Job Search Anxiety

[Sharon626]

I've been out of school for a while (2015). Due to health issues, I postponed taking my boards. I passed boards in 2018, recently took a Skills refresher course to boast my confidence level. I've only done volunteer work and taken care of family members. My question is how do you overcome 1st job jitters. I am searching for my 1st "real" nursing position and feel anxiety about each application.

[Tron8622]

Orientation the first week will calm you . The floor will come with time . Youll be fine . It all comes with time

[CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN]

Before you start, you need a job. Job searching is pretty stressful in itself, and with your delays, it may make it harder to find a job. So, while you apply for every job under the sun, try to tailor your resume and cover letters for the positions you want. Think of the kind of nursing you want to do, and try for those positions or "stepping stones" to get you where you want to be.

For the job, most places will train you. You just need to show up and be willing to listen. Take criticism and teaching, learn from them. It will take months and years before you feel "competent". Seriously.

So, for now, first step: job search!

Good Luck!

[CommunityRNBSN, BSN, RN]

One thing I wanted to say is that at least in my area, places move SLOWLY. As an example: I put in an application at a facility where I felt like I was a shoo-in (because of my background). I never heard a peep from them so I figured they weren’t interested in me. Six MONTHS later, I got a voicemail asking if I wanted to interview. (Um, no, because I’ve had a job for months now!). I had similar experiences at several places, although less extreme. So when you submit a resume and don’t hear back, just keep being patient, and follow up to let them know you’re interested.

[Sharon626]

Thanks everyone for your encouraging comments. I applied at an Agency and accepted two different assignments as a Flu Clinic RN since October. The nurses that I've worked with were a wealth of information. I am currently preparing to interview for a PAT RN in Peri-operative Services at one of my local hospitals. Keep me in your thoughts. Thanks!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

28 minutes ago, Sharon626 said:

Thanks everyone for your encouraging comments. I applied at an Agency and accepted two different assignments as a Flu Clinic RN since October. The nurses that I've worked with were a wealth of information. I am currently preparing to interview for a PAT RN in Peri-operative Services at one of my local hospitals. Keep me in your thoughts. Thanks!

Great job networking! Good luck with the interview. ?