I Just Need To Vent A Bit... Or A Lot.

Nurses Career Support

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Specializes in medsurg, progressive care.

Literally no one else in my life can empathize with me lately, and this is just something I need to get out of my system so I can go back to obsessively applying for jobs. My license expires for the first time at the end of this month and, as a May 2013 grad, I have yet to actually use it. So yay for paying for this license that so far has been collecting dust, because I'm so poor I can't afford a frame for it!

I'm so sick of everything related to nursing.

I am usually a very appreciative person and I am always so grateful when anyone helps me because I hate asking for help, but right now I don't want it. Stop sending me emails of Nursing Jobs throughout the state. Stop asking if I've applied to XYZ Hospital or if I ever considered home health or hey, have I ever heard of these New Grad programss? Stop telling me that you heard about this staffing agency or that you found out about your current job through CareerBuilder/ Monster. Yes I saw that open position, yes I have applied at every single hospital in this state numerous times, yes I've heard of and applied to all the new grad programs, no I can't work for a staffing agency because they want 18 years of experience, and yes my resume is on CareerBuilder and Monster and LinkedIn and Indeed and this sketchy healthcare page that may or may not be legit. Stop trying to help me because all you are doing is making me feel like you think I'm stupid.

But then I feel guilty for getting mad at people for trying to help. Like yes, I know you have my best interests in mind, I know you want me to get a job, I know you want to help. But you saying all these things to me somehow computes in my frustrated mind as you thinking that I'm just lounging on the couch watching Supernatural all day. I'm working 45 hours a week at a job that I dislike / on the verge of hate for next to no money that is a 45 minute drive, I'm spending every waking moment scouring the internet for jobs and nursing opportunities, and I'm doing "volunteer" work that makes me feel like a douchebag 8 hours a week. Yes I am trying extremely hard to get a job.

Part of me wants to be mad at the health care industry and experienced nurses but I'm smart enough to know that this anger would be misplaced and that it's neither of these things' fault. I AM angry with my college and my nursing professors for spreading the lie about the nursing shortage and reassuring me that I would get a job right out of school, but no one made me go to nursing school, and people shouldn't have to retire just for me to get a job. It's just - the whole process of applying to jobs is demeaning and frustrating, and who am I supposed to aim all of these negative feelings towards? There's no one to really blame, so it just festers.

I've also never felt this desperate before. I would do almost anything for a nursing job right now! I would travel any distance, move to any state, work on any floor during any shift, and I would do it for minimum wage. I just don't understand. I have CNA experience. I've been at my current job for 8 years (yay longevity and dedication etc etc) and I'm an assistant manager. I had great grades. I have volunteer stuff. I have wonderful references. I was an athlete and a member of Sigma Theta Tau, I did a preceptorship. I've written hundreds of cover letters tailored to each job and hospital. I've applied to jobs in several different states.

Ugh. Okay. Rant over. I feel better for having written this down. Back to the Job Search!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Big warm hugs to you. It DOES suck. I hope something pans out very soon.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

It is unfair.

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

you're going to hate me, but are you applying for nonhospital jobs too? It seems like new grads have a fairly easy time getting into home health.

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(((hugs))).

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I know it's frustrating. ... It took me 5 months to get my current job at a nursing home..... As someone said, try to focus on non hospital jobs ie. Prisons, nursing homes, pharmaceutical companies, insurance, clinics, urgent care, doctors offices

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Big warm hugs to you. It DOES suck. I hope something pans out very soon.

THIS.

((((HUGS))))

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I'm feeling the same way rinskins. I love it also when I take approximately two (2) hours to: tailor the cover letter to the facility, complete the application, take the 200-250 question personality test, and click on send at 3:45 *AM*.

Then, five to seven hours later, while the recruiter is eating his/ or her second FREE company bagel, they glance at my resume and application for 20 seconds, then send a prepared rejection letter. Ugh! Can't they wait 24 hours? Hello, I worked hard in the wee hours of the morning, on that application!

I'm just praying that I get a job offer before I have to take a nursing refresher course.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

To OP - I wish I could just reach out and give you a big hug in person. Won't say anything but wishing you all the best.

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Specializes in medsurg, progressive care.

Thank you everyone, this is exactly what I needed - a little sympathy and empathy! I try really hard to stay positive but it's difficult, especially when no one in my family has ever had this problem getting a job (see: no medical professionals in my family) and my sister hasn't graduated yet and already has a guaranteed job. A lot of my friends had connections and have been working for a few months, and while they understand it's not the same. So, thank you for your kind words and warm wishes! :)

@[COLOR=#003366]cayenne06 - yup, nonhospital jobs too! I actually thought I might have a shot at a home health position because I worked with one of their CNAs at my current job, but that didn't pan out. Thanks though, I DO appreciate the help!

@[COLOR=#003366]grad2012RN - PREACH! I hate that. My "New Year's Resolution" was to apply to 1 job a day in January, 2 jobs a day in February, 3 in March, etc... and sooo many times I would spend a few hours on my application, send it in before bed, and when I got up to check my email before work in the morning I already had a generic rejection letter. Ugh, like did they even bother to read my awesome cover letter? I was looking into nursing refresher courses too and - seriously? The ones by me, at least, are like $2500-4000! Is that a joke?!?!? I make just over minimum wage and I have bills and student loans, I don't have several thousand dollars to spend on that! Hell, I have to renew my nursing license this month and I asked my Dad if he would do it in lieu of getting me a birthday gift next week because it's so much money (plus Sigma Theta Tau renewal.... ugggggh).

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I should have done something either than nursing :(

now I am going to end up poor :(

Four years ago, when I started nursing school, getting a job was pretty easy.

:(

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Specializes in ICU.

Seems like everybody I know is trying to become a nurse. At least, all the young people I know claim that is what they plan to do. Try telling them there is no nursing shortage? Nobody believes it! I have had adults outright dispute that. Everywhere you look there are advertisements from nursing schools, plus articles in the news, all touting what a great career lies ahead of you, if only you were a nurse!

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