I'm not really a nurse until I sign "RN" after my name

LifelongDream · Aug 17, 2009

It seems that OP doesn't like networking because it seems to be a popularity contest in some cases. While this might be true of the student in your class, this really is not what networking is all about. That is called "brown nosing". Networking is just keeping positive relationships with other people and calling on those people when it comes time to use that relationship to your benefit. That's all it is. Keep your chin up and consider applying for jobs in other areas. I know there are several positions available at our local hospital in Odessa, Texas. Starting pay is 21/hr. and median home prices are around 100,000. Good luck and don't get discouraged. :yeah:

I graduated Friday, August 7th, applied Monday, August 10th, and was hired by Wednesday, August 12th. I didn't know anyone before the interview. When I got there, I recognized the nurse manager as someone I went to high school with, but she and I were a few grades apart. Needless to say, I don't think that had anything to do with my success in the interview. I was honest, tried to show I had a sense of humor, and sold myself!

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Aug 17, 2009

Networking is not BS ... it's a reality and it's an underestimated skill. When I was in law school our career counselor's mantra was "network network network" -- she said it so much that it made me nauseous just by merely seeing her walk into a room because I knew within 5 minutes she'd be saying it. I hated the idea of networking back then and now I know why: I really did not want to work in law, so why should I get to know people in an industry that I had no genuine interest in anyway? (long story as to why I stayed and finished my degree, but no regrets with that). Well, 12 years have passed and here I am changing my career to nursing. I had very fulfilling moments as a lawyer, don't get me wrong but it was never my passion, and when I look at the opportunities I had the best ones were results of what feeble attempts I made at networking ... who I knew. It's an amazing thing.

There are so many people vying for the same job these days. Chances are that the person who knows someone who is looking for a job will get that person referred to the nursing manager before the dozens of resumes in his/her inbox get opened. I for one will count networking as my #1 tool when I start looking for my first job.

NewNurseAlert · Aug 17, 2009

It seems that OP doesn't like networking because it seems to be a popularity contest in some cases.

It's true, in my town, it's a popularity contest, and I'm not even a runner up. I am trying not to be bitter about those who got in, but the fact is, there's a handful of us that have been left out, and it doesn't have anything to do with our skills or abilities. People here grew up together. They practically jump out of their skin when they realize they know somebody from somewhere. I thought this was just foolish, but look who's working and who's not.

PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN · Aug 17, 2009

I believe the correct term is "networking." and it is a fact of life.

Adjust.

hesgstrand.abby · Aug 17, 2009

Networking is EVERYTING! Nursing is a PROFESSION, and like most professionals, we as nurses network in order to better ourselves as nurses, better the care we provide and to further the profession of nursing. As stated so perfectly by JoPACURN "ADJUST". As a new grad (don't take this the wrong way) you have nothing to offer over any other new grad with some tech, HUC, or aid experience under their belt. An hour long interview and a list of personal characteristics on a resume could never speak to your actual character, which is key to what kind of nurse you will become. Knowing the right person, or rather them knowing you is the key to your finding a job. Recruiters recieve hundreds of applications for one job, give yourself an opportunity to stand out. We have to remain competetive, espeically in this economy. As my father has always told me, "Opportunity knocks quietly". Take advantage, and use your resources, your career will prosper as a result.

allnurses Guide · Aug 17, 2009

I am discouraged because I have not landed a job as an RN. My work history and references are solid. People in my class who are less qalified than I are floating into jobs because they know the right people; in many cases they are related or good friends. It is scary, I have children to feed. I feel like I should get the heck out of town, but that's not practical either. I appreciate all the insighton how to network. The fact of the matter is that I am very shy and hoped my good grades and clinical performance would speak for itself. During clinicals many nurses said they wouldn't mind working with me and I was very optimistic about career potentials. However, when it came time for interviews, the positions were quickly filled up by friends.
There are many concepts I understand about networking, about being familar with a persons character. But I will always remember the girl who carpooled with the instructor, greeting her with a cup of coffee, and I know it's not entirely legitimate. This person cheated on tests and flew under the radar during clinical skills review. Well, she, and many like her, will be contributing to her kids college funds while I'm still scanning job ads.

I'm shy, too. I would much rather hang out in the corner with a book. I've been known to hide from my own friends when I spot them at the market. . .(:imbar). It is hard to get a foot in the door like that when YOU know yourself what a great employee you will be. . . so I offer this advice. . . try not to let yourself dwell on things like Miss Cheerful and her coffee because you will eat yourself alive if you do. You have your unique gifts, and she has hers. She may well falll flat on her face when she actually has to prove substance behind the facade, or not. There will ALWAYS be people like this.

If you are the best you can be, anyone who matters can see through BS, and they will. I totally understand the fear of having kids to feed and no job. It's not really all that hard to let panic set in. Not knowing you personally, I would encourage you to utilize every support at your disposal whether it be church, family etc. If you have a friend who could help you with interview skills, that might help. I've found over the years the best way to get over the shyness is just repeat that action over and over until you bore yourself and forget your fear

Anyway, I don't mean to be preachy, but I soo relate to what you're going through!! :wink2:

BlondieRN09 · Aug 17, 2009

i can't imagine finishing nursing school, getting my RN, and then having to volunteer at a hospital. oh. my. freaking. god. how terrible. not saying that's a bad idea, but our volunteers are usually 14 year olds or 74 year olds. yiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiikes. REALLY BAD JOB ECONOMY!!!

I agree, it wouldn't be my ideal thing to do either, but if you really can't find a job and have tried everything, it's worth a try to volunteer to get your foot in the door and so the manager can see your character and what type of worker you are. If I wanted a job bad enough I would certainly do it.

Another thing that you could do to get a little bit of a paycheck is work for the flu shot clinics, since that's just around the corner from now. Mollen is a big one that does them across the country. Here's their website: http://www.flushotsusa.com/

cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 18, 2009

This type of post is something that annoys me to no end. The OP bashes on networking because she falsely connects an admirable characteristic essential for any working professional with a type of handout that is oddly reminiscent of winning a high school popularity contest. Sadly, there are many new-grad nurses who share her train of thought. I'm sorry but just because you graduated and have a piece of paper saying you have met the minimum requirements to be a competent nurse doesn't guarantee you a job.

To The OP: Congratulations on earning your degree and passing your boards. You are now a Registered Nurse in the state that you live. Go out, get a few drinks with some friends and celebrate. After that, its time to look around at the real world and remember that you are a graduate in a professional field. To any hiring manager you are just another new-grad nurse and while you are probably eager and ready to work if you have no experience and no networking contacts that can vouch for you in terms of work ethic/experience then you are a very expensive risk for hire, sometimes that's a risk that they aren't willing to take. Lets just say a hiring manager for a hospital has the funds to hire one new nurse for a certain department and two applicants are both new-grad nurses, both are good candidates with similar qualifications and both would be a good fit for this department. Applicant A has no previous healthcare experience outside of nursing school and no professional contacts and Applicant B has some previous experience working in the healthcare field (lets say as a unit secretary or something) and has a professional contact who can attest to this person's experience. I'm sorry but the hiring manager would be a fool not to hire Applicant B in this situation. I admire the fact that the OP doesn't want to be hired for a job just because they "knew someone" and have their merits called into question but networking doesn't have to be this evil thing that you make it out to be. As another user suggested there are a few easy ways to establish some good networking connections and get a little experience at the same time, just a few include: teaching a CPR or CNA class, joining a professional nursing organization and volunteering as a nurse at a free clinic. It's all about showing that you have a good work ethic to back up what you're saying on your resume/application and during your interview.

Good luck and let us know if you need any help.

!Chris :specs:

cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 18, 2009

It's true, in my town, it's a popularity contest, and I'm not even a runner up. I am trying not to be bitter about those who got in, but the fact is, there's a handful of us that have been left out, and it doesn't have anything to do with our skills or abilities. People here grew up together. They practically jump out of their skin when they realize they know somebody from somewhere. I thought this was just foolish, but look who's working and who's not.

With all due respect but it seems like all of your posts blame your town or other people for you not having a job right now. Don't get me wrong, times are tough but maybe this means you need to expand your search and find other ways to open doors for yourself. If this town you live in is so closed-minded and close knit as you say then you need to look at nearby towns and cities for positions, many people drive up to an hour away from their home to work so perhaps you have not expanded your search far enough yet.

!Chris :specs:

BlondieRN09 · Aug 18, 2009

This type of post is something that annoys me to no end. The OP bashes on networking because she falsely connects an admirable characteristic essential for any working professional with a type of handout that is oddly reminiscent of winning a high school popularity contest. Sadly, there are many new-grad nurses who share her train of thought. I'm sorry but just because you graduated and have a piece of paper saying you have met the minimum requirements to be a competent nurse doesn't guarantee you a job.

Bashing networking? I interpreted it to be more of venting her frustrations with it... maybe I'm wrong though.

NewNurseAlert · Aug 19, 2009

Bashing networking? I interpreted it to be more of venting her frustrations with it... maybe I'm wrong though.

Thank you I am not trying to bash networking. I am frustrated. I actually have quite a bit of health related pre-nursing work experience, good references and great grades. The main employer in this area hired 12 new grads- 5 of them have a relative or good friend at the hospital, 5 already worked there, and 2 are just stellar. The five with relatives in general are not very impressive. My original fruatration was related to the fact that we don't all have aunts in ICU or kids who are best friends with the CEOs kids.

I do blame this small town community for being this way...it's not just with nursing jobs that you come across this problem. But I have to acknowledge that I knew this going into the program. There are areas where I could have stepped it up a bit, gone to more meetings, joined commitees what have you.

I had a good interview and was sure the job was for me, she all but hired me, just needed to go through some steps. A few days later she contacted me to let me know they hired outside the company, it was so nice meeting me. The chosen applicant has strong PERSONAL connections, no experience. Understand, professional vs personal? This is what makes me want to give up.

I know this irritates alot of people who just happened to get thier job because of someone they knew, and really don't see the problem with it. Why would they? They are not out an income for the month. I am.

But on the upside, I have had a few job interviews, people who seem genuinely interested in what I can do vs who I know, and have to believe things will work out for the best.

Thanks to all who have offered constructive criticism and helped me through this life lesson. :nurse:

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Aug 19, 2009

We don't know you personally, all we know of you is characters on a screen that have been transcribed by you. The most that we can gather is that you're clearly an eloquent writer and we can only assume that you have a good head on your shoulders by the way you communicate. I can understand your frustrations with the whole unfair situation about less experienced people getting an "in" just by simple connections they have, thereby leaving the talented such as yourself in the trenches still waiting for an opportunity.

What will help you in the log run is beginning to "play the game" (for lack of a better word) along with those guys. That's just reality, and the more people are motivated to enter this profession, the more it will become necessary to asset oneself. I believe gone are the days (at least for now) when employers were courting new nurses to work for them and these nurses had the luxury of going with the highest bidder, so to speak. Times have changed, and anyone who believes they can let their record speak for themselves will have a hard time securing a job they really want. It now takes a combination of that AND some personal finesse to really get where you want to be. This is not to say your credentials and experiences are not stellar on their own merits, but to compete with these same people who are getting jobs you rightfully deserve requires stepping up the game with the confidence that you can back it up (and the others cannot) - and once you do that employers will see that you indeed are the better person to be hired.

Start networking on your own, start talking to people and get over any insecurities about doing it ... you'll see a difference in no time :up: