Giving Up on Nursing

U.S.A. New York

Published

I am giving up on nursing. I was in EMS for 8 years and became a nurse and now I can't find a job. I could only afford an Associates and hoped that my EMS experience would help. Guess not. I finished a BSN and now I am never going to be able to pay back these loans. I was turned down for the ED Fellowship at NS/LIJ and that was just a kick in the face. I have been here a year and can't find a job. I have been passed over for people with no experience. I have been told I interview great and I am liked, but no job. I am really crushed over this and I am done. Please don't tell me to apply here or there because at last count, I have sent out over 500 resumes. There is only so much rejection a person can take. I have tried hospitals, LTC, sub-acute, acute, psych, clinics, etc and nothing. I did have one job but because I wouldn't falsify records, I left. I left another state to come here for family support, so I can't move. I have no idea on where to go but I am finished with nursing.

How old are you? Where did you do that associates? Where did you do that BSN? Have you been volunteering at medical facilities to keep your resume up to date? Do you have a criminal record? If you cant get hired in NY. I dont know what to tell you. I was hired before I even graduated nursing school. Hospitals here are in desperate need. Do you speak spanish? Are you willing to learn? I mean you gotta be positive and look for ways to make yourself valuable. All the best.

You have my understanding. Hope you are able to find something so that you can support yourself.

Have you read the boards here about not being able to get hired? Hospitals want EXPERIENCE and nurses with that get snatched up. Without experience no job. No, I don't have a criminal record.

As for staying positive, I have tried that. Making myself valuable...I have certifications. I do volunteer but even when I volunteer they don't have spots. I am trying everything that I can think of, plus some, but the jobs aren't out there.

Have you read the boards here about not being able to get hired? Hospitals want EXPERIENCE and nurses with that get snatched up. Without experience no job. No, I don't have a criminal record.

As for staying positive, I have tried that. Making myself valuable...I have certifications. I do volunteer but even when I volunteer they don't have spots. I am trying everything that I can think of, plus some, but the jobs aren't out there.

Yes, we all here have read the boards and while it is difficult, if not *very* difficult out there for new grads there have been postings here and there of them being hired.

Problem for you newbies is to have graduated at a very bad but unpredicted time in NYC area healthcare. No one ever imagined Saint Vinny's would close,nor North General for that matter. No one certianly predicted the financial crisis and following melt-down of the economy (well some did but we're not on that right now), and various other factors that have lead to a stalling of hiring for not only new grads but experienced nurses as well.

You are angry and have a right to be one suppoes. But one knows of several persons who spent way more than yourself on their education (mainly law school), that are lucky to be waiting tables for a living.

When life hands you lemons you can either suck them and have a sour face, or make lemonade and look on the sunny side of things.

You have two college degrees, passed the NCLEX and have healthcare experience. That counts for something IMHO and you should be proud. Instead of taking up residence in Pity Me Pines Apartments, use that energy to focus on finding a nursing job. You're first gig may not be where or what you want, but it will be a start. Look upstate or in NJ. Yes it's a pain to move but if you're not getting a nibble at one fishing hole time to cut bait and move to another.

Hey I know how you are feeling, I had to move to upstate NY for a job..BUT i did go to a job fair in White Plains, and i was told that VNSNY is having a new grad program...applications start in february, also I know stamford hospital in CT has a new grad program as well, I also heard Putnam hospital and Lawrence hospital are having new grad programs around february/march. If you want, check out their websites or call to find out more info.

Specializes in Currently: Certified School Nurse.

Just wanted to say i'm sorry. This job market sucks. Im really surprised your EMS exp isnt helping at all. PM me if you want me to take a look at your resume. I have helped some others in the past with that.

i was VERY fortunate to get hired with no exp on a sub-acute rehab floor in LTC. I'm hoping that exp will help down the road when I apply at hospitals again.

Anyway, I'm sorry. I can feel your pain. GL.

Specializes in None.

I get exactly where you are coming from because I've been there too. I know you are frustrated. Just sending out resumes isn't going to get you noticed, alone. It's great that you have the EMT experience though, but you have to try different strategies. Many people volunteer and get connections, I have and it's worked out quite well for me. Also, it's important during this time that you are looking for an entry position to make yourself happy... get rid of your anger and frustration (After I did, I eventually found a position). Stop thinking about yourself as being rejected... this is a tough economy for new nurses, everyone feels rejection in one way or another. After you get the job you'll realize how short staffed your floor is and how overworked you are. You will have different issues to contend with... so for now, learn to find ways to make yourself happy with your circumstance and think outside the box. Those are the two keys to finding a great position and being content. Anyway, good luck and all the best.

hi nycnurse2b..where do you work?

good luck to you, and I hope everything works out.

nursing homes are always looking for nurses-- it's no hospital job, but after working in a nursing home for a year or two, you can then apply for hospitals! Try looking into archcare.org for NY-based nursing homes.

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