Now, going into last semester with my capstone and research, I feel that it would not be a good time to start a new job. I'm hoping to put my best foot forward during my preceptorship and hope they will keep me. (Doubtful, but doesn't hurt to dream). I did at least get lucky enough to get my preceptorship on my dream unit and dream hospital so this feels exciting.

But now after reading here I feel worried that I did not get a job as a CNA. Anyone else have positive stories about new grad employment who didn't work in school?

[strawberryluv, BSN, RN]

I have two semesters left. I can't seem to land myself a CNA/PCT job either. I think

its my resume or lack of references. I worked a couple of dead-end jobs...

I volunteered for a short period of time in the NICU. Right now, I am working for Metro PCS

in a large metropolitan city and while the pay is great compared to my other jobs, I really

want to get my foot in the door at a hospital.

At least, you have some medical-related experience working for a surgeon. It doesn't look

too bad for you.

[llg, PhD, RN]

The capstone experience will be a big help. Getting your top choice was lucky for you -- making you a lot luckier than a lot of people out there. There is always more that you could do or have: we never do/get the maximum and some people are never satisfied. Don't fall into that trap of never being satisfied.

You did the best you could and have been able to get some good opportunities. Appreciate those opportunities and make the most of them. Don't ruin your life by dwelling on wanting "more, more, more." More is not always better.

[LifesAJourney]

I agree with the capstone comment. Most of the people in my class got jobs because of it!

[eukaryote]

This is great advice. Thank you for bringing me back down to earth! I always get so worried that I'm doing everything wrong. And as students there's so much pressure on us to be perfect and if we don't follow the perfect path (CNA in school, med-surg after graduation) then we're just gonna be screwed. I have to keep reminding myself to just accept things and know that I am doing the best I can. I am really excited about my preceptorship and the blessing in disguise has been that since I'm not working I have time to really prepare. I joined ONS and completed some Classes (cancer basics, genetics of cancer) and got my ACLS. Hopefully this will help me too.

[llg, PhD, RN]

It sounds like you have done a lot of things right -- and are putting yourself in a good position to get a good job. No one can guarantee what will happen in the future and how your career/life will play out. Try to relax a little and enjoy the journey.

Good luck to you.