I'm venting. So my problem is that I can't find a job...anywhere, it seems. I'm usually optimistic and bubbly, but today I'm just annoyed. I feel like it's waaay too hard for me to find a job and that people are focusing waaay too much on the fact that I'm a nursing student. Yes! I am a nursing student. Yes! I will be graduating in May! Lets get over it.
In the meantime.....I'm still in school and I can work weekends. I STILL have to pass the NCLEX-RN which could take any length of time to pass. If I'm blessed enough to pass it the first time, then hooray for me. If not, I must try, try again. THEN I have to send resumes/call hospitals and pray that someone gives me a job. This process in and of itself could take a minimum of 6months or I could be line like all the other new nurses and it could take much, much longer. I still need a job. I still need to work. I still need to purchase $3.50 a gallon gasoline. The rent doesn't delay itself just because I'm a nursing student. Wal-Mart still charges me for groceries everytime I get in line. There's no VIP nursing student discount or "get your groceries free" card.
I'm applying everywhere for every position. My friend works at a grocery store and gave me the name of person that I should speak with. I interviewed with this grocery store today and it was the most awkward interview. The first thing that she told me was that she really needed to hire a male for the positon. Awkward. So, why did you agree to see me was my thought.
We talked and I felt like she really liked me. She told me how bright I was, how great my personality was, how I had a beautiful smile and that they could really use someone like me, it's wonderful that I wanted to work weekends.... but I also felt like she couldn't get past me being a nursing student. All she talked about was the licensing process and something about her niece being an RN. She asked me if I applied at the hospitals and I had to explain the whole, "the economy", "hiring freezes", "some hospitals not wanting to hire new grads", "how long the hiring process sometimes takes". She was quite fixated on me, THE NURSE. It was as if, I was from Pluto!
She ended the interview by mentioning something about some employee that it "may" not be working out with because she keeps calling out, but that she's going to give her another chance because the employee has a baby. She said that she would keep me at the TOP of her list. It was strange. I applied for an open position online. Not someone else's current position. I'm baffled. I'm just looking for a job. The economy is tough. Who knows how quickly this graduation to licensing process will be, but I still need to work. I would leave off my education but it would leave a gap. Maybe I can just be a "business" major on any future applications.
Do you have to state that you are a nursing student during your interview?
I dont understand why it would even have to come up. Simply state what hours you are available. It is none of their business what you do while you are not at work. If a situation arises later where it must be brought up, that would be after you got the job.
Also, its not like employers at places like restaurants and grocery stores think that the people they hire will make lifetime careers out of it. Not that they are not great jobs (I appreciate every job I had while I was looking for a RN position), but they wouldnt hire highschool seniors if they werent sure people were going to leave at some point. If you were able to get hired at a place like this they have to assume you wont be there forever, but telling someone up front that you are in nursing school (as proud of it as you may be) is just a huge reminder that you may be leaving sooner than later. Just my two cents...
Good Luck -in finding a job and in finishing school!
Thank you. The only reason that I mention that I'm in school is because there would be an employment gap. Many applications ask the reason for separation from previous employer AND if they can contact them. I left my job (bank teller) to start nursing school. I would have to explain that gap. I could be vague and just say that I'm a student, but the next question is always, "Oh, and what are you studying?"
Thank you! I'm working really hard to get out of this last semester and get on with my life. :) I've got 6 weeks to go! Hopefully, I will also have a job by then.
A couple of my LVN classmates worked at Whole Foods between finishing school and getting their first real nursing job. One kept on working at Whole Foods fulltime and nursing on the weekends because the benefits were awesome. So I'm not sure why it would be a big deal.
I understand what you are saying. I even stopped by McDonalds to see about a job. I graduated from RN school in 1999 (as an older grad) and feel that my age at present is a factor, even though it is not susposed to be. Also, I didn't work in the hospital after graduation, so I don't have the hospital experience often requested. I really want to teach and do a good job at it, just can't find anything local to do. Has anyone found anything to do per the internet?
Good luck to you! I hope that you find a job soon, as well.
A couple of my LVN classmates worked at Whole Foods between finishing school and getting their first real nursing job. One kept on working at Whole Foods fulltime and nursing on the weekends because the benefits were awesome. So I'm not sure why it would be a big deal.
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I didn't think that it would be that big of a deal either. I guess it is to some employers. :0
I'm hopeful though. The right job will come through for me.
AKA_Glamour_Pearl
119 Posts
Thank you. The only reason that I mention that I'm in school is because there would be an employment gap. Many applications ask the reason for separation from previous employer AND if they can contact them. I left my job (bank teller) to start nursing school. I would have to explain that gap. I could be vague and just say that I'm a student, but the next question is always, "Oh, and what are you studying?"
Thank you! I'm working really hard to get out of this last semester and get on with my life. :) I've got 6 weeks to go! Hopefully, I will also have a job by then.