Experienced RN losing hope in landing position

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

Published  

 

Hello!

I am a nurse with two years of experience: one year as a staff nurse and the second as a travel nurse. The past few months the job has taken a physical and emotional toll on me due to staff shortages, patient/family hostility, poor management, and more. I cut my recent travel contract by a few weeks and made the decision to leave med/surg to pursue another specialty away from the bedside hoping it may change things.

Five weeks ago I received a job offer for a research nurse position. I was happy, however, two out of three job references only responded to them. They originally said two references were enough, but now they are seeking a third one as they said one of them wasn't recent enough. It's frustrating because one of my recent references agreed to provide one for me weeks ago, but now she's been unresponsive. I was able to give them one more from the hospital from my last travel contract. Even though I had a poor experience working there, I still had a good working relationship with them. I am waiting to hear back from them.

I am starting to lose hope as the days go by. I am also losing hope in ever obtaining another RN position again if this doesn't work out. I know I am a good worker, but it feels like it doesn't matter as my references don't support it. I don't want to give up nursing, but I feel like all the hard work I went through will be for nothing. I'm not sure what to do or who to ask for advice.


 

Share this post

+ Add A Comment
Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Losing Hope,

I understand that you're feeling frustrated and disheartened by the challenges you currently face in obtaining a new nursing position. It can be discouraging when references don't respond, or circumstances don't align as expected.

However, it's important to remember that setbacks like these are temporary and don't define your entire nursing career.

You will get another job as an RN ?

Here are a few suggestions to help you navigate this situation:

Follow up with your references. Reach out to the unresponsive reference and politely remind them of your request. Sometimes people get busy or forget; a gentle reminder can prompt them to provide the reference. If possible, offer assistance or information they may need to complete the reference quickly. Depending on organizational policies, it can be easier to get a reference while you're still on the job than after you've left.

Seek additional references. While it's preferable to have references from recent experiences, if that's not feasible, consider reaching out to others who can speak to your nursing skills, work ethic, and character. This could include supervisors, colleagues, or other healthcare professionals who have worked closely with you and can vouch for your abilities.

Network within your professional circle. Connect with nurses and healthcare professionals you've worked with or crossed paths with. They may have leads on job openings or be able to provide guidance and support. Utilize online nursing communities, professional associations, and networking events to expand your connections and explore potential opportunities.

Enhance your resume and skills. Use this time to update your resume, highlighting your strengths, achievements, and specialized skills. Consider pursuing additional certifications or continuing education courses that align with your desired nursing specialty. This can demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and make you more marketable to potential employers.

Stay positive and persistent. Job searches can be challenging, but maintaining a positive attitude and persistence is vital. Keep applying to positions that align with your career goals, and seek new opportunities. Remember that the right opportunity will come along eventually, and your previous experiences and skills will contribute to your success.

Strategic planning. Avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. Apply for more than one job at a time, as things happen. In the future, make every effort to have a job lined up before resigning. Employed applicants typically have an advantage over unemployed applicants in the job market.

Seek advice and support. Reach out to trusted mentors or nursing colleagues who can provide guidance and support during this time. They may have valuable insights or suggestions for effectively navigating the job search process.

Lastly, remember that setbacks and obstacles are a part of every career journey. It's important to remain resilient, adaptable, and patient. Keep working towards your goals, and with perseverance and determination, you will find the right nursing position that aligns with your aspirations and allows you to thrive in your chosen specialty.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

+ Add a Comment