Losing steam in the job search

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2011

Can you take a specified amount of time off from the job hunt? Maybe two weeks? And just put it out of your mind- no searching, no follow-up calls, etc. Maybe that would help you recharge a bit to have a mental vacation from it?

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 12, 2011

Thanks. Maybe. Even if I tried though I still get nervous and feel like I SHOULD be doing xyz. Or that jobs are getting away from me while I wait...

calinurse20 · Jan 12, 2011

We gotta keep hoping. Thats all I have to say. I am in the same boat myself in terms of job search. All the hard work in nursing school and all the hassles now, will pay off some day.

Music in My Heart · Jan 12, 2011

I wish I had an answer for you, Jeanette.

I'm afraid, however, that there are no easy answers. The only "hard" answer I can come up with is, "keep at it."

The one thing I didn't see you mention was hardcore networking. Tell everybody you know that you're looking for a nursing job. Seek out friends of friends of friends. Talk to every provider you can find. Network like crazy. That's the way that I found my job - one which was not even posted.

You said something which really resonated with me regarding having your education interrupted. I'd highly suggest that you set aside some time each day (or several per week, anyway) to continue to study and learn. I would even consider setting up a formal log including date, time in/out, topic, and source to show to prospective employers.

Also, check out continuing education classes at any large hospitals around. The university medical centers here open their classes to any nurse (though you have to pay for it). It's both a way to network and a way to keep learning (and one which comes with a certificate and everything).

newgradRN001 · Jan 12, 2011

I got so burned out on the process just like you and gave myself a week off like the poster above said and it made a huge difference. Enjoy your family, enjoy being out of school, go to a movie, take time for yourself. Then you will go back to the job search with a renewed energy. I know its so easy to say, but don't take it personally that you haven't landed a job yet. I don't think Florence Nightingale could have landed a job as a new grad in 4 months in this economy. Your job is out there. It is just going to take patience. Please keep the faith.

NurseVN · Jan 13, 2011

My advice is to let the technology works for you. I go to all the local and well known hospitals website at once and set up "job search agent" so I will be notified when new positions open up. I also signed up at indeed, monster, and other major websites. I also let everyone I meet know that I am looking for my first RN position. That's how I landed my first part time position at a Rehabilitation Center. I was recently offered a position in PACU for the New Grad Versant Program at a great hospital in So Cal. That's also how I landed an in-person interview at Cedars Sinai next week. My rule of thumb is to be persistent and optimistic. Also, submit your application as soon as you know of the position. I have my essays (why Nursing? Why specific areas? five year goal) ready so I can send them in asap.

While searching for my dream job, I do not pause my life by: learning to cook new dishes, learning new crochet pattern, learning new sewing techniques, and taking classes in my MSN program.

I also read "the Rhythm of Life" by Matthew Kelly and other great books to keep myself happy :-)

Good luck!

jwbackes · Apr 12, 2011

Hi Jeanette, sorry to hear that your job search is dragging. I second NurseVN's advice about setting up "job search agents" on hospital websites. Another site I like is http://www.rnpathways.com. I've been poking around there recently and watching the videos, and it looks like there are lots of interesting opportunities, depending on where you live. I've never called on any of them though.

I hope the best for your search!

I♥Dexter · Apr 14, 2011

It's been four months, and I'm really losing steam. More applications than I can count, more rejections than I can handle (and that's for the jobs that even had the courtesy to respond at all).
Yes, some of my classmates did find jobs, but I don't know any rhyme or reason why they were chosen over me. This lack of transparency over whose application gets reviewed or who gets called for an interview adds to my frustration with the job search process.
I know I can't give up now... I invested too much into becoming a nurse. But what can I do if I'm running out of steam? I have applied in person, online, by fax, tried calling managers, I volunteer... I could keep doing more of the same but my heart isn't in it anymore. I do have a non-nursing job and a family that keeps me busy but if I dont' find the energy to keep up the nursing job search I may NEVER work as a nurse and that's not acceptable to me. In a way I feel my education was cut off right in middle... just when I was starting to learn a bit about this whole nursing thing and starting to feel comfortable in the hospital setting, well, here's your diploma and your nursing license and now goodbye. There is so much more for me to learn, but if I can't get that first job I will never learn it.

Hi Jeanette73,

Wow, I could have written this same post, verbatim... I know exactly how you feel. I've been looking since 12/2010 and nothing but rejection emails. My classmates are getting hired left and right but I'm just sitting here, feeling like day old bread. And besides those from my class who already had hospital jobs (cna, pct, phleb, etc) and were immediately offered RN positions, there really doesn't seem to be any type of 'formula' as to who is getting hired. It's very frustrating. It really does feel like, if I only knew the secret handshake or the magic password, maybe I could be next....

Hopefully we'll get hired soon!! :cry:

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 17, 2011

Still havent' found that first nursing job... Now I'm going back to school for PNP. I just hope I dont' have the same troubles when I'm through....