Graduating May 2011, prospect of not finding a job is getting me down

[anon695]

Has anybody else been feeling this way, or do you know anybody who recently graduated and how they handled the job-search? I'm in a 2-year nursing program, scheduled to graduate in May 2011. I love the program, I love nursing, and my grades are fine, but some days the idea of not being able to find a job after all this makes me want to give up. I came from another field (I was a corporate recruiter) where I got laid off approximately once per year and was constantly trying to find a job. I'm glad I got out of that simply because the field wasn't for me, and nursing is definitely my calling, but all I keep hearing about is how I'll never find a job unless I get an externship or work as a CNA. Well unfortunately I didn't have the foresight years ago to become a CNA first, I wish I did. I applied for as many externship programs as I could find, got interviews for two, but no offers (one had 120 interviewees for 10 spots, the other 180 interviewees for 20 spots, so the odds weren't in my favor either time). I don't have any "connections" that could land me a job either. I can't imagine going through school, continuing to work so hard and love nursing, and not be able to find a job and be a real nurse after all this. I'm willing to relocate anywhere but may be unable, since my husband generally works here in the NYC area. Please share any thoughts or advice you may have - and if you have nothing to add, thank you for listening to me vent

- Sad Nursing Student

[llg, PhD, RN]

Things could be very different in 2011 than they are today. That's a whole year away. Don't invest much energy in worrying about things that may never happen. Make the most of the year you have to prepare for job-hunting.

1. Volunteer at a hospital. That will get you the "connections" you lament not having now. You can show yourself to be a good worker and get a recommendation from whoever supervises the volunteers.

2. You might be able to find a part-time job at a hospital or nursing home -- one that doesn't require a CNA credential. Even if it is in housekeeping, that is better than nothing. A lot of hospitals give a hiring preference to current employees if they have a good record. It might not get you a job, but there is a reasonable chance it would get you an interviw in 2011.

3. Go to meetings or educational programs of local nursing organizations. Network. Get to know people who might be able to help you next year.

etc. Those are just a few ideas off the top of my head. Use this next year wisely to set yourself up to be successful. The job market might not be "normal" next year, but it's more likely to improve a little over the next year than get worse. Be ready to take advantage of whatever opportunities might be available. Don't be "just another new grad who never did anything special." Make the most of this upcoming year.

[anon695]

I've been trying to do my best and explore any avenue I can think of. I've applied to volunteer at hospitals and nursing homes but I haven't had anybody interested so far. I don't know if they are just not taking volunteers due to the economy (volunteers cost the facility) or if they don't think nursing students make good volunteers because they think we might want to perform skills beyond a volunteer's scope of practice. As for assistant positions, I think this varies from state to state I haven't seen any in my area that don't require CNA certification (oh how I wish I'd done that years ago, or just went to nursing school in the first place!). I job search every few days. You're right - maybe it will change for the better over the next year and I can land a volunteer slot or by some miracle an internship after graduation. I'm also kicking myself for not deciding to go to NS earlier so that I could get all my pre-reqs out of the way beforehand, now I have to take summer classes from mid-may until the end of june. There were a few externship programs i couldn't apply to becaus they started mid-june and were full time, thus wouldn't have fit into my schedule since I'm taking 7 credits in the may/june session. All I want to do is be a nurse and dedicate my life to taking care of patients - I'd be open to any shift, pay rate, etc. I finally found my calling, now I want to follow it...

[nyemt2005]

I'll be starting in the Fall and I'm hoping by the time I graduate, the job market will be better. I think there are nursing jobs out there, if you're willing to travel. I don't really have any ties to where I live right now. No kids, no house so I'll go wherever the jobs are. It's a big country.