HELP!!!!

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I was a Medical Assistant for 13 years, got my BSN, RN in December 2012. Live in Philadelphia suburbs and CANNOT GET INTO A HOSPITAL TO SAVE MY LIFE!!! I'm at such a loss. I'm miserable at my current job (Nursing Home on SNF/Rehab floor) because I'm wasting my time, my skills and my sanity feeling like I'll never live up to my potential and become what I've always dreamt of being. Can't think of any reasons why, as I'm seeing almost every single one of my peers - education, age, gender, (some with less experience!) etc - getting hospital jobs. My resume is great. I am complimented and respected at my current job on my skills and knowledge. Im a hard worker and passionate about nursing. What gives? I don't even get calls for interviews and then I see another new(er) nurse getting hired somewhere else. I sound pathetic, I'm sure but I'm really questioning what is going on! Some of my old nursing school buddies are moving on to MSN programs and I dont even have any acute care experience yet. This is ridiculous. Help!!

Specializes in Ortho/Spine, Telemetry, SNF/Rehab.

Isn't it awful?! I am growing more and more miserable by the minute at my current job. I feel like a failure when I know deep down that I most certaintly am not!! Being so let down and feeling not "good enough" all the time has affected me in so many ways, and starting to affect my relationships with some of my coworkers because I'm so miserable. I do try and stay positive most days but its REALLY HARD. Im reaching out to more people who work in hospitals now. So far it has done nothing but I just keep swimming! What choice do I have, right?! I'm always tempted to post something on Facebook publicly because I'm sure there's got to be someone out there who has no idea what I'm going through and could maybe help if they knew, but its so embarrassing to publicly air my failures for all to see. I'll keep everyone updated if and when something finally gives and GOOD LUCK to all my amazing, hard working fellow nurses with this same struggle. So happy I can vent on this forum to the right people!

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Oh honey, you're not a failure. The right opportunity just hasn't presented itself. I know plan A is to get into a hospital, is there a plan B that you could pursue in the meantime? Not saying you should give up on your goal, just that maybe a change of scenery might give you the challenge you need.

SNF/Subacute is kinda soul-draining work, especially when it's not your passion.

Have you considered joining a professional association or taking some continuing ed courses to counter the feeling of learning nothing in your current job?

I really do understand the feeling, though. I watched many of my classmates get hospital jobs right off the bat while I struggled to find ANY job. I outgrew my first job pretty quick and looked for per diem work at 6 months in for a new challenge. 6 months after that, I started looking for something different and ended up with 3 job offers. None of them were my dream job, but it helped me feel like less of a failure for not getting the awesome jobs my classmates were getting. I took the job that had the best hours and work environment and kept on plugging away. Every round of applications I redid my cover letter and résumé to make sure it was really selling me as a good candidate.

As for broadcasting on social media, it's all about how you phrase it. Saying "I'm looking for a new challenge" sounds a lot better than "I hate my current job!" If you go that route, choose your words carefully and be aware of the fact that someone who knows someone at your current workplace could easily get wind of it.

I hope things look up soon!

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Once again, I understand exactly how you feel. I go through periods of depression because I feel like I'm not good enough. Especially when co workers who are not good people get the jobs I want or I hear about another new grad who got the job. :angrybird3: My current job appreciates me and my hours are good for the most part. Then I feel guilty for not being happy. I Haven't learned anything for far too long though! Good luck to you too!!!

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Is employment (licensure) in New Jersey a possibility? Although we have our tough job market too.

Is your resume TOO glowing? Like too much of a 'toot your own horn" kind? That can be a turn-off to some recruiters.

Might your resume have info that dates you? Ageism is NOT supposed to occur but it is a reality.

Are your references responding in a timely fashion and most importantly, are they giving positive reviews (not just lukewarm) at best)?

And just a thought about that 'friend' of yours who put the good word in for you ... any chance she may not be a very good employee? Maybe the UM wasn't thrilled with your friend and her reputation has unfairly rubbed off onto you 'by association'?

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Specializes in Ortho/Spine, Telemetry, SNF/Rehab.

Ok, I need to calm down lol! So I don't know if its that I finally put something out there, as in posting my job woes out to the universe, BUT I just got a call from my absolute favorite hospital where I did several clinicals in nursing school, and I have a phone interview on Thursday! I know that its no promise of a job, but I'm closer than I've ever been! I will keep everyone posted!! 😁😁 Fingers crossed!

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Awesome!!! Good luck! Google nursing phone interview questions to be ready!

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Specializes in Ortho/Spine, Telemetry, SNF/Rehab.

Good idea. Will do. And I'll be reading every thread on AN!!

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Best of luck hope this will be it for you

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Good Luck!!! :up:

Also, keep in mind how to build contacts through LinkedIn.

I got my job through interviewing from another position, which the director interviewed me; he was impressed with me, and ended up giving my résumé to the NM; it took six months for me to get a call, interview and shadow, and then they wanted to hire me.

I'm sending positive vibes for patience; the entire hiring process can take MONTHS, so stay positive, sell what you have learned in Sub Acute-including identifying abnormalities without technology; focused and head to toe assessments, honing interpersonal skills when dealing with stressed families; leadership skills and interpersonal skills with CNAs...I can go on and on, but I used all of hose attributes to state my strengths in LTC...and you WILL use them and it will be a great base into your next endeavor.

Best wishes.

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Specializes in Ortho/Spine, Telemetry, SNF/Rehab.

Thank you so much!!!

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Specializes in Ortho/Spine, Telemetry, SNF/Rehab.

Ok, so I felt the interview went ok. I was so nervous, but I answered honestly and professionally. He was very pleasant and friendly, he was HR nursing recruitment and said he would be forwarding candidates with good interviews to NMs. I felt as if I was coming off a little nervous - wordy at times then not wordy enough. Once it got to the end and I started asking him my questions, I felt a little more at ease. When it all wrapped up, he said "well i thank you for a good interview, my last few were a little rough" - so how would you guys take that? Do you think he was being honest or do they just tell everyone that they had a good interview?! My mother seems to think he would have never said that about his last few if I didn't have a good shot. This was a screening phone interview for several different open positions, so my eggs aren't all in one basket. Feedback?

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Can't say if the interview went well or not. All you can say is you did your best and just cross your fingers you get to talk to the nurse manager.

Just keep us posted. Good luck.. pulling for you

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