I need to vent please....

allnurses Guide · Jul 20, 2017

About a thousand years ago I applied for a job I desperately wanted and was uniquely qualified for. It was as a guide dog trainer. I passed the telephone interview, Flew to San Jose for a personal interview, auditioned my dog training and handling skills etc.... I thought I had this in the bag. In fact I was already researching rents in the San Jose/San Francisco area. Then I got the letter that I had not been selected.

Following that experience a friend suggested that I attend a class/seminar on how to interview for a job. It was a long weekend thing taught by fortune 500 HR people and it went through everything from how to write a resume, how to secure an interview, how to dress, what to say and not to say etc.....

In the modern age I don't know if such classes seminars still exist - but I have never failed at a job interview since. Unless I didn't really want the job!

What I would do first is find a friend who works HR and have them do a mock interview with you. Maybe they can point out some things you might be doing (and not even be aware of) that could be sending red flags to your prospective employer. It's a good idea to get to know a bit about the culture of the company you are looking to work for. I have nothing personally against tattoos or unique hair color but if you are in the parking lot during shift change and everyone is conservatively attired it might be a clue if you are more the avant-garde in your personal style.

Los Angeles is a really tough job market especially for NP's I will be finishing my MHPN just about the time my son leaves for college in 2021 and am actively networking all the psych docs and facilities in the area.

Good luck to you

Hppy

DizzyJ DHSc PA-C · Jul 20, 2017

At first I was surprised to see comments about people thinking you are over qualified to be a floor nurse just because you did an MSN program as your direct entry into the RN field. Thinking about it though, it could be possible that HR screeners are looking at the MSN and assuming something that just is not true. I would write a strong cover letter with your application pointing out that you did an MEPN program and are a new grad RN looking specifically for entry level RN work. You are NOT over qualified for bedside nursing just because you have a master's. In all reality your a new grad just like an ADN or BSN nurse. Someone in HR may not understand that.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jul 20, 2017

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...

When we hire new nurses, we're looking for someone we think will be a good, dependable employee and someone we want to work with. Someone we LIKE. We don't care that you don't know how to take care of our patients. We can teach you that. We're looking for someone who will be a good team member. If you're trying to emphasize all that you know in your interviews, that's a turn off. As a new nurse, you don't even know what you don't know. Instead, concentrate on being someone we want to work with. Be friendly, pretend if you have to. It's very difficult to like someone who doesn't seem to like us, so work hard on that.

I'm not giving you this advice because I believe you're unlikable. I don't KNOW you. I just know that this is something people often overlook in their job searches. If it doesn't apply to you personally, perhaps it will to someone else who reads this.

Boomer MS, RN · Jul 20, 2017

When we hire new nurses, we're looking for someone we think will be a good, dependable employee and someone we want to work with. Someone we LIKE. We don't care that you don't know how to take care of our patients. We can teach you that. We're looking for someone who will be a good team member. If you're trying to emphasize all that you know in your interviews, that's a turn off. As a new nurse, you don't even know what you don't know. Instead, concentrate on being someone we want to work with. Be friendly, pretend if you have to. It's very difficult to like someone who doesn't seem to like us, so work hard on that.
I'm not giving you this advice because I believe you're unlikable. I don't KNOW you. I just know that this is something people often overlook in their job searches. If it doesn't apply to you personally, perhaps it will to someone else who reads this.

I am not a fan of the direct entry master programs, unless it is one of the three-year programs. And even then I have some reservations. As an ADN, BSN or MSN direct entry graduate, you are all on the same plane...a new graduate with no experience. So I hope you'll take to heart Ruby Vee's advice. Some part of getting hired involves luck, but her words/advice make sense. It is doable to find a job, in spite of your difficulties. Good luck and let us know if anything works out for you. "Patience is a virtue", as my mother used to say. (Easy for me to say as I'm not in your shoes.)::)

Kyrshamarks, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2017

Apply for a dialysis job. They take people with no experience all the time

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jul 20, 2017

OP: Have you passed NCLEX yet?

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Jul 20, 2017

At first I was surprised to see comments about people thinking you are over qualified to be a floor nurse just because you did an MSN program as your direct entry into the RN field. Thinking about it though, it could be possible that HR screeners are looking at the MSN and assuming something that just is not true. I would write a strong cover letter with your application pointing out that you did an MEPN program and are a new grad RN looking specifically for entry level RN work. You are NOT over qualified for bedside nursing just because you have a master's. In all reality your a new grad just like an ADN or BSN nurse. Someone in HR may not understand that.

If the OP is applying to new grad jobs/programs it isn't a person that is denying, but more than likely it is an automated system (i.e. a robot) that sends back automated responses.

If the job is looking for a BSN prepared nurse & an ADN prepared nurse will be rejected for being under qualified just like the OP will be rejected for being over qualified.

It is tough filling out jobs online because you don't have a chance to explain yourself before you get automatically rejected.

So yes, the OP is over qualified for bed side positions because most positions require ADN or BSN degrees. I don't know anyone with MSN degrees that willingly choose to work bedside.

Zyprexa · Jul 20, 2017

Since you're basically down to dollars in your bank account, I would apply to any and all jobs, whether they are nursing or not. Get a job as a waitress, work at Starbucks, anything to make money while you look for a nursing job. If you can relocate, that would be best because the job market in your area (LA County) is saturated and it's tough for new grads. Some hospitals offer relocation assistance if that helps. Apply in places like North Dakota or Arizona.

3ringnursing, BSN · Jul 20, 2017

Have you inquired with any of the facilities your did your clinical rotations at to see if they would be willing to give you a letter of recommendation based upon your work on their unit as a nursing student? Are any of those places hiring? Even if they aren't currently it couldn't hurt to apply to places that are already familiar with you.

If you haven't asked any of your clinical instructors yet for a letter of recommendation that may be an opportunity too.

A catch 22 if I ever heard one: you need experience in order to get a job, but you need a job to get the experience ... I know you need steady income bad - like last week, but if you aren't currently employed perhaps consider volunteering somewhere to get that presently elusive experience needed to land a job and get your foot in the door.

I wish you the very best, and hope fair fortune is headed your way soon. Getting through a rigorous nursing program is not easy, therefore only those dedicated to hard work succeed. You obviously passed your nursing program, and state boards, so you are bright and have a lot going for yourself - don't ever forget that!

DizzyJ DHSc PA-C · Jul 20, 2017

So yes, the OP is over qualified for bed side positions because most positions require ADN or BSN degrees. I don't know anyone with MSN degrees that willingly choose to work bedside.

An automated system rejecting an application doesn't mean she is over qualified. Technically, she is not over qualified. That would be a automated system flaw. Doubtful a robot is rejecting people because they have too much education. Perhaps maybe if there is a specific question "do you have a BSN?" and she answers "NO" then yes it would kick her out.

How many direct entry MSN nurses do you know? That's probably why don't know any willing to choose bedside work. I have known several MSN NPs that kept floor jobs or went back to floor jobs.

What is one to do that does an MEPN program if they are automatically over qualified to work as a nurse? Then programs wouldn't exist. She should be able to apply to any new grad RN position.

Purple_roses · Jul 21, 2017

Personally, what I would do at this point is to secure any job I could get: Starbucks, McDonalds, maid service, dog walker. Whatever it takes to pay the bills. Apply to nursing positions in the mean time. You may have to work in a facility that isn't your top choice and you may have to relocate. That's just how it is in some areas. I would also contact people you've interviewed with and politely ask why you were not offered the job--this might give you some insight as to what changes you need to make as far as the interview process goes.

I hate to say this, but some of those accelerated masters nursing programs aren't worth ****, and no matter what you do, you won't be competitive in a saturated area. Hopefully that's not the case!

Good luck to you!

ETA: just read that almost all of your cohort was hired. That's actually good news! That means that whatever is going wrong is something that you might be able to fix! Maybe you could have a professor take a look at your resume and cover letter? Some English students at local colleges may also be willing to help you with your resume for a much smaller fee than a true professional would charge.

IamcertifiedRN · Jul 21, 2017

Hi there! I feel you. I was like that. I've been out of school for 8 years. I pass my test last year and was pregnant that time. This is my 1st job as RN in the U.S. I am rusty as it can be. Took 2 months to find a job. FInally, I got one. One of the top 3 hospitals here in Austin. My advice to you is don't lose hope. Just apply and I am very certain that you will find a great job that you will love. I took any position available. It is tough for me but I always remind myself that everyday is gonna be a great day! Cheer up my friend. I cried as well when I found out all rejections from my previous interviews. I was soo devastated but when I got my 1st job offered I took it right away because for me these people trusted me enough to be part of their team. I am sure you will find one as well.