HELP!!!!

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!

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. 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!!!

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'?

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!

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

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

Best of luck hope this will be it for you

Good Luck!!!

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.

Thank you so much!!!

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?

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

I think it's good that he said thanks for a good interview. It's hard when it's a general interview because you might have to wait longer. Keep us updated! Good luck!