Don't know what to do. I just CAN'T. TAKE. THIS. ANYMORE...........

[JoblessRN]

I am so BEYOND frustrated. Far beyond.

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 DELIVERING MAIL.

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:

[springfieldrn]

Sprinfield Oregon has two hospitals with openings and is hiring new grads.

[MedSurgeMess]

i *so* appreciate your concern and empathy. :icon_hug: i live in california (no wonder i can't get a job). i have applied for jobs in tx, pa, fl, or, and wa. there's just one issue with working out of state: my debt is so ridiculously high. i would be earning (insert sate) wages with california bills - i don't know if i can afford that. you see, my husband has been footing most of my bills (he is so supportive, i love him dearly for his patience and love) but he can't do it for much longer...he doesn't make that much money himself.

so, in order to make my minimum monthly payments for all my bills, i need to make a certain amount.

i truly hope that doesn't make me come off as me being picky or snobby. i certainly do not want or mean for it to come off that way.

okay, you say you will go anywhere, etc, but you have to make a certain amount. at this time, if you really want the job, you may have to take less than what you "need to make" to get the experience. if you aren't willing to do that, believe me, someone else is. you state you're already begging friends and family for money to make it each month. to me it sounds as if you wouldn't be in much worse off shape, and you could get experience.....i hope something comes up for you, but try to be a little more flexible if possible

[katkonk, BSN, RN]

I have a little different advice for you. First, I feel your pain. I graduated in the mid 1990's where even in Houston, home of the mega-hospitals in THE Texas Medical Center (where one hospital alone has 1200 beds, and there are many of them), at least one half of our class did not have a job when we graduated. Two semesters before we graduated, the recruiters were lined up trying to get the new grads into internships. When we were in our senior semester, we went to recruiting events and the recruiters told us they were only there to talk with the OT and PT students. It was very disheartening. However, it does and will pass.

What I would suggest, coming from a previous business background, is to look at what you are doing. If you are doing the same thing over and over, and expect different results....well...hmmm.. So, take a good look at your resume, see if it is up to par. Perhaps even have a professional company look at it and see if it needs revision. If your resume is good, and lack of experience is the main problem, then cast a WIDER NET! Forget hospital work, it is only one option of many. Look at the county health department for public health, the local jail always needs nurses, doctors offices love new grads because they can pay less. Nursing homes ALWAYS need nurses, and may be willing to train a new grad. Do you have a local Concentra health care clinic or other occupational medicine provider? Check them out. City government may have ads for health care personnel. There are many options and your skills are needed somewhere. Don't give up..just, as I said...be creative and cast a wider net.

The best of luck to you!

[Sensoria17]

Yes, if your husband is already paying most of your bills, consider moving out of state. I'm an LPN and had to move away from CA to get a job. I was also borrowing money from family to pay rent. My husband is still in CA and will be staying out there until at least January. He is moving in with his mother. At least this way, we are both employed and are able to pay down our debts. It is hard, but you have to do what you have to do.

[SandyB]

To 'relocate' just find a room to rent from someone renting out a room in their home. Check gov jobs (counties/cities, jail/prision/mental hospitals/Fed). Look at the ickier areas of CA if you want to stay in state. Bakersfield/Indio are two I can think of, I'm sure there are more places that have lower appeal in Cali....

I found this list of nursing homes in the state: http://www.calnhs.org/index.cfm

And make your cover letter awesome. That is where winning someone over is at.

Don't give up. Do take part time work if you need it doing anything to pay the bills. Defer the loans if you need to.

[brokenheartedrn]

Hello,

I was on the same boat as you are two weeks ago, applied to almost everything you can think of here in California. Finally I came across Trinity Hospital in Minot Dakota. I applied to the ICU RN position, got phone interview, and was offered the position that same day I was interviewed. They offered me sign-on bonus and relocation assistance. The pay is half of what nurses in california makes, but at least I'll be getting my experience my one year experience. I know there's nothing out in ND, but you just have to sacrifice something in order to get your foot on the door. Keep your hopes high.....

[komersgirl]

Dear Brokenhearted,

I would encourage you to take a look at your resume and see if it needs an update. Have you relayed your disapointment in your resume and cover letter. You might want to have someone help you and sell your positive points, it sounds like you have experience to contribute so market what you have. Push hard to turn things around for yourself. Additionally consider applying for and accepting if possible a job that might not be your dream job; part time, per diem, not in the field you love to get some experience. You will find in Nursing there are always references to educational requirements in the advertisements but ultimately most places hire for experience. Wear a smile whenever you seek employment and appear positive and confident. Get out there and go for it. Best of luck, Komersgirl

[hummingbird11]

I feel bad for you! I'm just wondering if you're limiting yourself to finding your dream hospital job. Try different avenues for the experience, how about clinics, dr.'s offices, shot clinics, insurance companies, home health, corrections, Veterans's Administration, civilian nurse with the military (they even have overseas jobs), etc. Also, as a few others have mentioned here, maybe you should have a professional look at your resume. I would also recommend taking a workshop on interview skills, we all could use that, I know I could! Good luck to you!:redbeathe

[EmergencyNrse]

Wow, sounds like there are a bunch of jobs out there...

I see jobs all around me in San Diego as well.

Must be you.

No Jobs in Cali? Why are they paying travelers like me to come out here and play when they can pay you a whole lot less. I would go to a job counselor. You're doing something wrong.

[Sharingan]

Sorry to hear about your situation. Right now is just difficult to find work period. At my school, the May 09 graduated class is also having a tough time finding jobs. This is actually the first time in almost 70 years that graduated students did not get hired right away. In past (even last year), 90% of graduated students would have job offers even before they finished the program. I feel for those that graduate this year.

I agree with others that you should relocate to another state. Don't worry about making less money right now. You could always pick up extra shifts and OTs. Some money is better than no money at all. Plus, after you gain some experience, you'd have a better chance of getting a job in CA. Good luck!!

[rebelgirl#1]

Hello,

Try usajobs.gov. They have all the Federal Jobs. I work for the Federal Prison. But has the VA, Military, etc. Lots of Benefits. Check to see if they will pay some of your students loans. I forgot to go for that when I started. Some will pay a sign on bonus. Not much but my husband is fully retired at 50 with a decent retirement check, and skills for the private sector.

[BabyLady, BSN, RN]

I was luck to get my job.

I applied to several hospitals...got an interview at one hospital that didn't even have any jobs available and had one other interview.

That's it.

I got my job offer two months prior to graduation and could have kissed the ground.

I can tell you this...Vanderbilt is interviewing now for their new grad class that starts in January.

You may want to try there.