I need to vent please....

[Justwanttonurse]

Hi everyone I just need to vent because right now I am typing this in tears and have officially run out of all kinds of positivity. I have applied and interviewed at so many places and have yet to secure a job. My story is unique and I will spare the details unless you really want to hear them but now I can't focus. I do everything that is required to land a job yet I haven't landed one. All of the little things they tell us to do, I do that and then some and still nothing. I am at risk of losing everything without some sort of reprieve. I am not exaggerating and I know I should look into relocating but I am quite literally down to dollars in my bank account so leaving here isn't an option. For context, I completed an accelerated Masters program and have some assistant experience. Some jobs Ive applied to have denied me literally 15 min after me applying for them and I am unsure why. I am just tired of feeling inadequate and losing hours of sleep along with my sanity. Sorry to sound like a complete negative Nancy but this is what it is and I know I am not the only one but my question is how do you pull yourself out of it? I know the competition is stiff out here in LA County and other places as well but I don't know how much more I can take of this. Some of my interviews even advanced to second interviews and I still did not get the position so I am just at a complete loss. I guess what I am asking for is some words of encouragement or advice because I honestly dont know.... I just don't know...

[cleback]

Feel for you... sorry that it's been a rough time. Rejection in the job search process is difficult to stomach. Don't take it personally, though.

I'm going to resist the urge to try to suggest new avenues because 1) I don't know what you've tried already and 2) frankly you may not need that kind of support right now. I will say hardworkers are always needed, even if the job is not what you had planned originally... you definitely sound like a hard worker.

Chin up and best of luck.

[Sour Lemon]

Are you a new nurse?

[Justwanttonurse]

I will take any advice you have.....I've have really only tried hospitals and am now venturing into SNFs and Psych hospitals....it's super hard because I am really doing all I can and nothing is happening....I am definitely trying not to take things personal but I don't know what else I can do

[vanilla bean]

What type of "accelerated Master's program" did you complete (was it a MEPN-type program)? Have you ever worked as an RN? You're right, competition is stiff in the LA area. Are you willing to relocate?

[Justwanttonurse]

Yes graduated in may

[Justwanttonurse]

Yes it was a MEPN program and no I have never worked as an RN and relocating unfortunately isn't an option right now

[HeySis, BSN, RN]

I feel for you, I can sense your pain in the words you put down.

Without knowing more I will venture some advice. If i'm barking up the wrong tree and you'd like to clarify anything. I'll come back and see if my advice would change with further details.

It sounds like some kind of assistant (a CNA maybe?) to a MSN accelerated program without any actual LPN or RN experience in-between. I can see how this makes it hard. You qualify, based on education, for a different job set and pay grade, but as far as your experience goes... you don't qualify for those same positions.

First off, I would widen your search to any portion that you are qualified for regardless as to the type of facility. You need to get some practical bedside nursing experience of any kind (LTC, home health, hospice, clinic, put patient, inpatient, ..... anything that is direct hands on)

Second, I would call a professor that you worked with and developed a rapport with. Ask if they will do a mock interview with you and then break it down and give you pointers. Most universities will have some sort of post graduation help with resumes and job interviewing. I would find out and use them as a resource. I add your professor onto the list because healthcare can be such a unique interview.

Third, did you ask everyone that you are using as a reference if you could? or if they would give you a good reference? If you didn't ask you need to find some people that you can ask.... before you use them. You may also have someone you trust, that does not know your references call them and ask for a reference. You'll find a list of what they could ask here Best Questions to Ask References: The Complete List in this way you'll find out if a bad reference is sabotaging your chances.

Fourth, check your social media sites and make sure they are clean and private. Lots of employers now a days check social media sites before hiring to make sure the candidate fits in with their "culture".

I'm sure others will have good advice, I wish you all the best.

[Justwanttonurse]

Thank you for the advice....I am going to reach out to my professor. As far as the experience goes I was applying to positions that were specific to new grads but at this point I have to apply to other areas of care. I was a PCA for some time while in school and have been applying since before I graduated in May. I realize I am being hard on myself but I don't have a fall back as far as economics are concerned so I am doing the best I can.

[choksantos, BSN, RN]

I'm sorry of what your going thru, I'm going to be honest with you, alot of times, I see in the hospitals that is not what you know but who, if ever you have a friend or a friend of a friend who is a nurse or works in a hospital, have them refer you to a manager, give them a copy of your resume.

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

I think the problem is you're over qualified for a lot of "new grad" positions but then under qualified for master prepared positions.

I would take any nursing position that is offered to you. You know at this point you can't afford to be picky. Good luck!

[MikeyT-c-IV]

My story is unique and I will spare the details unless you really want to hear them

I'm so sorry to hear you are having this problem. I know how scary it is to be broke as I made a habit of that for a number of years. I'm curious if the unique nature of your story is related to this problem? Also what are the little things that you are doing that you were told to do?

I wish you the best.