Burned Out.

[Gracian]

There's a few million posts about this topic already, but I just wanted to tell my story for a little validation, if nothing else. In a nutshell, I graduated earlier this year and became an RN this summer, but am still jobless. No surprise, I know. I rarely do anything risky in my life, and I almost never apply myself. But I thought a new RN license would fix those issues.

I saved up to move as close to my dream city as I could afford. I started a BSN program. I applied to literally every hospital in the area. Results? I was evicted and am now living with a friend. I earned great marks in school, but can't afford a second semester. And, as a result of my avg 12+h/day researching jobs, I experience a burning L leg pain whenever I sit down for more than an hr or so. I'm 24yo, btw. I might have a DVT, and I'm 24 years old.

I honestly don't know how to spread the blame. I hate HR, but simultaneously understand they are only following orders. Besides, only about 1/3 were blatently rude (some even seemed genuinely concerned). I hate hospitals, but understand that a new grad's training costs $12k-$88k or so. I hate the cancerous encroachment of business into the health care system, but... that's something I simply need to accept. And, of course, I hate myself for my countless mistakes and errors in judgment these past years. Wouldn't be here had I applied myself earlier in life.

Edison embraced mistakes as learning experiences. Einstein describes a person without mistakes as somebody who's never taken a risk, never tried anything new or worthwhile in their lives. And Ghandi wants me to go out of my way to change the world for the better. I wonder how bad things must be when the words of three great men cease to hold any value. Am I disillusioned by failure? Or is my perspective more realistic, for the first time?

Whatever the answer, I'm can't handle not learning anything new, and nobody's giving me the opportunity to do otherwise. I became a nurse to help and learn about people. Instead, choosing to be a nurse has me well-acquainted with failure, hopelessness, and the welfare system.

Recession-proof, indeed!

P.S. Thanks for reading this (assuming you didn't skip to this part).

[rockabye]

I read your story and I'm sorry you are feeling so hopeless in your job search. I wish I had good advice for your situation. I think the quotes you mentioned are very encouraging and you shouldn't give up on them. It's a hard time for many people these days (including some of my family members) and your negative feelings of nursing might be hard to hide and will just hinder your job search. I hope things get better for you soon. :heartbeat

[jmrusa]

try your state department of labor site and sign up for their job search. call all the agencies in the phone book. look into correctional nursing. good luck and don't give up.

[peaceful]

All can change in an instant. Go watch a sunset, go to a movie, do anything that breaks you from the downward cycle you feel caught up in. You are young, you have your whole, wonderful life in front of you. Dream, dream big. Feel it, think it, drink in that image of what you want. I never let my self feel discourged for more than a few moments, there is just too many possibilities of a way out. I promise you things will change because they always do. In fact, I hear the phone ringing for you right now....

[Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN]

The important thing is you applied yourself! Try the veterans association or usajobs.com

[Juwon]

First off, congrats on ur achievement. U should be really glad u finished school. A job will come along in the hospital. In,the meanti,e, Have u ever thought about relocating to a big city like chicago where there is a lot of crime? Or have u thought about doing long term care until something comes through? It might be more easier for u to find a job in in ltc since u dont have experience? U are more likely to get hired in long term care and can quickly advance to management in alace like that. It might not be what u want to do at first but it can certainly help u get there. Good luck and I wish u and like u the best.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I'm very sorry to hear this. I know how you feel...new grad also. I wrote about this in a different thread just now. I hope something will happen for you soon. More importantly, when will this situation start to turn around?! Honestly, how many people will have to go broke? Not fair, especially when we are trying to achieve something substantial.

[carolmaccas66, BSN, RN]

Nursing is a very tricky business to get into I think. But once ur in and have that experience, ur usually pretty much set, then u have a hundred other things stressing u out!

I don't think u should study anymore, I think u really need a break from that. I am taking a break from study after a stressful time this year, hope that helps me.

It's good ur friend is letting u live with her, that is one problem off ur mind.

Why don't u try all the nursing agencies in the area 2 see if u can at least get a few days of work? Also keep applying for ANY job, not just nursing, because the more u aren't occupied the more depressed u will become. And u will get a bit of money together for the holidays.

And I've never held to these wonderful sayings from famous people. Everyone has different experiences in their lifetime. And it's easy to spout off philosophical nonsense, after u become successful!

But don't give up. U will get a break, maybe not till the new year though. And do go online to look up resumes (CVs), see how they're done and interview techniques. Keep up with your extra training too, like CPR (if u can afford it) 2 keep ur hand in.

I hope things work out 4 u.

[unreallly]

Don't lose hope and i'm sure you will find a Nursing job real soon. BTW, there are crime everywhere not just Chicago???????????????

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Baby! You areonly 24 - LOL!

I didn't even start college until I was 27 and graduated as an RN when I was 31.

You have plenty of time.

Get something/aything to pay the bills and keep hunting the job. Persevere and you will be rewarded.

One of the hardest lessons about growing up is learning to persevere and not give in to hopelesness.

So BUCK UP CHICA!:smokin:

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Perseverance is sooo true! However, at 37 now, and on my second career, I shake my head some days and think, "For christ sakes! This again. They never learn." (Referring to previous economic downturns). And while I know I will get through this rough patch, it is more unsettling the older you get. I am hoping that in another 18 months or so, things will improve for nursing overall.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Perseverance is sooo true! However, at 37 now, and on my second career, I shake my head some days and think, "For christ sakes! This again. They never learn." (Referring to previous economic downturns). And while I know I will get through this rough patch, it is more unsettling the older you get. I am hoping that in another 18 months or so, things will improve for nursing overall.

Believe me, I know what you mean. At age 48 it is even scarier!