no job after two years

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Apr 22, 2011

I'm not in your position but I'm so sorry you are having a hard time finding a job. Not that there is anything wrong with you but you should really change your game plan. Ask someone you trust " What is wrong with me"? Maybe there is something you can change to make you stand out more during interviews. Maybe update and change resume.... I'm just as firm believer that everyone has room to grow and I would look at areas within yourself where you can grow. Only you know what areas you need to work on. Good luck and I hope you find something soon.

texashyles · Apr 22, 2011

I empathize your position. My mother was out of work for 9 months b/c of age, IMHO.

My advice: NEVER GIVE UP! The next time you interview, focus on the strengths and pros of the company you are applying to. Since you are introverted, you probably are uncomfortable being examined. Smile, laugh, use humor, do your best to illustrate your interest in accelerating the interests of the facility you are applying to.

Please keep us updated! Know that I support you and am praying and thinking of you in this difficult time. Good luck IcedTea!

netglow, ASN, RN · Apr 22, 2011

icedtea, you certainly not alone! I know many nurses who still cannot get jobs. I'm an extrovert, so, I talk to a lot of people. Even through nursing school, I knew in 2007 that the market was changing, but I chose to continue on with my nursing education. It is bad for nurses and will not improve. Fact is no matter what your edu, you are one nurse in a sea of nurses in the US. There simply will never be enough jobs for the thousands of nurses that graduate every 5 to 6 months in this country. Unfortunately it's not your personality... LOL, as we all know, nursing has epic FAIL in that area! I was recently at a regional nursing seminar/fair. I talked to many nurses!!! Found nurses of all levels unable to gain employment. A sea of newer nurses as well. I know that to many readers I will sound like I'm bursting balloons, but knowing and understanding the reality of nursing in the US is important, it does not do you any service to not look things straight in the eye. I would rec that you look for other employment, as well as continue to look for nursing, but be open to leaving the field just the same. I rec that to EVERYBODY. Don't hold on to any thought that things will "turn around' for nursing.

Juwon · Apr 22, 2011

Have you only been applying to hopsitals over the country? Perhaps you should try long term care facilities(nursing homes). Here in chicago, RN and LPNs are needed in nursing home, no experience is needed. Seems most facilities are desperate here to obtain and retain nurses. Basically, expand your horizons to other fields of nursing. Try clinic nursing, dailysis nursing, home health, hospice. Hopefully, you can gain experience and then transition to the hospital if thats what you really want.

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Apr 22, 2011

I see postings for RNs all the time. Especially in MD. There are jobs out there. It won't be easy but don't give up. I know nurses that are new grads in their 50's that got jobs right after graduation.

JStollRN · Apr 22, 2011

I'll tell you what I have told a lot of other new graduates...try Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo, Texas!

anon695 · Apr 22, 2011

It's most likely your age. In the past few years of hard economic times, this has been happening in every field, that it's hard to find something if you are over 50. Keep applying and see what happens, but you'd also be wise to try to plan financially for the possibility that you will not work as an RN. Working to pay off the loans as much as possible now is a good idea, because they will garnish your social security in a few years if you still have an outstanding balance. Think about retiring abroad where the cost of living is cheaper, when the time comes (many Americans are now retiring in Latin America) Good luck.

netglow, ASN, RN · Apr 22, 2011

Have you only been applying to hopsitals over the country? Perhaps you should try long term care facilities(nursing homes). Here in chicago, RN and LPNs are needed in nursing home, no experience is needed. Seems most facilities are desperate here to obtain and retain nurses. Basically, expand your horizons to other fields of nursing. Try clinic nursing, dailysis nursing, home health, hospice. Hopefully, you can gain experience and then transition to the hospital if thats what you really want.

Juwon, please refrain from advice to RNs until you are an RN. You'll get there, but from other postings, I feel you need to heed advice from others which is to listen and learn.

caliotter3 · Apr 22, 2011

I have also faced age discrimination. The only reason I am employed as a nurse now is that I got an LVN license years ago when my BSN education aborted at the end. I managed to get employment as a nurse and kept building on my experience, although in spurts. I have been unable to gain employment in other fields. I can only recommend that you do not give up. Also, like I advised another yesterday, look for the ads for flu clinics that will start to appear in July or August. Flu clinics are not much, but they are experience.

Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN · Apr 22, 2011

I see postings for RNs all the time. Especially in MD. There are jobs out there. It won't be easy but don't give up. I know nurses that are new grads in their 50's that got jobs right after graduation.

Really? I live in MD and many of my nurse friends are struggling to get a job. I think in the rural areas like where I live its a better outcome. So I say try small towns and rural areas. It hopefully isnt age discrimmination, but highly likely.

Trauma Columnist · Apr 22, 2011

Ok - I might get flamed here but this is my experience - please bear in mind that I'm 52 so I can speak to being hired if you are over 50:

1. Act enthusiastic. Even introverted people can act enthusiastic - especially important when its a first meeting.

2. Exude energy! Walk with an assertive gait, talk authoritatively and act like you know you what you're doing.

3. (this is where I hesitate). Look young - I don't mean you have to have plastic surgery or get a tattoo. This is more like an image. When you discuss changes in your life, such as "I'm a new grad and looking for some new challenges. I'm energetic and focused." Embrace change and new challenges by being enthusiastic and energetic. Also, you might state something like "I'm planning to work for many more years." Many employers in this economy don't want to risk a long orientation period for someone that will quit when they turn 60.

I wish you the best - I'm sure this has been disheartening to say the least.