It’s the same sob story…new grad May ’09 who keeps getting doors slammed in her face. I have, since May, applied to 102 jobs (Med/Surg/ICU/ER/SNF, in-state and out of state, urban and rural). I have been fortunate (and grateful) to have had 4 interviews, but still no offer.
I am currently working a very boring, dull admin job that pays the bills (well, not really – I have had to borrow money every month to pay for my rent). I was delivering the physician mail the other day and just sobbed. I just stood there and sobbed. I have a BSN that I worked my @$$ off for and my other degree (BA) that I also worked unbelievably hard to earn and I am DELIVERINGMAIL.
I go home and cry EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. I am going out of my mind. I want to give up. I hate who I have become: I am so negative and pessimistic that I don’t’ even like to be around me. I just can’t stand it.
My friend that used to work at my dream hospital as a charge nurse called the nurse recruiter directly and totally praised me and told her how great I am and what an asset I would be to them (she knows, she used to work there for many, many years). I call the nurse recruiter to follow up and she totally blew me off. Low and behold, I find out two weeks ago that my one of my classmates will happily be started her new job there.
I KNOW that I am not alone – there are thousands of new grads in my same spot. But I just can’t help but wonder “What is wrong with me?” Why did I get completely blown off (even with high praises from an employee) and my classmate got hired?
I am at my *wits* end. I am extremely depressed, angry, bitter, and feel totally rejected. I basically did all this work for NOTHING. Not to mention, I am terrified that I am going to have to file bankruptcy.
I know people keep saying “Don’t worry…things will turn around soon” and “You’re not alone” (Side Note: If I had a dime for every time someone has told me that, I wouldn’t need to be worrying about bankruptcy) but it really doesn’t make me feel any better, even though I really appreciate people trying to make me feel better about my situation.
I just don’t’ know if I can take this anymore…………………………………………….. :crying2:
Just a random thought: are you still interacting with the college you graduated from? I know where I"m getting my RN-BSN, the office is emailing with jobs pretty frequently..I wasn't sure if that's an avenue you kept open or not..just thought I'd suggest it. I know California is undergoing huge stress right now. Wish I could make it better for you.
Trust me you are not alone...A about week ago after applying like 100 times for a RN position finally one of the recruiter called me back and invited me for an interview.So excited I went ahead and spent like almost 200 dollars to groom myself up (you know nice outfit,nice shoes,nails done) The interview didnt went so great and the recruiter told me that it doesnt sound like a have a passion for peds and she wants hire someone who really wants peds job....I told her that I would like to work with kids but I'm a brand new RN and I like other areas as well and I'm just starting to explore the world of nursing,I guess my honest opinion didnt suit her because it is now been a week and one day and she never called me back (even when I left her a message inquiring about my position) And to even add to my misery she put back the peds RN position ad back on the website which practically means she is not thinking of making me an offer.It is really said..I guess it is similar to a feeling when someone breaks your heart for the first time (it was my first interview) I wouldnt be so upset if she just called me and told me she wont hire me instead I had to find out on their website.
How far do you want to go, I know in my city there are RN job openings and that's funny since I just logged off the hospitals website before I came and checked AN. PM me if you're interested,
oh, dear. i think i might have come across like an idiot. i am definitely grateful for at least having a job. i knew that "you'll be beating recruiters off with sticks" was a complete and utter lie, but i never thought i would be begging my friends with connections and groveling at feet.
no, you don't come across like an idiot.
we want you to know that you're doing everything right, but the current is, for now, against you. hang in there. keep working, and keep looking. it will happen eventually.
i know i posted my hospital's new grad program info on here in FL, but if you had no luck with them here is one in raleigh, NC that many of my friends work at, it's an awesome hospital and they are almost always hiring:
All I can tell you is to hang in there. I graduated in 1997 when jobs were very scarce. It took me over 9 months to get a job, the hospitals had hiring freezes and even the best students could not get a job in a nursing home. I stuck it out, and was a cna for another year before I got offered a job. We almost lost our house but soon later there were employers jumping through hoops to get new nurses to sign. This soon will pass too with the recession.
I don't know if you've already accessed this avenue yet, but what about your nursing profs or clinical instructors from school, can they point you in a new direction? Have you considered LTC, home health care, school nursing, medical centers, just to get your foot in any door? What about taking a patient tech position in a hospital you're interested in, community nursing?
Good luck, my heart goes out to you and I'll keep you in my prayers!!! Just don't give up, you worked so hard for your BSN!!
You can get deferrals on your student loans if you are unemployed or having hardship. Just call them. The interest will keep accumulating but they can add that on to the loan. Come to Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas way. There are jobs around here. Maybe hubby can find a job too.
I totally feel your pain as I have submitted many, many applications and not a nibble yet. I know this might sound "old school" (probably because I am) but I really dislike submitting applications on-line. It seems so wrong that the HR people can judge you by just clicking on an email. I truly believe that you should have the opportunity to at least speak to a live human being!
I left my first career as a paralegal to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. Several years later and massive debt, I can't believe that there is not one job out there for me. PS: I live in Florida and am surrounded by hospitals. Good luck to you in whatever you decide. Just remember that when you do get that dream job you will be the best nurse possible for all of the hardship you have endured to get there.
highlandlass1592, BSN, RN
647 Posts
Just a random thought: are you still interacting with the college you graduated from? I know where I"m getting my RN-BSN, the office is emailing with jobs pretty frequently..I wasn't sure if that's an avenue you kept open or not..just thought I'd suggest it. I know California is undergoing huge stress right now. Wish I could make it better for you.