Frustrations of finding a job

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First of all, I am SOOO HAPPY to have found this website. What a great source of support! I am a new graduate and am having a heck of a time finding a job due to lack of experience as an RN...I am having a couple of issues with everyone wanting experience and nobody wanting to give the initial experience, and it is my thought that I might not have the technical skills (which can be taught) but I have excellent people skills (equally important and many times cannot be taught). Plus, depending on how you look at it, hiring someone with no experience is not all that bad of an idea because you can mold them into the type of employee you want them to be. Having said that...lol...I went through the CNL program, which I have found is not a program everyone knows about, and am having issues with that. Competency builds confidence, and mine is starting to dwindle. I did not think I'd get hired the day after I passed NCLEX, but I did not think it would be this difficult. It is a combination of not meeting minimum requirements and being completely broke (I have sold everything I can to pay my bills) that really has me down in the dumps, and every day I spend on this computer searching and applying for jobs makes it worse. I am interested in a few specialty areas and community health, and I will relocate pretty much anywhere, which is why I am frustrated. I know many people have worse problems than this, and I am not trying to dismiss any of the terrible things people are faced with daily, but I am being consumed by this job search thing. I know God will put me where I am suppose to be, but I am struggling big time, and I feel like there is no help for job placement...I know pity parties are not a good source of coping, but today was my day to have one. Any advice/comments would be greatly appreciated! Thank you all for taking the time to read this :)

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Are you applying for CNL/ CNL-type positions or new grad positions? I did a MEPN/ CNL program and had no issue finding a job (only applied for new grad positions). Are you a 2nd career person? I found that the combo of my MSN (which many in the area I moved to were not familiar with getting one this way, but were very open to discussion of what it is/ why I chose it) and my previous work experience really helped. I work as a staff nurse, and did a new grad program, like any other RN but may branch out and use my CNL some day, but haven't decided just yet. Most in my program found jobs right away- in a very difficult job market- because our program has a very good reputation in that area, but I had to move right after graduation (d/t husband's job), but it turned out to be fairly easy for me out here, as well. Good luck.

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Have you seen any jobs listed for seasonal flu clinics in your area? I've also been applying for a while and haven't had much luck as well. I applied for a flu clinic in my area and got the position. Its temp work, but at least it's something while i'm still searching for a full time job.

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Are you applying for CNL/ CNL-type positions or new grad positions? I did a MEPN/ CNL program and had no issue finding a job (only applied for new grad positions). Are you a 2nd career person? I found that the combo of my MSN (which many in the area I moved to were not familiar with getting one this way, but were very open to discussion of what it is/ why I chose it) and my previous work experience really helped. I work as a staff nurse, and did a new grad program, like any other RN but may branch out and use my CNL some day, but haven't decided just yet. Most in my program found jobs right away- in a very difficult job market- because our program has a very good reputation in that area, but I had to move right after graduation (d/t husband's job), but it turned out to be fairly easy for me out here, as well. Good luck.

I'm happy you were able to find work! I went through the CNL program, but I haven't taken my CNL exam yet-I need to get a job first to pay for it. Many of the places I've applied to haven't heard of the program, and they are skeptical when I explain it to them-A couple of places have said that I cannot do their residency program because I don't have a BSN. I haven't lucked out yet with having the opportunity to interview either...I am going to apply to some residency programs for the next cohort but I am still having trouble finding something even in the mean time. What area are you in?

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Have you seen any jobs listed for seasonal flu clinics in your area? I've also been applying for a while and haven't had much luck as well. I applied for a flu clinic in my area and got the position. Its temp work, but at least it's something while i'm still searching for a full time job.

Congratulations on getting the position! I applied for one flu clinic I saw on here, but they don't set up clinics that are close to me. How did you find about the position you applied for? I haven't seen anything mentioned around here. Any info you could give would be greatly appreciated. Temp is better than nothing, and it is experience :)

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Congratulations on getting the position! I applied for one flu clinic I saw on here, but they don't set up clinics that are close to me. How did you find about the position you applied for? I haven't seen anything mentioned around here. Any info you could give would be greatly appreciated. Temp is better than nothing, and it is experience :)

Thanks! I'll definitely take what I can find! They've posted on jobing.com, indeed, careerbuilder, and craigslist. They have numerous postings for locations all over my state. I think there are some staffing agencies that also do flu shot clinics. I feel like I look at so many different sites everyday that i'm seeing job listings in my sleep! :lol2:

Good luck with your search! Let me know how it goes! :)

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I have 2 years of experience overseas as an RN intern, a FL RN license, BLS. and I am not getting any offers. I did however apply to a flu shot clinic position and got it...I am so happy because I am broke and hopefully I find sth full time in the next couple of months.

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Thanks! I'll definitely take what I can find! They've posted on jobing.com, indeed, careerbuilder, and craigslist. They have numerous postings for locations all over my state. I think there are some staffing agencies that also do flu shot clinics. I feel like I look at so many different sites everyday that i'm seeing job listings in my sleep! :lol2:

Good luck with your search! Let me know how it goes! :)

Oh, wow! I feel you on seeing job listings during your sleep-I wish I gould get some sleep. I've been job searching hour after hour until 4-5am then getting up at 9 to start doing it all over. Then I read posts about new grads and the negativity that is sometimes directed at us, and it breaks my heart a little bit...I mean, everyone starts out with no experience, and just because we might not have the hands on experience (procedures/skills can be taught), we have life experiences that will contribute to those who cross our paths. I am searching jobs until my eyes start to cross! LOL. I applied for a few of the clinics, so I'm hoping at least one of them will pan out. Besides that though, I think working a clinic would be fun :) Keep me posted on how your job search is going. What state(s) are you applying in?

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I have 2 years of experience overseas as an RN intern, a FL RN license, BLS. and I am not getting any offers. I did however apply to a flu shot clinic position and got it...I am so happy because I am broke and hopefully I find sth full time in the next couple of months.

Spela-Congrats on getting into a flu clinic. I hope you find something too, and I can relate on the being broke. I have learned quite a bit though by struggling financially, so perhaps it is a blessing in disguise!

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Oh, wow! I feel you on seeing job listings during your sleep-I wish I gould get some sleep. I've been job searching hour after hour until 4-5am then getting up at 9 to start doing it all over. Then I read posts about new grads and the negativity that is sometimes directed at us, and it breaks my heart a little bit...I mean, everyone starts out with no experience, and just because we might not have the hands on experience (procedures/skills can be taught), we have life experiences that will contribute to those who cross our paths. I am searching jobs until my eyes start to cross! LOL. I applied for a few of the clinics, so I'm hoping at least one of them will pan out. Besides that though, I think working a clinic would be fun :) Keep me posted on how your job search is going. What state(s) are you applying in?

Wow, I don't think I could stay up that late staring at my computer screen. :D I usually have to step away at intervals and do something like workout or go outdoors. It is all about timing though, it will happen! Hopefully you will hear back from one of those clinics. It definitely lifts your spirits a bit I must say! I noticed in your original post you mentioned you were interested in community health. I'm interested in that too or public health.

I live in Colorado. I grew up here, moved away years ago when I went off to school my first time around and lived down in Georgia for nearly 10 years. I missed living here so much and so when I decided to go back to school for nursing I moved back. I really don't want leave but at some point if i'm not getting anywhere then I might look at AZ, TX or NM. I'm staying positive though! Are you pretty open to moving anywhere?

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I LOVE Colorado! I spent many spring breaks snowboarding in Summit county with my dad. What a difference going from there to Georgia though :) My aunt lives near Tybee Island in Georgia. I actually applied for four jobs at the one system in Savannah and got my reject emails for all within a half hour. I am totally open to relocating, and I loved my community health clinical too. My ideals would be OR, Peds, or Community, and I'd like to be a nurse educator once I get some more experience. I did some volunteer work in Appalachia (I don't think I spelled that right), and I loved it. The people were so sweet and nice! I hope one of the clinic jobs pans out as well-My friends that are nurses said it's awful to stand all day and give shots, but I think it will be pretty cool. I love talking to people, and it is experience, so I'm all for it! I applied to go to a few in the area and some that are even and hour or two away, so we shall see! I'm shooting to go to bed by 1am tonight-LOL-I usually get sucked into reading posts on here, and I'm watching HGTV as well, so it will probably be another late night-hahaha! What type of community health were you thinking. I think I'm going to contact one of my instructors about volunteering as an RN at one of our homeless shelters-What type of environment are you trying to get into? Do you have a specialty you are interested in? I did a presentation on Jean Watson's theory for a class, and I really enjoyed learning about it-do a lot of hospitals in Colorado go by her theory?

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I LOVE Colorado! I spent many spring breaks snowboarding in Summit county with my dad. What a difference going from there to Georgia though :) My aunt lives near Tybee Island in Georgia. I actually applied for four jobs at the one system in Savannah and got my reject emails for all within a half hour. I am totally open to relocating, and I loved my community health clinical too. My ideals would be OR, Peds, or Community, and I'd like to be a nurse educator once I get some more experience. I did some volunteer work in Appalachia (I don't think I spelled that right), and I loved it. The people were so sweet and nice! I hope one of the clinic jobs pans out as well-My friends that are nurses said it's awful to stand all day and give shots, but I think it will be pretty cool. I love talking to people, and it is experience, so I'm all for it! I applied to go to a few in the area and some that are even and hour or two away, so we shall see! I'm shooting to go to bed by 1am tonight-LOL-I usually get sucked into reading posts on here, and I'm watching HGTV as well, so it will probably be another late night-hahaha! What type of community health were you thinking. I think I'm going to contact one of my instructors about volunteering as an RN at one of our homeless shelters-What type of environment are you trying to get into? Do you have a specialty you are interested in? I did a presentation on Jean Watson's theory for a class, and I really enjoyed learning about it-do a lot of hospitals in Colorado go by her theory?

Ha! That is so crazy! I lived in Savannah! What a small world! :lol2: My family moved there shortly after I graduated from college so I still get to go down and visit my old friends I worked and I always go out to Tybee Island to lay out on the beach! I actually may be flying down there next Monday. My family would like to see me before I start working in Sept. Might be nice to go lay out by the ocean 1 more time before summer ends! :D

I also think OR would be awesome. I had the chance during a clinical to spend the day following a patient in each area. I like the whole community/public health setting. I'd really like to focus more on maternal/child health which of course are heavily involved in that area. I also did mom/baby during my senior practicum and loved it. I had a really great preceptor and all the other nurses on the floor were really nice and helpful too. I haven't researched too much on who follows her theory. I know she came to my school and presented but I was sick on the day she came. I think volunteering is a very good idea. That's what i'm going to look into as well at the local community clinics. Do what you can to meet people and you never know what may come your way! I have an interview tomorrow for tutoring nursing students. Think it would be interesting and good experience to have.

Hope your continued search goes well this week! :)

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