Losing hope

k.morris · Aug 29, 2009

Wow I thought I heard people talking about texas on this boards, about somewhere to move to get more oppurtunities, but I guess it depends on what area of texas you live in. I live in New Jersey about 5 mins outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvannia and it is impossible here too. It sucks I know, and I wish I could say something to make you feel better, but every time someone tries to comfort me, there words usually make me more mad and upset, so I will try not to do that. I am in your same boat and you are not alone, again I know you are thinking, I don't care if everyone else doesn't have a job either you are concerned about yourself and that is legitament. Hopefully something will come up for us, I try to be optimistic even though at times I get overwhelmed with dissapointment. All of a sudden I had 3-4 oppurtunities come at just a day ago, so I am hoping one works, but am not trying to get too excitied, I have not even had one interview yet.

Well you seem like a smart person, and very well rounded and motivated and with your volunteer work, any hospital should be happy to have you. Goodluck KitKatRN! :hngon: Hang in there, I'll be hanging right along with you

laura11 · Aug 29, 2009

I know how u feel, i am in the same boat. not even one interview and i have applied to a zillion places. I am looking into nursing homes now. The only way to get a foot in is to know someone.

lsm332 · Aug 29, 2009

I graduated in June & passed boards in the beginning of August. I have been interviewing, but I won't hear anything back until next week. However, I live in Philly at the moment and have not had any interviews there. Unfortunately, you may have to look outside of where you WANT to live or what you WANT to do and try something new. As far as the "why haven't you been working?" question...I haven't gotten that one yet, but if someone were to ask, I would just say that I had been searching and hadn't found a position yet. That should be easy enough to understand in this economy.

Good luck!

kitkatRN · Aug 30, 2009

thanks for giving me some hope... a few days ago I really felt like I was just going to give up on being a nurse. Really it felt like a waste :crying2: I think i've been on 20~30 interviews and sent in probably over a hundred applications... I have been looking outside of what I planned to do, like rehab, LTC, and nursing homes. I've also called the recruiters to ask about clinics I could work in.

k.morris> Yeah I had 5 interviews this month and I felt that I was sure to get something, but in the end I was rejected. My self-esteem has hit rock-bottom

caliotter3 · Aug 31, 2009

There is nothing wrong with providing a direct answer about you have been doing. If you have been seeking employment, then say you have been seeking employment. I find it difficult to see anyone asking this type of question with the thought in mind of holding your truthful answer against you. Now I certainly wouldn't tell them that you have been sleeping until one in the afternoon, then making daily trips to the spa, followed by a leisurely meal at your favorite restaurant. Don't get discouraged. You will find something.

I_See_You_RN · Aug 31, 2009

"why haven't you gotten a job yet?" OMG that is crazy... I can't believe that they would ask you that. did you graduate this may '09 or last may '08. If it was last may '08 and they asked you that question then i would just make up something that makes you sound even more caring and selfless,.. like you spent several months studying,.. took your boards and had plans of starting the job search but family obligations (elderly gradmother) got in the way and due to financial situations it was more important/practical to stay at home and take care of her.

Also, take a break and re-evaluate. Your resume might of looked fantastic when you just wrote it but look at some samples and designs and do it over and make sure to print on resume paper. Did u remember to readdress your resume every time u went to a different place. Get a nice folder/ report folder. The report folders are about $1.70 - 2.50 and they look very nice and make you look very prepared and organized. Its the little things that will make them get a nice vibe from you and just set the tone.

Know the hospital,... do a little research on it. I was lucky and got my favorite hospital but even if you're not so lucky you should still come in knowing about the hospital so that you can honestly answer questions like "so what attracted you to this hospital".. cuz your answer should never be "the paycheck" lol.

Look at what you're wearing,.. I think its always a great investment to get a full black suit,.. forget the modern chic wear,..stick with the black suit and jacket, low heels, small earrings, and minimal makeup (eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss). This is especially important if you're a young NG,..heavy make up tends to make us look like we're playing dress up, unprofessional, and just not ready for the position. Remember that you're also trying to prove that you are mature enough to handle the stress, and not just that you're smart.

Always write that thank you letter or email. Spend a line or two reiterating your desire for the job, what you would bring to the table,.. and if you had any slip ups during the interview SUCCINCTLY address that and move on. Then call a 5 business days later. If you don't get the job write again thanking them for their time and consideration, and request that they keep you in mind if another more suitable position were to arise. I was rejected for a position back in march and i did this and i was offered another interview in August from them.

Also, The interviews that I went on didn't focus too much on grades,.. it was all about behaviour, personality, and my ability to work as part of a team and my ability to admit mistakes and shortcomings and learn from them. Your intelligence they get from your resume so I wouldn't harp on that during the interview unless your stressing that you quickly learn new things.

Also,.. I know that you've gotten a lot of "no's" which probably has given your self esteem a bashing but remember that you MUST enter the interview calm, collected, and happy to be there. Remember,.. they are wondering "do I really wanna work/socialize with this girl for the next 5 years." This is even more important for "young" new graduates because the interviewing team is usually more mature and they don't want to hang out with meek, baby like coworkers who lack confidence. You gotta show them that you are grown, lol, and ready to take on a challenge (while still admitting that you have A LOT to learn).

good luck!!

kitkatRN · Aug 31, 2009

I_See_You_RN>

I've always dressed professionally (have a black and a grey suit), very conservative/minimal makeup, and I bring my resumes and necessary documents in a black porfolio.

I've also written thank you emails and thank you notes.

I graduated May 09. Thanks for your advice.

deedlebug04 · Sep 1, 2009

Well, I guess it's a little bitter sweet to know that other people are in the same boat I am. My husband and I just moved to the Denver area. I've been contacting hospitals out here since april of '09. I graduated in May '09 and took my boards in late May early June. I got my license endorsed through CO, so I now have an IN and CO license, and I still can't get an interview. I've even tried looking at nursing homes to see if they would hire me and most of the positions available are for management or supervisory positions.

What are you guys doing to get interviews??? I would love to know.

k.morris · Sep 1, 2009

So my interview is tomorrow and I am getting very nervous, I hope it goes well. And I would love to tell you that I did something amazing or had some amazing quality about myself to get the interview, but I can't. My mom is best friends's with a women who's sister is in charge of hiring at the hospital. Before this I had zero prospects and no hope. Wish me luck and I am sorry to all keep trying, and I wish I could do something, because it is bitter sweet for me too, I mean of course I'll take it because I really need a job, but it seems like you need to know someone to get an in somewhere. And I know this isn't fair at all, but it is true. GOODLUCK ALL

I_See_You_RN · Sep 1, 2009

I_See_You_RN>
I've always dressed professionally (have a black and a grey suit), very conservative/minimal makeup, and I bring my resumes and necessary documents in a black porfolio.
I've also written thank you emails and thank you notes.
I graduated May 09. Thanks for your advice.

Hey hun,.. I hope you don't think that I was just assuming those things about you. It was just general tips for anyone reading this. I suggested those because I feel like a lot of times NG are fighting to prove that they are mature enough to handle the job,.. I especially have this problem because I look so young (damn my cheeks, lol).

There is definitely something out there for you and I know all too well how stressful this is,..especially when its like you're doing everything right but you still don't get the end result that you want. Have u checked out any residency programs/fellowships specific for NG's? Or i read somewhere that when u get that phone call saying that you didn't get the position that you should ask them for feedback...what areas you should improve to make you an optimal candidate in the future. They might not have a good answer but sometimes what they tell you will be gold, also it'll show your desire to continually improve and they might keep you in mind for their next wave of hiring.

good luck!

kitkatRN · Sep 9, 2009

I got a job!!! Thank you everyone!!!