when to just give up on the dream?

Kphilli6 · Jan 28, 2015

That sounds very frustrating. I am certain there is an opportunity out there for you, and it sounds like you have been working hard towards something different. Your BSN degree does open the door for more opportunities, and you're right, a huge factor in getting the job is who you know. Start with that and use it to your advantage; start networking. What area of nursing do you want to get into? Is the addictions job affiliated with a company/hospital? Try speaking to your HR representative, let them know what it is you want to do and maybe they can help with getting the connections you need.

caliotter3 · Jan 28, 2015

Suggest extended care home health as a placeholder job while you look for something more suitable. At least that is a nursing job and who knows, you may find that you like it.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 28, 2015

It's throwing me into mindset of...why even bother, I'll never get a decent job.

I'll bet top dollar that the fry cook at McDonald's who earns minimum wage would disagree with you when you insist that you'll never get a decent job (read: you already have a decent job by most standards). To the millions of low-wage workers, your nursing job in addictions is more than decent. It's all about perspective.

Thinking why did I even go back to school, dreams are crushed.

I can almost guarantee you'd have a job offer in the specialty you want if you applied to hospitals where few people want to work (read: North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, northern Minnesota, etc). Your dreams do not necessarily need to be crushed. However, many people would rather stick around in a saturated employment market than take the plunge. Good luck and keep your chin up.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jan 28, 2015

Oh gosh, sounds like you're having a horrible day. I can relate.

Are there job vacancies in your area? If so, have you looked at LTACs? In my area of the country, they provide a way for LTC / non-acute nurses to transition into acute care, because the clinical skills are so similar to that of hospitals.

nursechrissyRN · Jan 30, 2015

thank you very much for the encouragement, My employer is a free standing non-profit organization, no where to advance, I would love to move out of this state, I've given it serious consideration but with 2 kids in High school, I feel it wouldn't be the right time. Home health requires experience also, which brings me back to my problem, every one wants experience, why isn't anyone willing to give a nurse a chance to get the experience.

It just get me so discouraged seeing many nurses around me getting hired, makes me feel less than, not as good. My dream job would be LDRP, I've pretty much accepted the fact that won't happen, but I would also love to work in an OB/GYN office, high risk OB or IVF. They all also require experience. trying to keep pushing forward. Thanks again for the kind words.

JMF7755 · Jan 30, 2015

You didn't mention your exact age, just that you're "older". Well I was 36 when I graduated with my ASN, with Honors to boot. I moved to three different states chasing after that elusive first nursing job. Could not get hired to save my life. Meanwhile, several of my classmates who are knee-deep in their 50s got hired on the spot, right here locally, one of them in a pilot ICU program (a mistake in my opinion to start new nurses on that floor). Go figure. I did, a year and half after graduation, get a job in subacute care and yes, it is hard and often dangerous at times. I'm grateful for it. It was all I could get for now, but it taught me a lot, not just what to do, but what not to do. My advice, take a break from applying for awhile. Just like they say a winning attitude shines through, so does a depressed, desperate cloud hover. Just take a breather, keep doing the job you're at to keep the bills paid and to show nursing longevity, it does count. Once you feel your ambition coming back, which it might after a break, try applying again. Aim for med-surg. I know there are those lucky few who get their supposed dream job right off the cuff, but most of us have to do our time in med-surg. And it's not so bad, it's the foundation of all nursing practice. I just got hired at a hospital on a med-surg floor, nearly two years after graduating. I'm in my 39th year now, so if that's old, then I guess I'm old lol.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2015

That's very frustrating. Are you able to relocate? I don't see where you are, but I just checked the job postings at Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND--they have >50 positions posted! I didn't click on every position, but most of the ones I did click on say "hospital experience preferred, but not required." That included ED, ICU, NICU, and L&D positions, and they're a level II trauma center. That's just one hospital; it happens to be the first one that came to mind.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jan 30, 2015

That's very frustrating. Are you able to relocate? I don't see where you are, but I just checked the job postings at Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND--they have >50 positions posted! I didn't click on every position, but most of the ones I did click on say "hospital experience preferred, but not required." That included ED, ICU, NICU, and L&D positions, and they're a level II trauma center. That's just one hospital; it happens to be the first one that came to mind.

This.

If you are not willing to locate, start looking into other out of the box places, like corrections and home health, especially pedi home health, where you can work with post partum and up a learn a ton.

I also agree you have to take a break from applying.

Also, do you have a LinkedIn account? That is a way to network with recruiters and put your experience out there where recruiters will contact you and communicate with you to assist with job opportunities; that gives an opening to communicate with them for you to give you a chance.

caliotter3 · Jan 30, 2015

There are home health agencies that will hire the inexperienced and give a good orientation to the job. Extended care is more suited for a newer nurse until you get your bearings. Quite frankly, sometimes an extended care case can be very, very routine. But like I implied before, it is nursing, nursing experience, and a nursing paycheck. One client, one nursing note for the shift, and that is it. Rarely do you get involved in a change of condition, an emergency, or a case that requires a lot of interventions. You can work at night and spend most of the time, sitting in a rocker, watching your patient sleep. May not sound like much, but they hire nurses to provide respite at night, so there you go.

Undone · Jan 31, 2015

Nursechrissy, I feel your pain. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but never dreamed it would be this hard. I have applied to hundreds and hundreds of jobs and now apply less often and feel I am just pointlessly applying because I no longer expect any calls.

A couple of months ago even though nothing came of it I would at least get excited when my phone rang. Not anymore. I'm glad you at least have a job.

AspiringNurseMW · Jan 31, 2015

Just a thought.. Have you gotten/asked for any feedback from any interviews you have gone to? Your resume may be great, but is there something perhaps you are doing/saying in person that has been a barrier?