I need to vent please....

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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...

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Cast a much, much wider net.

As another member often says "Less-desirable RN work = RN experience and $$. Waiting for the coveted hospital position = No RN experience and no $$"

I'm sorry this is happening to you. And it illustrates why I think ELMSN programs are flawed by their very nature.

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I get what you're saying but I don't exactly agree with experience being the only factor as to why I am not being hired. Nearly everyone in my cohort has been hired so it isn't the program either. The issue is that I don't know what the issue is and maybe it just isn't my time to be in a hospital setting

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Just take the nursing home position....

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I get what you're saying but I don't exactly agree with experience being the only factor as to why I am not being hired. Nearly everyone in my cohort has been hired so it isn't the program either. The issue is that I don't know what the issue is and maybe it just isn't my time to be in a hospital setting

Now that you know that, you need to apply to any & every job.

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OP, have you ever run a background check on yourself?

Even if you were never convicted of a crime, or a conviction(s) was supposed to be seal, there may be a criminal record attached to your name.

Otherwise, I do agree with getting any doable job now - to save up money to relocate, or at least pay the rent and do interviews out of state with employers that offer relocation assistance.

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

If you are down to dollars in your bank account, then I would recommend getting a job somewhere, even if its as a barista or a grocery store employee now, while you search for a nursing job. You graduated in May? I know its frustrating but it is not uncommon for it to take a number of months to find a job, especially in certain areas. I agree that you need to cast a wider net, either in job type or location (or both), but in the meantime, find something to get a paycheck for while you search.

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Can you sign-on with an agency and get work via the agency?

That is just a suggestion. I don't know your situation.

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I graduated with honors and it took me 7 months to land a less than auspicious job at an LTAC. First jobs are hard to get in my part of the country and I was one of the last of my cohort to get hired. I endured my horrible commute and over-worked/understaffed job for a year and then looked again. By then I had a year's experience in acute care and could speak knowledgeably about many different illnesses, procedures, and scenarios. After a year, I got a job offer from my dream hospital, which I turned down for an even better job that I now love, close to home, in my field of interest.

Your frustration is real but don't give up hope. Do things for your resume like home health, flu clinics, etc. If you have been focused on acute care and hospitals, consider LTAC. Try to be more than just another new grad with no experience. Reach out to hospital recruiters. It is a numbers game and your turn will come.

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Specializes in med-surg, med oncology, hospice.
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!

I agree with OrganizedChaos. You need to do anything right now just for the experience of bedside/floor nursing. Once your foot is in the door, than you can start being a little more pickier. And tough it out for a year, at least. If you quit or try to transfer too soon once you get in, that won't look good either. Some managers see a year minimum as payback for your orientation period. And without any RN experience, you may require more than others as you have not learned even the basics taught in RN school. Is there an RN refreshed course in your area for nurses that have been out of nursing for awhile? Have you taken the NCLEX to show that you know the basics of nursing? I wish you luck.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

While I'm very sorry for your situation, I do wish that all non-nurses who are considering a straight path to advanced practice nursing without actual nursing practice could see your post and understand the position you're in.

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What kind of jobs have those in your cohort secured? I'm curious. Because most places won't hire an MSN in a masters position without experience and a masters is too much for a bedside position. Most places can't afford to pay it. I know you probably aren't asking for more, but that's s how employers see it.

Nobody sees you as a new grad RN with a masters degree. That's why you are being turned down quickly. I would have somebody look at your resume and go over your interview skills. I would talk directly to HR depts.

I see you as stuck between a rock and hard place. Were you awarded a BSN in your program?

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Specializes in Corrections, Surgical.
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.

YES!! I've heard this so many times. Luckily I know three nurses in different locations that told me that they would vouch for me when I finish school. A lot of places get so many applications but if a nurse says ' Interview this one, I know her and she is amazing' then that applicant gets pushed to the top more than a stranger. Try also volunteering to get to know people in the hospital. I wish you all the best and hope you land a good job soon. Bills are no joke, Trust me, I am in school right now and living check to check while living with my mom.

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