I'm never going to get a job.....

Nurses New Nurse

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Hi everyone, I'm having a very low moment and looking for some encouragement. I graduated in April 2013, passed NCLEX the following September, and decided to get my GA license a couple months ago since doors weren't opening for me in AL. Needless to say, its been awful having gone this long with no nursing job. I've been applying but I feels like it'll NEVER happen. Who in the world would hire a new grad who's been unemployed for over a year??

I know I am more than capable of the job, its just been really hard to stay confident. I went into a pretty deep depression for most of last year because I felt worthless, which I know is illogical, but I still felt it. Has anyone else been through something similar? If you have any advice or shared experiences I would welcome it. Thank you so much.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

It took me 10 months and I was licensed in two different states. A big part of the reason why it took me that long was I didn't apply to everywhere. I refused to apply to LTCs/rehabs where they might be willing to hire new grads. Have you truly applied everywhere?

If you have, my advice is to get the email of the nurse manager on units/places of interest and email them directly and include your resume. That is the kind of bold move a few people make that has worked out for them in the end when they get that offer of employment.

Sent from iPink's phone via allnurses app

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

If you have not done so already, apply to non-hospital positions in LTC/SNF, hospice, clinics, physical rehab, addictions, private duty, home health, adult day care, assisted living, jails, prisons, etc.

In addition, be cognizant that 70 percent of all jobs are not advertised, which means you will have to pound the pavement and walk into facilities during business hours to apply. Good luck to you!

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It took me nearly 2 years from graduation to find a nursing job. I was hired on a psych floor in a hospital.

I was about to give up so I know how you feel. Just keep applying and tailor your résumé and cover letter specifically to the unit you are applying to and act like its the area you want to work in the most. Even if it isn't. But take anything to start out.

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Specializes in OB, Postpartum, Nursery.

I know how you feel. Stale old new grad stuck in the no experience black hole. This has been happening since mid 2008. Try having graduated back then and having to settle, and still cannot get into acute care. Talk about depressing! But, I refuse to give up. I am doing a post grad program in emergency/trauma. If this does not get my foot in an acute care door, I give up.

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Thank you everyone, your comments and advice are very helpful. I appreciate them! To be honest I turned my nose up at LTC/nursing homes because I know without a shadow of a doubt it is not what I want to do, ever. On the flip side, I am open to new experiences and will certainly pursue those positions. Who knows, I may actually like it!

This "black hole" is absolutely terrible, but as my mother keeps telling me it is only temporary, my job is coming. I won't give up either! Most of this post-grad time has been rough and now I'm rip-rarin' to go! I'm trying to look at it as my psyche/spirit/whateveryouwannacallit's way of giving me a break before working a full time job. Now when I look back in my journals that I kept I realize I definitely needed it. In the state I was in last summer, I wouldn't have performed at my best, not even CLOSE to good (not kidding here y'all). I needed to get myself in order. It may sound stupid and whiney to some but I think we all know this as nurses: if you don't take care of yourself you can't take care of others.

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If you weren't interested in LTC, have you tried home care? It's not the most fun, but I take care of premies who come home after they get discharged from the nicu. At least it pays the bills and they pay RN's more than the nursing homes in my area, plus babies are so dang cute ;) Then you can keep looking for jobs you might be more interested in with at least something to your resume? Just know you are not alone! I remind myself this is just my FIRST job in a LONG career. I have heard you learn a TON in LTC from other nurses, so might not be terrible? Good luck!

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Whoa, new grads can work a job like that? I was taught only experienced nurses can/should work home care. I'm sure you're awesome at it, I just want to clarify.

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Have you tried applying in bham? UAB hires a lot of new grads

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Whoa, new grads can work a job like that? I was taught only experienced nurses can/should work home care. I'm sure you're awesome at it, I just want to clarify.

New grads have and have gone on to be successful; I worked as a new grad in home care and was trained immensely; took simple cases; and before taking a high-tech case, was provided extra training become going on cases; a good home health company will provide training and preceptorship before letting a nurse be on their own.

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I got my job because I was shameless about asking friends if they new anyone high up the food chain at a hospital. Networking was the key for me. You can do it.

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