Need encourgement!!!

[shoegalRN, RN]

I graduated with my BSN on May 16th. For the last 2 1/2 years, I've been maintaining my household on savings from my previous job and student loans. I went to a nursing school that was affliated with a Level I trauma center and I accepted a scholarship that says I will agree to work for the hospital system 3 years after graduation.

Well, it was 55 in my graduating class and 6 of us do not have jobs. I am one. I have been on 3 interviews. Two at the affliated hospital and one at the hospital I did my internship at. The contract that I signed says they don't guarantee a job after graduation and the only way I can get out of the contract is if there are no jobs available.

Well, I've since applied to every hopsital within their system and outside of it and I keep hearing they are not hiring new grads. I even applied out of state. I am so depressed. I've never been late on my mortgage or car payment and I'm scared to death I'll lose my house. I am a single mother with a 12 year old son. I left a very stable career to persue nursing full time and it's like I keep hitting a brick wall. This situation has put a damper on all other areas of my life. I couldnt even celebrate my graduation because I knew I didnt have a job lined up. I was too worried about getting a job and paying my bills that I am behind on.

I am getting calls all hours of the day from my creditors and I've explained the situation over and over again. I'm trying everything I can to land a job. Today, I physically drove to different hospitals in the area, dressed in my business suit with my porfolio and resume in hand. I asked to see the nurse recruiter, only to be told to fill out an application and "when we start hiring new grads, we'll keep your application on file". I've called and left messages for the nurse recruiter at other hospitals. I've written letters requesting an interview. I've called and followed up and left more messages. I've also started applying at long term care facilities, but they want experienced nurses as well. I even applied at the community blood bank.

I've even applied for tech positions, as well as a unit secretary. SOMETHING to get my foot in the door. I get emails DAILY that they decided to go with someone who "has more experience".

I'm soo worried about losing my home. I'm discourged because I can't believe I still don't have a job and I've been applying since February. I'm scared I'll owe back all this money because my contract says they can't gurantee me a job so it's still a valid contract. I have less than 30 days to find a job according to my contact or payment will begin. The school says they are "working" on trying to see what they can do as far as the students without jobs are concerned.

I just don't know what to do. I havent even been studying for boards because I'm spending all my time applying for nursing and non nursing jobs trying to bring income in. I can't even afford to pay for my boards at this time anyway.

I don't want to feel like I've made a big mistake, but that's how I'm feeling. I have NOBODY I can call to even borrow money. I've always been self sufficent and people were coming to me to borrow money. I'm really down in the dumps and I try to keep a positive attitude but it's hard when your phone is ringing nonstop from your creditors.

*sigh*

[beth66335, BSN, RN]

Well, if it were me, I would be calling up that hospital and politely demand they let me out of my contract. They had to know they were going to be putting a hold on hiring new grads when they gave you the loan...these decisions aren't made overnight. Under that contract they are as bound to offer you a job as you are bound to pay the loan back if you don't find a job. You may have to face the fact that selling the house might be necessary. It would be better to sell it and get another one down the road than face the possibility of having it taken away. I am sorry you are having this trouble, just know that down the road when you finally get a job and are living the life you want this time will be a distant memory. When your at the bottom there is no place to go but up!:heartbeat If you believe in the power of prayer that can't hurt either...

[ohmeowzer RN, RN]

i'm sorry you are going through this, what a horrible situation. you should write a letter to your creditors to leave you alone and explain you are unable to find a job. tell them to leave you alone and not to call you. have you tried nursing homes in your area? also there are agenices to try. i will remember you in my prayers . this is a good place to get information and support. don't give up !!!