Depressed after graduation. Is it normal?

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Hi all. I graduated a ADN program in NE Ohio December 2013,(at the age of 46) took and passed NCLEX in February but still can't find a job. I had this vision all through school of graduating, getting my license and working as an RN by February. Obviously it didn't work out that way and I've been getting more depressed by the day. I'm starting to doubt my decision to become a nurse, and I haven't even starting to work as one. Part of the problem is, I've applied every where, had several interviews and get turned down. If you do get told the reason why, it's via a generic email. What happened to good old honest feedback?! Also the major hospitals in the Cleveland area mostly want at least 1 years experience. How are you supposed to get that if no one will hire you. Even the Nursing Home I work at wants a years RN experience even though I was working as an STNA for a year. Any one else having these problems? I hope not!

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Hey Lady :) Lots! of people are having this problem! I also graduated in Dec. and thought (and was told) I'd be hired by January! It is hard to keep your head up, but keep at it! It is going to happen! I just received 3 job offers all at the same time after 100s and 100s of applications and countless nights wondering what the heck was wrong with me. It all takes time (HR, management, etc) and it's good to be humbled. Hang in there!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Don't let yourself become discouraged. Continue applying for any and all positions. When I got my license in June it automatically felt like every day that passed without a job was a failure and created an unbelievable amount of internal stress. But don't give up. It took me a just two months before I was able to secure my dream position.

My only advice is to make sure your resume is on point (should be no longer than a page in my opinion) and read/watch on youtube tips for nursing interviews. If you can relocate, consider applying in different areas. You never know.

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I don't want to be a bearer of bad news but Ohio currently has an AWEFUL job market for nurses.

My mom is an experienced nurse and it took her close to 3 months to find a full-time job in Dayton area. She was offered multiple part-time positions but she turned them down.

She has been telling me stories of her new grad co-workers, who were CNAs before and during school, who are now looking anywhere and everywhere for a nurse job, going as far as 3-4 hours away.

She has mentioned that it also matters where you graduated from. Certain colleges and universities are more prestigious and reliable than others. And some candidates are not even considered just by the fact where they graduated from.

It took me 1 month to find a job AFTER passing NCLEX (I live in Texas), but I was looking for jobs since November. I ended up staying in the same hospital network for which I was working during school but moving to a different hospital, not something that I wanted to do but I'm glad it turned out this way. It's infuriating, frustrating, sad, etc. for us not to get a job. I know how you feel but like the other posts said, you just have to keep trying. Very best of luck!

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

You've literally been a licensed RN for how long? Month? Month and a Half? I graduated December of 2012 took and passed the NCLEX-RN in March of 13 and had a nursing job by the end of June. Takes time. Start working towards your BSN in the meantime.

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Totally normal feelings!!!!

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Thanks everyone and sorry this feeling is so common among new grads. I guess it comes down to having unrealistic expectations about the timeline from completing school to getting a job, now I need to readjust them. I had budgeted enough money to get me through until April and I guess I'm panicking about that. I feel like as more time goes on, the less chance I'll have at getting a job. I did go to a very good school with high standings in the profession. I have applied to most places but not all, just because of their reputations as employers. I have all my pre req's done for my BSN, but without any money I can't start the program.

I will keep plugging away and make a honest effort not to let this get me down :nurse:

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Specializes in NICU Nurse.

I am in the same boat. Graduated in December 13 and passed my boards in February. Have applied to all RN 1 positions I can find and all the internships/residencies in my area. I've had 2 interviews but no offers.

I know that the right position for me is out there though and truly believe everything happens for a reason. It is hard to see so many of my classmates being hired though, some of them were hired at hospitals before graduation and others received offers in Jan. or Feb. They make it look so easy which is frustrating.

We just go to keep our heads up and keep moving forward. Our time too will come! :)

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Thanks Preemie! Just got another turn down call :( but your right, everything happens for a reason. I too have been watching my classmates get jobs like it's the easiest thing in the world.

Yes, our time will come ;)

Good Luck to you!!

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I feel the same way too. Graduated in Dec 13 and passed my board in January but still no job. Just hang in there, sometimes it takes time.

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Specializes in NICU Nurse.

Thanks! Right now I am just applying to as many positions that I can find and focusing on getting my RN to BSN as fast as I can. I just hope we all find employment soon. I've read on here of new nurses not finding their first job until a year+ after graduation - that just terrifies me!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

You really have to hang in there. I graduated in May 2012 and moved out of state, however I moved to a state that favored their own graduates. Although I had my BSN, they were taking new nurses who graduated from their ADN programs. I thought I had really made a mistake. I went as far as paying for another license to another state to maximize my chances of being hired somewhere. I luckily caught a break and got finally hired in March 2013.

I still keep in contact with many of my nursing friends and all of us were able to get employed within 8-10 months after graduation. Out of about 65 in my graduating class, only a small handful found jobs within 2-4 months after graduation. One decided not to take their NCLEX and went back to their previous 100k/year job.

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