Feeling hopeless in this job market

Nurses General Nursing

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Has anyone out there felt so discouraged and hopeless after a job interview? I am a new RN graduate from May 2008 trying to get a job after having a baby. I have been very unsuccessful, so far.

This was for a job that I thought I would get... I did my clinical at this particular hospital.

The details of the interview:

The first interview was with HR and went really well. I then took 3 weeks to get a second interview (I continually called HR to ask for the interview I was promised... no answer...until finally I spoke to assistant and HR person called back with interview..I almost sure all jobs were taken by then!)

The second interviewer was with manager of department, she asked me a lot of illegal questions and I felt like I was being taken advantage of. Believe it or not she called me back for next day to interview.

The third interview was with peers... I felt uncomfortable (I started to state personal info thinking it was what the manager wanted to hear since she asked the previous meeting) During the interview the manager told the group to "fire away" with questions.

After the interview, I called the hiring manager and asked her how the interview had gone and if I could send a thank-you letter. Three weeks later... I got turned down.. I saw the job I applied for re-posted on the web.

Any comments or advice would be appreciated!

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I'm sorry that one didn't work out, but don't give up. The right job is out there. Best wishes in your job search!! :)

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If anyone lives near Spokane, Washington, The Intercollegiate Center for Nursing Education ( ICNE), is holding a job fair on Thursady, March 12 from 09- 2:000 PM, for the graduates of the school, and the RN to BSN students, and probabley anyone else who wants to come and find a job.

Ths school is now located at 412 East Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, Washington. If you are interested, contact Renae Richter at (509) 324-7337, PDT.

Hope that helps anyone.

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Also check out indeed.com one of the best comprehensive job offer sites. Good luck and keep trying.

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RE...FEELING HOPELESS,

I have been a RN, since '95!!!! with the exception of a few years off to start own business(even though it was within the nursing field) and I too have been having difficulty finding employment. I've been told, I am over qualified, under qualified-since I have been outside the "acute setting" for a few years -- due to my committment toward building own business..... I too am VERY DISCOURAGED! I as a nurse, was always PROUD, and even mentored and encouraged youngsters into the nursing field, it offered "SOOO many opportunities and you can always have a job", well, HA HA.... I believe in being a 'NURSE', the profession of working for others/hosp. has been very sad, not for money but WHERE HAS 'BEING A PATIENT ADVOCATE' GONE????? This is why I became a nurse and sadly, now I am seeing it IS a business NOT about healthCARE......And American's wonder why we have such a healthcare problem. There are PLENTY! of nurses available and willing to provide care if this was NOt such an issue. LIFE is TOO short to spend helping everyone but yourself with nobody left to help you..... HOPING THINGS WILL CHANGE, a devoted, loving nurse at heart!!!

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Thanks for all your replies! By the way I live in NJ. If anyone knows of hospitals willing to hire a new graduate let me know.

Just about me: I graduated in May last year, passed my boards two months later and had a baby in October. I have been looking for work since January.

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I will reapply and try to think more positively. That was the first interview that I have had in ten years!

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Oncology.

Hello,

Yes I have seen a huge decline in the number of nursing jobs specifically those for new graduates. I had to actual relocate for employment. I currently live in the Bay Area and had a very hard time finding employment. I will be moving at the end of this month to Southern CA for a job. Take whatever you can get. I really have preferred to stay

up this way but I didn't want to take the chance of having to compete with

the graduates in May 2009 for the upcoming New Grad programs in the Summer.

For all of you that are looking there is a brand new hospital opening up in

Palmdale, CA and you might want to look into the job openings there. The hospital

is due to open at the end of this year. Keep looking. Something will open up eventually.

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Ive been asking this of every new grad in nj. why dont u try nursing homes or home care? with home care they do train new grads. i know of a few agencies that trained me to to 40 hours a week {called pdn} on children with trachs, vents, and gt as a new grad. The hospital is not the end all and u can learn skills and money until you get that hospital job.

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This information seems to be pretty disheartening. I'm a 33 year old nursing student with 2 years to go and quite frankly wondering if I made the right decision. Up to this point, school has been fine. I know upper division will be challenging but I feel up to it and excited for the experience. With such a nursing shortage, what gives? People have to hire new grads at some point but just about everywhere I look at job apps say at least one year experience. When will I get one year of experience without a job offer? I feel I have a bit more to offer than a new 22 year old (worked in stressful environemnent as a cop and military officer) but I don't know if that matters. I thought I was making a solid career move but it seems pretty discouraging....

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This information seems to be pretty disheartening. I'm a 33 year old nursing student with 2 years to go and quite frankly wondering if I made the right decision. Up to this point, school has been fine. I know upper division will be challenging but I feel up to it and excited for the experience. With such a nursing shortage, what gives? People have to hire new grads at some point but just about everywhere I look at job apps say at least one year experience. When will I get one year of experience without a job offer? I feel I have a bit more to offer than a new 22 year old (worked in stressful environemnent as a cop and military officer) but I don't know if that matters. I thought I was making a solid career move but it seems pretty discouraging....

To anyone "Feeling Hopeless" trying for a job at this time I have some comments and a few suggestions . I am a RN with 17 years experience in the operating room . Before that I was a Nationally Certified Surgical Tech for 4 years . For the past 11 years years I did local agency work and was sent to almost every hospital within 50 miles of where I live . I took 8 months off to take care of a family member and decided to seek a permanent position in December of 2008 . In the past 4 months I have applied for at least 40 jobs. I have had 6 interviews . My past history is excellent and my references are top notch . The problems that we are facing as either a new grad or an experienced nurse are both symptoms and evidence of the breakdown in healthcare in this country .

From the application process using the internet , to the generic "Thanks For Applying" emails , the whole system of hiring nurses has become just another tool used by most hospitals to cut cost . The fact is that individual hospitals are a rarity , most regions are controlled by one or two "healthcare systems". In my area HCA , Baptist Health and Tenet control 80% of the hospitals . The goal is profit and Human Resources is the first line in their defense of the almighty dollar.

BUT !!!! Do Not Give Up !!!!! You have attained a valuable skill and will find success eventually .The suggestions that you should apply at LTC or Dialysis are fine if that is what you want to do. But if you want to learn and be involved with all aspects of nursing I would recommend applying at university or teaching hospitals .

Some suggestions : if you do get called in for an interview : Do your research , know what the facility is looking for . You need to sell yourself , make them think that you will be an asset . Ask questions ! Why are they hiring ? What is the most important quality they are looking for ? SELL YOURSELF !!!!!! You can accomplish great things ! You are a nurse !!!!!!!!

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