New grad LVN is discouraged finding a job

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

It sounds like you're going through a challenging time, both professionally and personally. It's not uncommon for new graduates to face difficulties finding the right job fit, and it's understandable to feel disillusioned when your expectations don't match reality.

It isn't easy to provide advice without understanding why you tend to switch jobs frequently. Sticking around in a job for a while is crucial to building a work history. Otherwise, potential employers may view you as someone likely to leave their job soon, and you may not qualify for better job opportunities.

Regarding your health issues, it's important to prioritize your well-being. Nursing can be physically and emotionally demanding, and ensuring that your job aligns with your health needs is essential. Have you discussed your health concerns with a healthcare provider or sought accommodations from potential employers? It's essential to advocate for yourself and ensure that your workplace can effectively support your health needs.

Additionally, networking can be a valuable tool in finding job opportunities and exploring different career paths within nursing. Contact fellow nurses, mentors, or professional organizations for advice and guidance. You might discover opportunities or insights you hadn't considered before.

Here are a few things you might consider:

• Reflect on your motivations. Sometimes, revisiting why you initially chose nursing can reignite your passion. What aspects of nursing drew you in initially? Are there still elements of the profession that resonate with you?
• Seek support. You might benefit from talking to a mentor, counselor, or fellow nurses who understand what they're going through. Sometimes, sharing experiences and seeking advice from others in the field can provide valuable perspective and support.
• Explore different nursing roles. Nursing offers a wide range of specialties and settings. If you haven't found the right fit yet, consider exploring other areas of nursing to see if there's one that aligns better with your interests and abilities.
• Consider additional education or training. Depending on your interests and career goals, you might benefit from pursuing further education or training in a specialized area of nursing. This could open up new opportunities and provide a sense of fulfillment.
• Prioritize self-care. If you are facing health issues that make work difficult, it's crucial to prioritize your well-being. This might involve seeking accommodations at work, adjusting your schedule, or exploring alternative career paths that are less physically demanding.
• Evaluate alternative career paths. If you ultimately decide that nursing isn't the right fit for you, that's okay, too. There are plenty of other career options out there that value your skills and experience. You might consider exploring roles in healthcare administration, education, research, or different fields.

It would be best if you remembered that it's okay to reassess your career path and make changes as required. What matters most is finding a path that fulfills you and allows you to lead a balanced, healthy life.

Whether nursing is worth it depends on your circumstances, interests, and values. Take some time for self-reflection to clarify what you want from your career and what compromises you're willing to make. It's okay to reassess your career path and make changes if necessary. Your well-being and happiness should always come first.