Help Please! Super Frustrated!!!

U.S.A. Illinois

Published

Specializes in Emergency Room.

Hey everyone!

This is kind of a rant with a plea for help. I've graduated with only an ADN in December, and I've been applying for jobs since October. I have full plans to get my BSN, but my credit is in the toliet, so I can't afford to get my BSN right away. I'm in a dead end job with no more availability for hours and still on my nursing school schedule of availability. Thus, no work equals no money.

I'm SO desperate for a job, and I have looked everywhere! I have NO problems moving, although I'd like to stay in the Northern Illinois area at least for now.

I'm getting to the point where money is tighter than it has ever been and I don't know what to do. I need a job. I've applied at all the Advocate hospitals, Adventist, Loyola, UIC, Swedish American, Rockford Memorial, Sherman Hospital, in Washington State and New Mexico. I take my licensing exam the third possibly fourth week of January.

Anyone, I need advice!!! What to do, where to apply.....anything!!

I know I just graduated and it takes time and blah blah blah. I haven't been picky about departments, except that I don't want to do home health because I don't have a car I can put the extra miles on. I haven't been picky, I'm applying for everything. I've gotten more rejection letters than I can count. I know some of the residency programs don't begin until March......

Thanks for listening to my vent....I'm just on the verge of tears from frustration.

LoL Looking back I'd almost take the frustration of clinicals over the job hunt, ALMOST.

Thanks guys

Jess

this is in mchenry il.

http://centegra.org/content/opportunities.htm

position title:rn i med/surg requisition id:6350-09/29/09-5190date posted:9/29/2009location:centegra hospital - mchenrywork start:1900work end:0700company:cendepartment:med surg nimcworking days:variabledivision:hospital-mchenryposting description:nature and scope of position

the rn i is a graduate nurse eligible to sit for the state licensing exam or a registered nurse who is returning to practice. the rn i provides basic nursing care to patients in predictable situations seeking guidance as necessary.

principal responsibilities

this position integrates the chs 17 service excellence standards into each of the responsibilities of this job and daily communication with our customers and co-workers.

this position adheres to and is responsible for the safety standards of centegra health system including the completion of the mandatory organizational safety standards on an annual basis.

this position actively maintains confidentiality for our patients and their families as outlined in the chs patient confidentiality policy and shows the same level of respect for every associate within chs.

identification of population served by this position: neonate through geriatric as determined by department scope of service.

demonstrates knowledge of principles of growth and development over the life span.

adjusts the individualized plan of care to meet the patient’s age-specific learning needs.

demonstrates knowledge of basic nursing skills and the nursing process.

coordinates patient care needs, including discharge planning, with appropriate departments.

nursing documentation reflects appropriate use of the nursing process71-89% of the time.

demonstrates a gradual increase in independence in clinical practice.

coordinates patient care for assigned patient load seeking assistance in the planning and implementation phase as needed resulting in satisfactory outcomes.

demonstrates ability to assess data accurately in terms of patient’s status and age-specific needs.

demonstrates compliance with institutional and department policies and procedures using available resources.

demonstrates work toward attaining independent practitioner status for all core competencies.

seeks opportunities for professional growth and development through attendance at mandatory inservices, meetings and other educational offerings.

accepts and profits from mentoring.

this position performs other duties as assigned.

minimum knowledge, skill and abilities required

holds current il license or is eligible to sit for state licensing exam.

willingness to work in a team environment.

analytical skills necessary in order to gather and interpret routine data, maintain patient records, organize workflow and prioritize patient needs.

physical ability to perform functional requirements as detailed.

successfully completes general, nursing and unit specific orientation.

may 21, 2001

recruiter:hours per pay period:48on call:shift requirement:nightsweekend commitment:variable weekends

maybe you have tried but sherman just opened thier one in elgin last summer, and st joe's "provena" is just down the street

Have you tried nursing homes?? Schools? Doctor's offices?

Specializes in Not specified.

I'm glad that we could be here for you to rant and vent. Many of us--new grads and RN's with less than 3 years experience are in similar situations. One thing to consider is that most employers now will not even look at a new grad unless you have already taken the NCLEX and have preliminary evidence that you passed. I know that when I first started looking no body gave me the time of day, but the second I passed the boards, employers were a lot more interested.

One step at a time. Pass the NCLEX first. That alone is more stress than anyone needs to go through. It will be harder to focus if you fill yourself with uncertainty and doubt. You may find that studying for the NCLEX and successfully passing practice test can help build your confidence because let's face it--job hunting is a confidence killer and you need all of the confidence you deserve.

I wish you the best in passing your boards and landing a good job. Remember why you wanted to be a nurse in the first place and let that shine through.

Specializes in Burns, ICU.

I graduated in June and no one would look at me until after passing the test. Take your test, focus on it, pass and then things will work out.

And look at nursing homes, dr offices, places that you may not WANT to work at, but will give you experience.

Hang in there.

Specializes in Not specified.

Yes, take your test and focus all of your energies on that. If you visit the threads about the NCLEX, you'll find that if you are doing things right you will be spending all of your time and energy on studying and you should not even think about a job beyond jotting down a phone number or company here and there.

I used the Kaplan class and online review and studied for three weeks. I spent 6-8 hours a day studying and taking practice exams. I was completely exhausted--no time to worry about jobs. The day before the exam, I went to the testing site to make sure I gave myself enough time and not worry about getting lost. I spoke with the receptionist to make sure I had everything in order. I did not study at all the day before or the day of the exam. I went and got a professional hour long full body deep tissue massage and slept like a baby.

A few years ago everyone would be saying "Don't start in SNF or LTC, etc. because you'll never get a job in acute care" but with today's economy, I think that most hiring managers would be understanding that you had to get a job somewhere so that when the acute care jobs do open up again, they shouldn't dismiss you.

I can definitely relate to your frustrations. I graduated in May from a BSN program. Took my NCLEX in August- passed (thank GOD). I've been looking for jobs since July, . I only got ONE reply at a nursing home, which hired me on the spot in October. I've been working there ever since. The just 3 weeks ago, I got a call from Northwestern for an interview.. MY FIRST interview was in December. I haven't even gotten a CALL back from the millions of positions that I applied for- I applied at least several times a week.

But good news is, I was hired for the position.

The moral of the story is: Pass NCLEX and keep on trying because you never know who will give you that first chance. Good luck!!

I am sorry about your situation. I live in Southern Illinois and there are lots of jobs.... I work 2 actually .... try the Health department

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