fearful of getting job after graduation

[sullen13]

I feel like Im the only one out there. I still have a ways to go. I'll graduate in Dec. 2011, but it crosses my mind about once a week. When i graduate, how hard is it going to be for me to find a job. Ive invested so much time (and money!) into this, how hard is it going to be for me to get a job? It scares the you know what out of me. I feel like every other day Im reading something or hearing from one of the nurses at clinicals about how hard it is for people to get jobs lately. Is it going to only get harder?

[RhodyGirl, RN]

I feel like Im the only one out there. I still have a ways to go. I'll graduate in Dec. 2011, but it crosses my mind about once a week. When i graduate, how hard is it going to be for me to find a job. Ive invested so much time (and money!) into this, how hard is it going to be for me to get a job? It scares the you know what out of me. I feel like every other day Im reading something or hearing from one of the nurses at clinicals about how hard it is for people to get jobs lately. Is it going to only get harder?

I hear you on that one! I am graduating this coming May, and the thought crosses my mind often. My advice to you would be to get your foot in the door at a hospital (if you haven't already done so). I am entering my senior year and started applying for internships in April -- ended up getting 3 job offers at 3 different hospitals. I accepted a job at my local VA hospital as a VALOR student. The VA gives VALOR interns priority for new grad positions, so I feel a bit better knowing that!

Start applying anywhere you can so that you're more marketable next December!! Good luck!

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

I graduate in December 2011 too. It ver well might get harder; that is why it is so important to start building your contacts NOW. Make friends with the nurses at clinicals; apply for externships; work part time in the hospital as a PCT or CNA; volunteer when you can and keep your nose to the ground. And when you hear about something, react as if your bum is on freaking fire. Apply for it, go for it and decide AFTER you have the offer whether you want it or not, not before even applying.

Yes, it is tight in the job market and that will take a few years probably to iron out. But just because others want the same thing you do doesn't mean you don' t have an equal right to it. I am finding it is not that hard to distinguish myself from other students. Most honestly do not try it seems. I am starting an externship this week and only have one semester under my belt. I have also a hospital paying for my schooling in exchange for work after graduation. Only difference between me and others in a similar place in their education as me is that I went for it...and they didn't.

The future will take care of itself. Focus on school.