STILL don't have a job?? Vent here!

Nurses New Nurse

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Hi all! I've been on this site for a while now, but haven't posted much. however, i feel like it'll just make me (and hopefully a few others) feel a bit better about this whole job situation if we vent it out together. i just need to complain, and i need people who understand how frustrated and hopeless i'm feeling.

i graduated from a somewhat prestigious university over a year ago, and passed my nclex without a bead of sweat. great grades, great clinical experience, killer references and resume....still can't get a job. i live in the northeast, where things are tight...but still. i work at the grocery store...THE GROCERY STORE! i paid $100,000 to get a degree so that people can supervise how i bag their eggs and talk to me like i'm stupid. i have nothing against my current job - they're great to me and it pays my bills kinda sorta for now - but it's so damn frustrating!

on top of all of this, i'm getting so sick of people constantly saying to me "but i thought we needed nurses!"...when is oprah gonna do a show about all of us who are graduating and finding a completely closed off job market? and now that a second year of nurses are finishing up, us 2008 grads are getting more and more lost.

it's not like i'm not trying - i apply to jobs nearly non stop. i call and ask for nurse managers and recruiters personally, who never answer their phones or my voicemails. i feel like a complete and total failure pretty much all of the time, and don't know what to do. i have at least 15 friends in the same boat, but none of them currently live nearby and i don't have anyone to talk to about these feelings. i cry a lot when i'm alone, but put on a big smile and just tell people i'm staying optimistic and i'm still looking etc. etc.

anyway - if you wanna chime in, please do. i know our families and friends are probably getting sick of listening to us talk about this stuff, so it feels better to talk to strangers who understand. :)

much love and keep the faith, my friends. we're gonna rise above this someday.

Oh i forgot to ask the question, i wanted to know when applying for a job be it in a Nursing Home , LTC facility, hospital or home care do u constantly change ur objective on ur resume to fit the place where u are applying or do u keep it standard for ex. by saying: ........seeking a staff nurse position. and that's it. Also when faxing of the resume and cover letter would u guys recommend still using a fax cover sheet or no! curious here want to do it right!!!! Thanks!!!

I hope things improve for you guys. I graduated in Dec. 09 and I have been working as a CNA at a hospital for two years. I didn't get hired. Several of my classmates who applied were hired, and they hadn't even worked there or done internships! I was told by a couple of managers that they decided to be really picky about how the interview went, so those who did well on the interview got hired. I was told that I my interview was good, but there were others who did better.

I decided I'm not going to be working on the floor as a CNA and working under my former classmates who are now nurses. That is just too difficult for me to handle. So I got a job out of state as a travel CNA. I'll take my boards, volunteer, make connections, get some certifications and do whatever it takes to get a nursing position.

If you can move, I think you should consider it. Seems some parts of the country are doing better than others.

I also wanted to know from u guys that work thru agencies, how does it work in others would u recommend that to someone who is a fairly new grad.? any response will be helpful!

Oh i forgot to ask the question, i wanted to know when applying for a job be it in a Nursing Home , LTC facility, hospital or home care do u constantly change ur objective on ur resume to fit the place where u are applying or do u keep it standard for ex. by saying: ........seeking a staff nurse position. and that's it. Also when faxing of the resume and cover letter would u guys recommend still using a fax cover sheet or no! curious here want to do it right!!!! Thanks!!!

I would definitely change the objective to fit each job. I actually had a manager tell me that if the objective doesn't state "entry level _______________ RN position" (fill in the blank with the area such as ER, med-surg, etc) she trashes it. Seems like a wierd thing to do to me, but I guess they'll find almost any reason to move on to the next resume.

I would definitely change the objective to fit each job. I actually had a manager tell me that if the objective doesn't state "entry level _______________ RN position" (fill in the blank with the area such as ER, med-surg, etc) she trashes it. Seems like a wierd thing to do to me, but I guess they'll find almost any reason to move on to the next resume.

Thanks for answering, i will definitely be changing my objective to make it sound right.... fit the position that is... instead of being general and vague like i have been in the past... who knows maybe that is one of the reasons why i have not been getting any call backs... Once again thank you!!!!

I can't seem to find a job either. I'm still considered "new" even thought I've had my License for over 2 years. Only because I works in a Trauma unit for 7-9 months the when to ICU/PAUC, and side home health. The employers want someone who has experience (as in 3 years) in ONE specialist... well I didn't stick with one. So now it's like I'm a leporer. Can find anything that's not traveling to New Mexico.... Any tips?:uhoh3:

Just wanted to add my story of inspiration... Over the weekend I decided that since Im not happy at my current job working as a nurse for a home health agency (with no actual nursing cares given, ie skilled nursing) I'm gonna commit myself totally to moving and getting a job in my hometown. So I finally put in my two weeks notice on Monday and since then I've gotten 3 calls for job interviews one of which I've been waiting for at a hospital where I really want to work! All I can say is God is good and even if I dont get these jobs, I know that God is telling me that I'm making the right decision! Hopefully I can finally update saying I have a job soon.

To all of you, I know its tough, but God has a plan for all of us. Thank for allowing me to share.

I am just wondering , I've been told that the best time to go and drop of your resumes is in the morning before 12 noon. So, i was just wondering is there anything wrong if you go after 12 noon? like does it really matter !!!!

I am just wondering , I've been told that the best time to go and drop of your resumes is in the morning before 12 noon. So, i was just wondering is there anything wrong if you go after 12 noon? like does it really matter !!!!

I dont think its bad lol, but before noon ppl arent as busy and you have better chances of getting the nurse recruiter etc. But then again, why not take a chance, u could miss out on an opportunity by not calling.

Specializes in Private Duty Nursing : 1 year.

Hi everyone! Finally an interview. please don't lose hope. there are jobs out there, just keep on knocking. I've been applying online and seems like my application has been ignored. What I did was instead of sending via the "apply here" button, I sent my resume directly to the email address of the Nurse Recruiter and would call and follow up every other day or maybe 3 days. The Nurse Recruiter told me as she was scheduling me for the interview,that she remembered me from when i sent my resume AND COVER LETTER addressed to her DIRECTLY to her email (you have 2 options, apply here button or her email as ive seen on their website). I guess that's why i got noticed. Always follo-up. LEave messages and don't give. put your best foot forward. Im still crossing mg fingers for the next interview...and oh, networking is important. and add alot of Prayers! and call to get the names of the interviewers and don't forget to address them properly on your cover letter. (one recruiter from the agency said she really appreciate the extra affort of calling and asking the names of the interviewers.

well just some tips i wanna share to all of you. You guys have been a great help so ...hope we can all get a job soon...

Thanks so much ... i agree with you, lol....

I'm sitting on the same boat!! I graduated March of 2009, but not with my bachelors. I went to a Associates program first but did not do well so I ended up going to a Diploma program so I can finish quickly cause I have a daughter to raise. Well, most hospitals are not hiring unless you have a BSN! I have every intention to go back to get my Bachelors but I can't afford to do so. I was hoping to get a job where they have tuition reimbursement. Well, go figure... no one is hiring!!! I was working as a Unit Secretary at a hospital but they are on freeze hire because they don't have a lot of patients at this time. Which also caused me to lose my job cause all the other secretaries have been there for over 15 years. It is so frustrating have to pay a lot bills and loans, feed and clothe my child as well as pay for her education. The worst part is i'm at the point where I have to pick and choose what to pay each month!! I haven't had health, dental, & vision insurance for over a year! I stay home to keep me from spending money i don't have. I sit and stare at the computer everyday to look for new job postings, which mostly it does not change that often! I had NO interviews yet! Nursing was supposedly suppose to be a sure thing! Just like everyone else I put a smile on my face so my daughter doesn't see the tears buried within! I pray everyday that things will turn for the better for us new grads!! Someday it will be our turn! We just have to keep on trying that's all there is to do! Good Luck everyone!

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