I really need help, i'm never going to find a job

[lvnjden4ever, R.N.]

I graduated with a B.S.N. in 2007...so long ago. It took me 6 months to get my application ready (I went to school abroad, but I'm a U.S. citizen). Then I studied while I was working in retail to support my family. I took the test last June (2008) and passed the first time. I thought all my worries were over. Woo hoo!!!

Yeah right.

Well it's now November of 2009 and NOTHING. I got a call from Maxim...they said call them back when I have 6 months under my belt. I got a call from Mollen Immunization for this years flu shot clinics...sooo excited. Then when I went to schedule myself all the positions were GONE in minutes. Oh I cried all night after that.

Hundreds and hundreds of applications later...I'm still at home. Clutching onto my license spending my days taking care of my kids and scouring the internet for positions. I apply to at least 10-20 a day. Hospital websites, clinics, blood donor (just recently), craigs list, State Prisons.

I just responded to an employment inquiry from a nearby prison. Hope they at least call me. Hope someone calls me. I don't know what to do anymore, everyday that goes by the weight on my shoulders gets heavier and heavier. I'm losing hope that I'll every be a REAL NURSE.

Any ideas??? If I go "door to door" to nursing homes and LTC facilities with my resume...do you think that would work? How should I go about that? I'm about ready to beg on my hands and knees.

My resume is bare. My only past employment are RETAIL. Cashiering, barista, tutor. DO I PUT THESE ON MY RESUME??? I'm just afraid that they look at it and see the RETAIL and throw my resume out the window after that. Should I position that part on the bottom and put my clinical rotations first??? What should I put in my resume...I have employment history, college, high school, clinical rotations, skills (typing, medical terminology, computer literate), and references. Should I include anything else?

I'm assuming SOMETHING is wrong...I haven't every been called for nearly 2 years!!!

Everyday is becoming a struggle with my innerself. I feel like such a loser.

BTW, I live in the Bay Area, California. I apply in the Bay, Central Valley...basically anywhere within a 4 hour driving range. I'm willing to move anywhere in the state.

THANKS SO MUCH IF YOU ANSWER....

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I have a lot of non-nursing stuff on my resume -- 10 years of graphic design/desktop publishing, as a matter of fact. If I were an employer, I'd look at your experience and think a) hard work, and b) someone who knows customer service, which, believe it or not, is emphasized to the point of ridiculousness in some places.

You are NOT a loser. Don't give up!

Are you flexible enough to move out of state? I've heard things in Cali are really, really tough.

Try checking out ihs.gov and usajobs.gov. And dare I suggest the military? With your BSN, the military would snap you up in an instant, I'm sure.

*hugs* Hang in there!!

[lvnjden4ever, R.N.]

Thanks. It's hard not to feel like a reject when no one calls and my inbox is filled with "We're sorry you do not meet the minimum requirements for this position".

I really just want to get out there and WORK. It's not even about the money (which would be nice of course), it's about putting this license that I worked so hard for to use!

I don't know about moving out of state...what states are willing to hire a non-experienced nurse 2 years out of school. STALE, right? *sigh*

I have a lot of non-nursing stuff on my resume -- 10 years of graphic design/desktop publishing, as a matter of fact. If I were an employer, I'd look at your experience and think a) hard work, and b) someone who knows customer service, which, believe it or not, is emphasized to the point of ridiculousness in some places.

You are NOT a loser. Don't give up!

Are you flexible enough to move out of state? I've heard things in Cali are really, really tough.

Try checking out ihs.gov and usajobs.gov. And dare I suggest the military? With your BSN, the military would snap you up in an instant, I'm sure.

*hugs* Hang in there!!

[DestinedRN09]

Ill try to give u some of my advice, I recently edited my resume and I added my clinical rotations, I believe its worth a try. Also, I would definitely add your most recent job experiences, working in retail and baristas I would think you would have good customer service skills, multitasking, communication skills, teamwork etc. I would focus on those attributes.

Also, I dont have a job yet, but in the beginning I would just put in applications waiting for the phone to ring, u have to follow up within a week. Also when u apply to different jobs you want to use terms they use in the job description that way the HR staff or computer scanning your app will see that you fit the job.

As far as going for walk ins, you should probably call to see if they have Nursing Jobs available or focus on a certain area to walk in and apply.

And last but not least, DO NOT GIVE UP!!! I know its so disheartening but you have to hang in there. Good Luck!!! If all else fails, I dont know if you went to school in CA but if you did you may want to call your school or career office and ask for some help.

[Dixieloublue]

I was one of the few people in my class who found a job. I had no prior nursing experience, (out of many who did, and lots of it) but what I did have was twenty years experience with a local company well known for excellent customer service. I am now a new graduate on a med-surg floor. So I would say put all on your resume! Good Luck!

[itsmejuli]

Have you gone in person to a staffing agency such as Maxim? I think its better to deliver resumes personally to staffing agencies after completing their online applications. You need to get a recruiter on your side to help you find a job.

You have to sell yourself.

Is your availability holding you back? Are you available 24/7/365?

As for your resume...be sure to list your clinical rotations, skills and previous jobs. You need to show job commitment. If you've had many jobs over the last 5 years this may be an issue with employers.

[knittingknurse]

I went door to door to LTC, and it worked for me. I was lucky and got an offer on the first day! I was dressed to impress and had multiple copies of my resume and recommendation letters on hand. However, one of my friends who lives in Boston, where new grads seem to be choked out of the job market, was unsuccessful with this approach. I think it depends heavily on where you live.