I have lost all hope

[NEWGRADNURSE75]

After searching for six months for a new graduate RN hospital job, I have had no luck. I graduated from a BSN program in 2008..also I am CPR BLS, PALS, ACLS and IV certified. I have had only 2 interviews and been turned down for both. My confidence is at an all time low and I feel useless. I feel deeply depressed. I don't know what to do? Should I forget about nursing?

[toast40]

I think the military is a good option. I know many people might be hesitant to join because of the chance of being deployed, which is valid, but I believe the positives outweigh the negatives

My background: I enlisted in the Army in 2001 and spent five years on active duty as a lab tech. Currently, I am in the National Guard. Once I finish my BSN, I will be re-entering active duty as an officer. I chose to go back into the military for two reasons:

1. The military will pay back my student loans

2. I will gain 3 years of experience

Once my 3 years is up, I may continue serving or I may get out. If I decide to get out, I will have 3 years of experience under my belt, which will make me more marketable. Also, I can tell you from experience, the military will expose you to situations you will rarely see in the civilian world. As a lab tech, I've traveled to various places and have been trained in procedures uncommon for civilian lab techs.

Now, the chance of deployment is great. If you have a family, especially young children, this may not settle well with you. However, the work you'll be doing if deployed is important and will expose you to many stressors and situations that will prove to be valuable in your future career.

Joining the military was a good decision for me, and I recommend it, but it's not for everyone.

Good luck with your search!

Toast40

[DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN]

I agree that being yourself in an interview is important but I strongly suggest you are "your professional self". There can be a huge difference.

When you have interviewees come in and be overly familiar, ask personal questions of the interviewers, over-share personal information, chew gum, break out food, suck on Starbuck's, share their medical history and so on. You will understand that "being oneself" needs a limit.

Have someone review your CV/resume again. Write down all of the questions you were asked at the two interviews you DID have, plus your answers to them. Have someone go through these with you.

Don't waste time applying for jobs that do not exist (i.e. sending you resume in cold). Network with your former students. Where are they working? Does their facility have openings? etc. etc.

Also, as another poster said, go for home health, LTC, SNF, outpatient clinics...whatever it takes.

Finally, when you do get another interview (and you will get another interview) be careful not to sound desperate or down about your job situation. It is none of their business.

Good luck.