7 Months of Searching: Still No Job, About To Give Up

[Mezcalero]

Hi Y'all,

First a brief autobiography:

I graduated from nursing school in May 2006. For various reasons--in equal parts ties to my old career, family problems, custody battles for my nine-year-old son, etc.--I didn't take the NCLEX (and get licensed) until Sept 2008.

I thought that when I started applying online and over the phone, HR walk-ins, etc. (100's of apps/resumes to hospitals, the VA, grad-nurse programs), I'd be working within two weeks. Ha! Reality check.

Alright, I understand that no one wants to hire a new (and now, a precariously "not-new") grad. After all, the nursing schools only assured us there would be no problem finding work, there's such a huge shortage, right? But no one told us that this "noble profession" has quite the un-noble attitude toward its future and up-and-coming practitioners. Further, I also understand that having graduated three years ago makes me persona non grata with regard to any possible hope for an entry-level spot to start my new career. I mean, how DARE I put off nursing to take care of some significant issues in my life, right?

The thing is this: I did well in my clinical programs at school. My grades were very good. My IQ is not double-digits and I've been told I'm a likeable guy who gets on fine with most people and has a good sense of humor. I was also successful and talented in my old career, so there's no reason to believe that if I apply myself in this one I won't achieve the same result. So why won't anyone give me a shot? It's at the point where I'm actually thanking people for saying "NO" because my experience thus far is that I've been ignored by all but a handful of prospective employers.

So I really don't know what to do at this stage. I'm a little discouraged that the profession has so little regard for its novice practitioners. I'll use the word "nobility" again. From what I've seen of the industry, applying the word to nursing is a misnomer. Or am I getting bitter? I certainly don't want to become that way!

I had a lot of plans for myself: start my career, back to school for a BSN and eventually an MSN, finally an NP--possibly a psychiatric specialty. But every month that goes by with no job offers, my plans seem more and more like absurd pipe dreams. Was all that hard work truly for nothing?

So I don't know. The financial situation is such that I'm considering taking a job at a pizzeria. The thought has crossed my mind to volunteer at some local hospitals so I can meet people and schmooze, but this certainly won't pay the bills. I'm feeling quite disillusioned by all this, and in some ways I'm starting to think that nursing school was the biggest mistake I've ever made in my life. I mean, brick walls are there to see how bad we want something, but if they can't be surmounted then reality takes over...

Anyway, trying to maintain a positive attitude and thanks for taking the time to read this rant...

If you're going through hell, keep going.

--Winston Churchill

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

It sounds like you've done everything right ... is relocation feasible? Have you considered taking a refresher course of some sort? One of those "RN return to practice" type of things? I'm not sure if making your education a little more current with a refresher would help, but it's been suggested elsewhere on this forum and doesn't sound like a bad idea.

[changeofpaceRN]

I agree that a refresher course might be a good idea. Have you tried everywhere or only hospitals? When I first graduated and looked for a job, I called about 40+ facilities asking if they were hiring then asking if they hired new nurses. I got turned away from all but 2. Ended up accepting a night shift job I didn't really want just to get experience and get out of there. Some agencies will train you, maybe try an ALF but don't give up! Sometimes it just takes longer to get to where you want but that is when you learn to appreciate the next job!

[I RN A]

I'm a new grad. Craduated in Dec. 2008. It is very hard to land your first nursing job. The only advice I can give you is not to lose hope and keep going to local nursing job fairs, hospitals' open houses for new grads. Obtaining BSN helps also. Do you have any experience as a student nurse? Also try to take continuing education classes, such as ACLS, PALS, etc. Anything and everything that will make you to stand out above the new grad crowd helps. Use very good resume paper for your resume. Hand your resume out to people you know. Try networking everywhere you go. You never know where you'd meet someone who can help you. Try to get a job at your former clinical site, where nurses know you. Finally, do not give up. It is very hard, but possible to find your first job! Good luck!

[Mezcalero]

Thanks for the kind and thoughtful responses, it helps to keep my thoughts out of some very dark places. I'll employ the suggestions you've given me.

[dreamon]

Good luck and stay away from those dark places. Let us know when you get that job.

We are rooting for you!

[Mezcalero]

^ Thank you :)

PS: Lunah, thanks for the PM--I'm going to contact them.

[86toronado, BSN, RN]

Have you thought about going back for your bachelor's? It would be a step in the right direction towards your NP, and it would look "fresher" on your resume. Also, I saw this suggested to someone else in a similar situation: have you thought of working as a tech, or unit clerk to get your foot in the door someplace? Once you prove yourself as a great worker, and a quick learner :) they are sure to want to have you as an RN, don't you think?

[Mezcalero]

^ Yes, all good suggestions. Money is tight for the BSN, I had expected to pay my way through a bachelor's curriculum with money from --you guessed it-- a J.O.B.

I'm looking now to sign on as a volunteer with one or two local hospitals. I think one of my problems is that I have almost zero face-to-face contact with people. I realize the recruiters and nursing administrators have set things up this way, but I still need to actually talk to people more.

Another irritating thing is how all these schools are still milking the "nursing shortage" myth. Greed is a fascinating thing...

[rnffemtguy, BSN, RN]

Wow mez, your story sounds very similar to mine. I graduated in May 2007 and due to several things going on in life (father w/bout of cancer, helping a friend w/a plumbing business etc...), I didn't get my license until June of last year.

I've put applications into every place imaginable within a 100 mile radius of where I live but due to hiring freezes & "we need experience", I haven't found anything yet either, so I know the feeling. I differ from you in a bit that I have 14 years of experience in EMS & am very active as a volunteer EMT, but even that doesn't mean a whole lot to nursing managers. I'm considering relocating at this point.....

So really, not much advice, just a sympathetic ear, I hear your frustration...

Keep your chin up and keep going!!!!!

[chicookie, BSN, RN]

Have you tried home health?

I would also suggest since right now you aren't working, maybe getting a regular ol job so the money won't be so tight and maybe take something that will make you stand out. For example an ACLS class.

I would also suggest, when you apply, go to the manager on that floor. Show that you are a persistent forward person. Don't fret! Everyone is in the same boat.

[EwokRN]

I'm sorry that you're having so many problems finding a job. I'm kind of in the same situation too not really being able to find that many positions. I kind of disagree that the nursing shortage is a myth. Look at the nurse-patient ratios. Then, at the same time though I think that nursing schools are milking the nursing shortage fact with dishing out too short nursing programs like the accelerated 2nd degree program that I came from...it's a very dangerous practice.

I just think the big problem right now is not enough money to train new grads like you and me, and once that resolves, more and more hospitals will want to hire more new grads.