New Grad overwhelmed by job search. Should I give up?

[1newgrad]

I graduated in June 2016 with BSN. I got my RN license in August 2016. I'm almost at the one year mark. I've applied to 50+ jobs. I've gone through five or so interviews already. All of them ending with rejection. My most recent was with a hospital I really wanted to work at. I'm so overwhelmed trying to find a job. I've been questioning my worth recently. So many positions require at least one year of experience, which I don't have. I haven't volunteered, had intern/externships, worked while in school either. In the past week, I've been contacted by multiple nursing home agencies to apply with them. I applied to Mt. Sinai and got a call from HR to talk about an RN position I applied for. I've been so anxious that I haven't called any of them back. I know I'm probably engaging in self sabotaging behavior, but I feel paralyzed by my anxiety. It's been going into overdrive recently. I used to go to therapy at my college for my anxiety, but since I've graduated I've been dealing with it myself. It's been difficult to stay positive with all of the rejections. Instead of being excited about getting an RN job, I'm nauseous and anxious.

I don't know if nursing will make me happy. I used to dread clinical rotations. There have been moments where I cried during clinical because I felt so incompetent and unhappy being there. I had a breakdown at 6:00am before I left for clinical. I should've known then that nursing might not be for me. In high school, I didn't know what I wanted to do so I took up nursing because it was something I was at least interested in. I went through with nursing school and graduated because I wanted to make my family proud.

I already want to quit, but I haven't even really started. I'm stressed out just looking for a job. I think I need to take a step back and figure out what I want. I haven't been able to speak to my parents about my feelings because they won't listen. They come home from work and everyone does their own thing around the house. I don't want to become a disappointment to them by giving up too early.

I don't know what to do. My emotions are a mess. Has anyone else felt like this before? Any advice?

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

It's been 7 months and you've only applied to 50 positions? Why? Only hospitals? Maybe you need to cast a much, much wider net- geographically and in terms of jobs.

What about LTC? AN member The Commuter says that any nursing job is better than no nursing job.

• Less-desirable job= RN pay + RN experience
  
• Picky about job = No RN pay + NO RN experience
  

[1newgrad]

I stopped applying for a few months due to personal matters. I've applied to hospitals, home care agencies, MLTC facilities, etc. I'm currently waiting on an interview with a nursing home. Am I being too picky?

The real problem is I'm not sure if nursing is right for me, but I already graduated and have my license. I know I probably won't know if I like nursing unless I actually experience working as a nurse, but the thought of being rejected again makes me anxious and afraid to act. These rejections have made me question myself and what I really want to do. Maybe I'm just not cut out to be a nurse.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

The new job search is difficult for many, many new grads. And you're right, the only way to find out of nursing is for you- it to get a job being a nurse, give it some time and see. Giving up before you start is not the way to find out. Best wishes.

[1newgrad]

Okay, I'll try my hardest and see if nursing is really for me. Hoping for the best. Thank you so much for the good advice.

[BeauGrace17]

it seems like the anxiety is causing you to not see the opportunities that are coming to you. I have anxiety ad well and that mixed with rejection is lije oil and water especially after too many no's. the fear kicks In and it seems like nobody wants you. so if possible try to get back into counseling for the anxiety to get that under control. and then explore your options. breathe. take it one day at a time. it's ok

[1newgrad]

You described exactly how I'm feeling. I know my anxiety is preventing me from making the most of my opportunities. All I could see were the rejections and they were weighing heavily on me. Thank you so much for the advice. I'll see if I can get back into counseling.

[BeauGrace17]

I've been there. I have a degree in psychology. and when I graduated I didn't know what to do first. on top of being a new graduate I had no car, no experience in anything psychology related. I had no job. I was secretly afraid. I didn't know where to start. I had anxiety that I was unaware of... so I get it. trust me. Take advantage of what's offered and if you like it build on it. Get your time built up and then you will have leverage to build on what to explore next. Good luck. God speed. Also if you have a caring personality and a heart for people you can be a great nurse.

[Joy4RN]

I just read your post and I couldn't help but think you ARE cut out for this profession. You passed nursing, which is one of the hardest professions and just because you can't find a job right now does not mean this is the end of the road for you! Keep looking and keep applying for jobs. I am about to graduate nursing in two months and I too am overwhelmed with the thought of looking for a job, but I would highly recommend job shadowing a unit. Sometimes if you job shadow and the staff on the unit like you, they may put in a good word for you. Also, you may meet the boss on the unit. I would also recommend on strengthening your interview stills watching YouTube videos or reading blogs or books-it honestly wouldn't hurt. ������ I hope this helps some! Good luck on your job hunt and know that you are cut out for this profession! You've got this!

[guest52816]

Have you thought about relocating? That is, after you decided whether or not nursing is for you.

I would take the suggestion of another poster and shadow in an area you think you might be interested in. Then you can decide to relocate to another part of the country that is hiring nurses.