Feel like I’m the only nurse going to lose there job during the pandemic! stressed out!

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Specializes in ED, med-surg, peri op.

I’ve been working as a float pool nurse for the last 2.5 years. I got offered a job in the emergency department 2 weeks ago while overseas, due to start may. Due to fast changes in my country, I come home early from my trip and was required to self isolate for two weeks.

My country is now in lock down. so right now I’m living with my parents, which is about 1.5 hours away from where I living/working previously, so can’t continue to work there. And have no way of starting my new job due to the lock down and the job being on the other side of the country. All domestic travel is banned, even in Private cars!

I am starting to feel overwhelmed by everything and not sure what to do. I’m greatfull I can stay with my parent during this, and I didn’t get the virus while travelling. But now facing unemployment and finance problems. As well as making my career goals harder. (getting into acute care while unemployed might not be possible)

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

Call your prospective employer and tell them what's happened. Ask for a delayed start date.

When the worst of this is behind us and travel bans start lifting, they will still be grateful for additional staff.

If you're with your parents then I'm guessing you have food and shelter. Contact your creditors and discuss the situation with them.

Everyone is in a similar boat. Try to make the most of your downtime even though you're anxious to move forward with your life.

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Specializes in ED, med-surg, peri op.

I have talk to the charge nurse of the new job, so far no problems. But I’m concerned that if the lock down went on for longer, they may hire another nurse who Can start immediately. I haven’t signed a contract yet either.

as for financially I technically have 2 jobs, So can’t apply for unemployment. I haven’t officially giving my notice to my old job. They know I have been offered a new job though, so aren’t exactly helpful at the moment and can’t receive any sort leave/sick pay.

I don’t know when I will next have any income. I haven’t received any Of my promised refunds for my travel plans, the way the tourism sector has been effect I'm doubting j will. Also the urgent flight home was expensive and not covered by my travel insurance. Luckily I only have a student loan, and no other sort of debt. But can’t rely on my parents as they don’t know if they’ll have jobs after this is over.

I also feel really guilty. A perfectly capable nurse sitting at home, while thousand of retired workers are being called in, who are most at risk of having severe symptoms and should be protecting themselves. I have offered at local facilities, but haven’t heard back yet.

like the rest of the world dealing with a lot of uncertainty, which is really hard to cope with. Especially when I come on here and everyone else is saying “at least you have a stable job/income” feeling right now I’m the only experienced health worker without work.

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Specializes in ER.

I think that you just need to communicate your needs to the new employer. Hospitals are desperate for staff. The only nurses who are getting decreased hours are OR nurses.

I was talking to my travel recruiter. These guys are working 70 hour weeks. I'm about to start an assignment in western Washington in a ER Covid 19 capacity. He told me that part of all his workload is canceling contracts for OR nurses. Many OR nurses are very specialized and aren't trained to work in other areas. But all non-urgent surgeries I've been postponed.

Hang in there I'm sure you will be in high demand. Hospitals are paying through the nose for agency nurses, I'm sure they'd rather have their own employees when possible.

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
4 hours ago, nznurse93 said:

as for financially I technically have 2 jobs, So can’t apply for unemployment.

I believe you can file for unemployment benefits, nznurse. You're not able to work due to the current circumstances, and benefits are based on your paid work for previous quarters.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

Are you actually in New Zealand or elsewhere? It's hard for us to advise you further since we don't know what the applicable laws and current emergency measures are in your location.

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