Feeling really down.

Nurses General Nursing

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Well, tomorrow I hit the 7 month mark since graduation and 5 1/2 months since I got my license and still no real job. Still sending out resumes and making calls daily. I've repeatedly applied everywhere in a 1.5 hour driving distance. I'm working two very per diem RN positions averaging 3-5 shifts/month...probably going to have to look into getting a job in some other field for right now. I'm supposed to have a position at the end of January but I'm truly doubting with the state of the economy and budget cuts that there will be any money to create the position for me. All my student loans have gone into repayment for a total of $506/month, not to mention my $9,000 in credit card debt from school that student loans didn't cover, rent, car payment/insurance, phone bill, and daily living expenses. I've cut back everything I possible can, including meals. I'm in a black tunnel with absolutely no light. I feel like such a failure. Relocating is not an option for two significant reasons, but I truly wish it was. I'm feeling so depressed and really, really scared. :(

Specializes in Pediatric Psychiatry, Home Health VNA.

I live in an area where there is NO nursing shortage. My classmates are not getting jobs. Sometimes there is days, weeks and even months before hospitals post a single nursing position for experienced nurses. My dream is to work in a NICU and then go on to get my NNP which requires two years of NICU experience. I have LONG since given up on that dream for now and would be grateful for ANYTHING I can get...I have applied to every single job I see, even if it is for clinical nurse II and have over thirty different versions of my resume. I have applied to nursing homes and 1) not much of a demand if you can believe it 2) i am finding the RN role is generally the charge role because there's no shortage of LPNs where i live either and the charge role is not a safe position for a new grad, and 3) a lot of the places i have looked are not able to support a new grad RN at this time.

Every single day I apply to any job I see in a 1.5 hour driving distance. I am persistent, contact the nurse manager, leave weekly messages, and every single time I'm told I need to apply through the new grad program (trouble is that there's only one hospital offering an external new grad program this year and it's for December grads only...every position is for 2+ years of experience and hospitals have no trouble filling the positions) or that I need to get some experience first. I have even pleaded with one how am I supposed to get the experience if no one will hire me? To which the NM didn't answer, just said that times are tough and this happened to her, to give it a few years and it will probably turn around.

I looked into my college to see if I could get help but they do not offer career placement assistance or a preceptorship program. My chairperson of the SON is aware and on the look out for me, as are a couple of other professors with whom I had an excellent rapport.

I am just so sad. The longer time ticks by the less of a chance I have at being hired. I never saw this happening.

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Specializes in NICU.

Are you sure the new grad program you are referring to is ONLY for december new grads? Because it may say december new grads but they will accept new grads from any month because the new grad program I am in was intended for december new grads but I graduated back in may! So it's still worth trying to apply to.

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Specializes in Pediatric Psychiatry, Home Health VNA.

Yes, I called the HR department and was told it's only for December grads and as an FYI that there is a lot of internal interest.

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Specializes in NICU.

Well I would apply anyways. It's a new grad program and you are a new grad. I think that's really stupid that it's only for december grads.. REALLY stupid. :madface:

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Are you in contact with any former classmates? perhaps you can network with them or maybe even start taking classes again... have your loan payments deferred during this time due to lack of FT work and/or return to school. Also, maybe you need a better resume?

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Oh you live in Massachusetts...

I am currently applying for nursing programs in Mass. area and am very aware that once I graduate I might be in your situation. In Mass, there are so many colleges and universitys (that mostly offer nursing programs) that there is never any shortage. In addition, the major boston hospitals are moving, or have moved, to just hiring BSNs.

I have heard, however, that there is a shortage for experienced nurses. The difficult economy doesn't help either!

I think it is difficult for people who live in most other area's in the country where there is a massive shortage to understand that in the Northeast the situation is very different.

The best you can do is keep your head up and try to find a job as closely related to nursing as you can to help get the bills paid.

Good luck!

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Specializes in NICU.

It is very, very difficult for people to understand! When I moved to Texas from NJ and told people in Texas that I couldn't find a job in NJ because there is no shortage people simply did not believe me. A large part of my interviews here were spent explaining that there aren't any jobs for new grad nurses up there and trying to explain why. Hopefully it gets better for you up there, though!

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Too bad you cant come to Michigan. The weather stinks but there are alot of nursing jobs. I will keep you in my prayers and I think the advice given regarding your resume was solid. What about travel agencies? They will pay you to go, and give stipend. Although don't know your situation but it sounds like moving is out for you. good luck god bless:ornament:

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