I can't find a JOB!! I'm so discouraged

[NurseNextDoor]

I feel like quitting. I'm broke and I have two children and I am a single parent. I struggled through nursing school with little to no support from anyone and when i graduated I was so happy because nursing is something I love. I have gone to several workshops concerning resume writing and cover letter writing. Ive had my resume and cover letter looked over many times and improved it over and over. Ive been in and out of career centres advising me on interview tips. I'm at my breaking point!

I'm online everyday applying to every single nursing job posting within my province ( I would have to pay and apply to work outside my province). Ive volunteered for public health for over 3 years now and counting and Ive spent a crap load of money on additional courses to make my skills stand out!. I spent my last bit of money on an additional IV and Phlebotomy course in hopes that after completing this course it would give me a better chance!

I cry everyday....to think I spent so much money and put myself in debt for a career that I love and hoped for....and i'm still here with no job. Its been 2 years since I've graduated I have even tried being more aggressive and getting nursing managers phone numbers and E-mails and personally handing in my resumes with no success. I even went out and bought better clothing to look more professional.

At this rate I feel like a failure...I failed myself and I failed my kids and I can't afford to take care of them. I tried my best not to go back on social assistance but it seems thats where I'm heading. I even tried to go back to working at TIM HORTONS seriously..... I don't know what to do...

[NurseNextDoor]

I found one nursing agency that was willing to hire me. They said that I could work for them as a PSW for 3 months and then they would send me out as an RPN to hospitals. After doing all the paper work and making a plan to send me out for training, 3 weeks later after calling the numerous times regarding my application they said they were no longer interested in me. I was DEVASTATED after they already had basically promised me the job. They said i was too inexperienced to work as a PSW. I'm a nurse and I can't even work as a PSW because i'm not even experienced enough for that in an AGENCY.

I signed up with another agency which agreed to let me work as an RPN but I haven't been assigned one shift!. I keep calling to see if there are any open positions and still nothing....I'm still waiting...times running out for me!. I have literally 1 year left to work as a nurse or else i'll have to enter the non practicing class. the CNO told me this.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Then start applying to smaller centres as well. Extend your reach, otherwise you will be moving closer to non-practicing status and that's not worth it.

That means you may need to commute an hour or more, but there are too many applicants and few jobs. It's been that way for almost 10 years in ON.

I feel that schools need to start being honest with students, but the reality is that they will never admit there are few jobs and the markets are cyclical.

[GingerCrayons]

Have you considered doing a "community visit" to remote/rural locations in northern Ontario? They are looking for nurses all of the time and you will get reimbursed for your visit.

I graduated in April and have only had 2 interviews (I did not get the first job but will know about the 2nd next week).

The place I just interviewed at is in a remote/rural northern Ontario town. I will have to move there (leave my fiancé and children at home) if I want any hope of getting my foot in the door.

I see a lot of posting for community nurses (VON, St. Elizabeth, Rivera, etc.). Try those out (unless you already have).

[loriangel14, RN]

A lot of those types of community jobs require experience first. You are out there on your own and you need good assessment skills.

[Buyer beware, BSN]

Please, for the love of God, someone in the position of hiring give this woman a chance. (Please PM her)

There is no vocation more important than a woman's sacred ability to raise her children.

At least find out the particulars and help her move forward.

[loriangel14, RN]

OP did you read the pm I sent you?

[BabyFood26]

Please, for the love of God, someone in the position of hiring give this woman a chance. (Please PM her)

There is no vocation more important than a woman's sacred ability to raise her children.

At least find out the particulars and help her move forward.

That was such a kind comment and very accurate observation. It warmed my heart.

[NurseNextDoor]

UPDATE: Yes thank you BUYER BEWARE :)

Lorian I did get your PM and replied.

I just got a call from St. Elizabeth for working in clinics in richmond hill and newmarket but they said I do not have enough experience and they are looking for someone with at least 6 months of working experience (not including clinical) and because I do not know how to start the IV. (I just learned this skill in my IV and phlebotomy class but i haven't completed the class) I'll be done this course in december.. I'm so sad. i do have an interview with Carepartners, and two Long term care facilities coming up!. I am going to try really hard and prepare for these interviews like I always do and hope for the best. I also upgraded my portfolio recently. I'm glad i got this sudden rush of interviews in the last 3 days...hopefull things will turn around but after todays rejection its hard to stay positive.

[NurseNextDoor]

UPDATE:

I didn't get any of the jobs and I am back to where i started!! I am running broke and I spent so much money traveling to interviews that were far from me. The interview i had in Guelph ontario was a long term care facility I am familiar with. It was a group interview for various positions in the facility. It was 2 hours long filling out paper work, doing a quiz etc.

All of the community job postings require that you have a car. I feel like i'm at a huge disadvantage because I don't have a car! How can i afford one if nobody will hire me? it is just a deadly cycle i'm hoping to get out of somehow. I did my resume over for the 1000th time with more advice from a employment specialist. She is going to coach me for my interviews and speaking directly to managers when handing in my resume.

I finished my IV and Phlebotomy course successfully and added that to my resume as well..this is the last year for me to land a nursing job before renewal again or i have to enter the non practising class!!! the pressure is on! I'm hoping 2017 will be good to me

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

If it's at all possible for you to relocate, I would strongly consider it. Guelph is still part of the extended GTA and all of those surrounding cities are saturated with applicants.

Small towns and remote areas to the north are always looking. Not ideal, but you need to work.

[NurseNextDoor]

I am considering relocating seriously. I can't afford to move though. I'm going to try and save what little money I can. The only concerns I have about relocating is money, finding a place to live, childcare for my children since I would be moving away from my mother who would have been the primary person who helps pick the kids up from school if I had to work late hours.

I think if I do have to relocate I will probably have to leave my children behind for a week or two until after I get settled but I will only relocate after I get a job offer.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I realize it's not going to be easy, but you will likely continue to face roadblocks if you don't relocate soon. Unfortunately, you're now an "old" new grad in the eyes of employers, who can afford to be selective.

The GTA has been a tough market for 10 years. But small towns and areas to the north will take whatever they can get. You'll get some good experience also.

I went rural for 4 years and then moved to the city. Working rural taught me how to survive the politics of nursing and how to function with few resources.

Good luck and happy new year!