Need some encouragement

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Specializes in LTC/Skilled Care/Rehab.

It is coming on a year since I graduated. I have applied to countless jobs and interviewed for 8 of them. I have tried volunteering but told that I can't volunteer in any clinical setting since I am a RN. I don't know how much more of this I can take. I just want to work as a nurse. I worked for a year as a student nurse and thought that would help me in my job search but it hasn't. One manager told me that I shouldn't give up hope but she never ended up hiring me. I feel like I wasted so much money and time for nothing. Now my license needs to be renewed and I don't even have the money to do that. Should I spend another couple hundred of $$ I don't have for a useless license? I know I probably will but it is just so annoying!!! The thing that makes all this worse is that no one can believe that a nurse can have so many problems finding a job. Sorry for the pity party I am just at the end of my rope.

Sorry, princessa. What state are you in?

I know what you mean, i bet people dont understand or believe you. Eveyone thinks "nurses are in demand". Just like my ex husband who cant find work with a Masters degree in engineering.

I dont care what the media says, the economy is not coming back, its still tanking and there are just no jobs our there! I feel for you.

sorry princessa for that but

yeah spend more and more and fight much to reach your goal

because if you didn't fight for it ,u will not deserve it:nurse:

Princessa,

i can totally relate to your situation. i graduated may 09 and i too have yet to find a position. i put my job search on hold from about august to december because i was pregnant and had some complications. i resumed my job search again in January and have had no luck. i've only had 2 interviews! i ended up renewing my license at the end of march despite not working yet. but i have to believe that SOMEONE will eventually take a chance on me and hire me. i know it's hard to stay positive but we need to. don't give up your search! all the time, money, and effort we put into nursing school will eventually be rewarded!!!

Specializes in LPN, Peds, Public Health.

Everyone having trouble finding a job in nursing, pack up and move to OKlahoma! They are in high demand here!

Also, another option that many people don't really think of is IHS. (Indian Health System) You can go to www.ihs.gov and they have listings for nursing jobs across the country. IHS pay is pretty decent plus you have awesome benefits! So its worth checking in to. You do not have to be Native American to work for IHS, its a preference but not a neccessity.

Just some FYI... good luck on your search!!

Specializes in Geriatric,LTC.

Prinsessa,

I feel for you...I too have been all around filling up applications and haven't had the luck to find one yet...but I'm not giving up...I know there will be a job for me and for you too...so just hang in there and keep on applying. As long you get your resume out there, someone is bound to call and hire you. Good luck!!!

Specializes in Med-Surg, School Nurse.

I hear you. I am so tired of hearing, "Really, you can't get a job? I thought there was a nursing shortage..." said with a lot of doubt.

Definitely keep your license current.

If you are willing/able to relocate, look into Indian Health Service as someone else suggested.

Specializes in LTC, Hospice, home health, ms, resp....

I understand the challenges one may come across when looking for a job. I have not yet graduated, but I have been in the field a long time. My friend however did graduate and had difficulities finding a job. Sometimes the human service department does not know who needs hiring. It is best to go on the floor and try and talk to a nurse (supervisor) there or call. They know what they do and will need. Just don't go during change of shift. I told my friend that and she got a job with in a week after our talk. I also urge you never, never give up any license that you obtain. I still have every license and certification that I have ever aquired, because, you never know. Plus and most importantly, you worked so hard for your right to nurse, don't just give it up. Another thing, I believe you can write the cost of you license off on your taxes.

Good luck and don't give up.

A job for you is out there. :nurse:

Specializes in Clinical Research.

Who told you that you cannot volunteer in a clinical setting? Have you tried your local Red Cross Chapter???

I'm a new grad who has not been fortunate enough to find a job either. So I feel your pain. :crying2:

However, you mentioned that you've had "eight" interviews and not one job offer? Even though it's been almost a year, eight interviews is a lot (to me, anyways)! That's almost one every month! Which is GREAT that you've had that much success in actually getting to that point. I've spent over four months trying and have only scored one interview to date... which unfortunately, I bombed. Do you think perhaps there's something you could improve on as far as your interview skills?!? I'm the first to admit that my nerves get the best of me in public speaking situations. And I say public speaking, because my first (and only, so far...) nursing interview consisted of being drilled question after question by a panel of EIGHT nurses (one manager, one charge, and six staff RNs)... this sparked some serious anxiety and there were a few questions I wasn't prepared enough to answer. Needless to say, I didn't get the job, but the experience (as dreadful as it was) definitely prepared me (hopefully, anyways) for the next interview I endure. :eek:

Also, I volunteer at a local free clinic for patients with cardiovascular disease, HTN, DM, etc. They are fully aware that I'm a new RN who's currently jobless?! I found them through www.volunteermatch.com ... Volunteering is great way to network. Not that it has helped me, but you never know... ;)

Hang in there something will come through. The problem is... there is a shortage in nursing and in money. However their are some facilities that are hiring you just have to market yourself!

Specializes in Med surg,.

I'm so sorry you are having that problem. We are a teaching hospital and a lot of the gn's are having the same problem. AND no one is hiring unless you have passed the NCLEX. When I was hired you could work as a GN until you took your NCLEX gone are those days right with the economy. Most of the GN's are having more luck at ECFs. Good luck. What state are you in? I just saw an ad that a couple states out west are looking for nurses.

I'm sorry to hear this. I pray you will find something soon.

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